Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ review: A capable AI PC, but Windows on Arm issues remain
engadget.comIt's only been four months since we reviewed the latest Intel version of the XPS 13, but now Dell has released a model built for Microsoft's Copilot+ AI PC initiative. It's running Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Elite chip, making it an Arm-based laptop like the recent Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. But with that mobile-focused hardware comes new expectations: More battery efficiency than Intel's x86 chips, as well dramatically faster AI capabilities thanks to its beefier NPU (neural processing unit). As with all Arm-based Windows systems, though, there's also the potential for trouble with older x86 apps, which may run slowly through emulation or simply not launch at all.
It's undoubtedly a chaotic time for the PC industry, as chipmakers and PC companies build for an uncertain AI-powered future. For consumers, that just means confusion. That's partially why Microsoft kicked off the Copilot+ program to begin with, since it requires system makers to include at least 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and an NPU with at least 40 TOPS (tera-ops per second) of AI performance. If it says Copilot+ on the box, it should be a decent PC.
So does this XPS 13 live up to the Copilot+ branding? Mostly, it turns out. And it's fascinating to see how it compares to the current Intel version of the very same product.
Dell 84 100Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ AI PC
The XPS 13 is a capable and stylish Copilot+ PC, but it’s still slower than the Intel model at times and doesn’t run some games and apps. Battery life is also surprisingly average.
Pros- Faster than the Intel XPS 13 in some benchmarks
- 45TOPS NPU is better equipped for future AI features
- Gorgeous design
- Excellent thin-bezel screen
- Excellent battery life
- Windows on Arm still runs some apps slowly and fails to launch some games
- Current AI features are fairly middling
- Contentious trackpad and capacitive function buttons
What's new about the XPS 13 Copilot+ AI PC?
The biggest addition to this XPS 13 — and the main
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