The Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 isn’t just another ultrabook, it’s Dell pushing the limits of what a modern laptop should look and feel like. From the moment you see it, the design stands out. There’s no traditional keyboard spacing, no visible touchpad, and even the function row has been replaced with capacitive touch controls. It feels more like a concept device brought into the real world.
But here’s the thing design alone doesn’t make a great laptop. The XPS 13 Plus also packs powerful Intel Core processors, fast SSD storage, and multiple display options, including stunning OLED and 4K panels. That makes it appealing not just to design lovers, but also to professionals who need performance in a compact body.
This review breaks everything down design, display, performance, battery, and real-world usability so you can decide if this premium ultrabook is actually worth your money in 2026.
Pros and Cons and Verdict
Pros
- Stunning and futuristic design
- Premium build quality
- Excellent display options (OLED/4K)
- Strong performance for daily tasks
Cons
- Expensive pricing
- Limited ports and no USB-A
- Learning curve for touchpad and keyboard
- Average battery life on high-end displays
Verdict
What this really means is simple if you want a laptop that looks different, feels modern, and performs reliably for daily tasks, the XPS 13 Plus is a strong contender. But if you prefer traditional usability and maximum practicality, you might want to explore other options.
Key Specifications
The Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 comes with a premium set of specifications tailored for modern productivity and light creative workloads. It features a 13.4-inch display available in Full HD+, OLED, or 4K UHD+ options, giving users flexibility depending on their needs. Under the hood, it is powered by Intel’s 12th Gen Core i5 or i7 processors, delivering strong performance for multitasking and everyday computing.
Memory configurations go up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring smooth performance even with demanding applications. Storage options include fast PCIe SSDs starting from 512GB up to 1TB or more, making file access and boot times incredibly quick. The laptop relies on Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, which is suitable for light creative tasks but not heavy gaming.
With a battery capacity of around 55Wh and weighing approximately 1.26 kg, the XPS 13 Plus is designed to be portable without sacrificing power. It runs on Windows 11, offering a modern and optimized user experience right out of the box.
Design & Build Quality
Dell took a bold approach with the XPS 13 Plus design, and the result is one of the most futuristic laptops available today. The CNC-machined aluminum chassis feels incredibly solid and premium, with a clean, minimal aesthetic that removes almost all visual clutter. It’s thin, lightweight, and easy to carry, making it perfect for professionals on the move.
The edge to edge keyboard stretches across the deck, giving it a unique look and maximizing typing space. Beneath it lies an invisible glass touchpad seamlessly integrated into the palm rest, which only reveals itself through haptic feedback when used. It’s a clever innovation, though it takes some time to get used to.
Another standout feature is the capacitive function row, replacing traditional physical keys with touch-sensitive controls. While it looks sleek, some users may miss the tactile feedback.
Overall, the design is both impressive and polarizing it’s either something you’ll love or need time to adapt to.
Display Quality
The display is one of the strongest highlights of the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320. It offers multiple configurations, including Full HD+, OLED, and 4K UHD+, each catering to different users. The OLED and 4K panels, in particular, deliver stunning visuals with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast, making them ideal for content creators and media consumption.
Dell’s InfinityEdge design ensures ultra thin bezels, providing an immersive viewing experience in a compact form factor. The color accuracy is impressive, often covering a wide color gamut, which is beneficial for photo editing and creative work. Brightness levels are also strong, making it usable in most lighting conditions, including outdoors.
Touch support is available on higher end models, adding versatility for users who prefer interactive input. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or working on documents, the display consistently delivers a premium experience that stands out among ultrabooks in this category.
Performance & Hardware
Performance is where the Dell XPS 13 Plus proves it’s more than just a stylish device. Equipped with Intel’s 12th Gen Core i5 or i7 processors, it handles everyday tasks with ease. From web browsing with multiple tabs to office applications and even light photo editing, the laptop remains responsive and smooth.
The combination of LPDDR5 RAM and fast SSD storage ensures quick boot times and efficient multitasking. Apps launch instantly, and switching between tasks feels seamless. While the Intel Iris Xe graphics aren’t built for heavy gaming or advanced video editing, they are capable of handling casual games and light creative workloads.
Thermal management is decent but not perfect. Under heavy load, the laptop can get warm, and fans may become noticeable. However, for most everyday tasks, it maintains a good balance between performance and heat control.
Overall, it delivers strong performance for professionals and students who need reliability in a compact machine.
Keyboard, Touchpad & User Experience
Typing on the Dell XPS 13 Plus feels different from traditional laptops, mainly due to its edge-to-edge keyboard design. The keys are larger and spaced evenly, offering a comfortable typing experience once you get used to them. The key travel is slightly shallow, but feedback is still satisfying for long typing sessions.
The invisible touchpad is one of the most unique features. Instead of a visible trackpad, the entire palm rest area acts as a touch sensitive surface with haptic feedback. It works well in practice, but there’s definitely a learning curve, especially when trying to locate its boundaries without looking.
The capacitive function row adds to the futuristic feel but may not appeal to everyone. It lacks tactile feedback, which can make quick adjustments slightly less intuitive. Still, once familiar, the overall user experience becomes smooth and modern, aligning perfectly with the laptop’s design philosophy.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life on the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 depends heavily on the display configuration you choose. The Full HD+ model offers the best endurance, easily lasting a full workday with moderate use, including browsing, document editing, and video streaming. On the other hand, OLED and 4K models consume more power, resulting in shorter battery life.
In real-world usage, you can expect around 6 to 10 hours depending on your workload and brightness settings. This makes it suitable for most daily tasks, though heavy users might need to carry the charger. The laptop supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
Charging is done via USB-C, which adds convenience and compatibility with modern accessories.
Overall, while battery performance is decent, it’s not the best in its class especially if you opt for the higher-resolution displays.
Ports & Connectivity
The Dell XPS 13 Plus takes a minimalist approach to ports, which may not suit everyone. It features USB-C and Thunderbolt ports, offering fast data transfer and support for external displays. However, there are no traditional USB-A ports or a headphone jack, which means you’ll likely need adapters or dongles.
Wireless connectivity is strong, with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth, ensuring fast and stable connections. Whether you’re working remotely or streaming content, the wireless performance is reliable.
While the limited port selection aligns with the laptop’s clean design, it can be inconvenient for users who rely on multiple peripherals. It’s a trade-off between aesthetics and practicality that potential buyers should consider carefully.
Audio & Webcam
The Dell XPS 13 Plus features a quad-speaker setup that delivers clear and balanced audio. The sound quality is impressive for a laptop of this size, making it suitable for watching movies, listening to music, and attending virtual meetings. The speakers produce decent volume and clarity, though bass is naturally limited.
The webcam is functional but not exceptional. It provides adequate quality for video calls, but it doesn’t stand out compared to competitors. Dell includes AI-based enhancements like noise reduction, which helps improve call clarity in noisy environments.
For everyday use, the audio and webcam setup gets the job done, though users expecting top-tier camera performance might find it lacking.
Software & Features
Running on Windows 11, the Dell XPS 13 Plus offers a modern and user-friendly interface. Dell includes its own optimization tools that help manage performance, battery life, and system updates. These features enhance the overall user experience without feeling intrusive.
Security is also well-covered, with options like fingerprint readers and facial recognition for quick and secure login. The laptop is designed to integrate seamlessly with modern workflows, making it suitable for both personal and professional use.
Additional AI-based features help optimize performance and improve efficiency, ensuring the laptop adapts to your usage patterns over time.
Comparison Section
When compared to competitors like the MacBook Air or the standard XPS 13, the XPS 13 Plus stands out primarily for its design. It offers a more futuristic look and innovative features, while competitors focus more on traditional usability.
Performance wise, it holds up well for everyday tasks but may fall behind devices with more efficient chips in terms of battery life. The choice ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize design innovation or practicality.
Who Should Buy It?
The Dell XPS 13 Plus is ideal for professionals, students, and anyone who values premium design and portability. It’s perfect for productivity tasks, light creative work, and everyday use.
However, it’s not the best choice for gamers or users who need heavy graphical performance. If you’re someone who appreciates cutting edge design and is willing to adapt to new features, this laptop is a great fit.
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Final Verdict
The Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 is a bold step forward in laptop design. It combines sleek aesthetics with solid performance, making it one of the most unique ultrabooks available today. While it does come with some compromises like limited ports and a learning curve the overall experience is premium and satisfying.