Dell is taking direct aim at Apple’s MacBook Neo with a new XPS 13 that starts at just $599 for students. The latest laptop focuses on everyday users and students, while offering several features that Apple left out of its budget notebook. Along with a lightweight design, Dell includes a touchscreen display, a backlit keyboard, and Wi-Fi 7 support as standard across the lineup.
The new Dell XPS 13 is the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop yet, weighing less than 1kg and measuring only 12.7mm thick. Dell designed the laptop around portability, making it an attractive option for users who want a lightweight device for work, study, and entertainment.
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The base model features Intel’s 6-core Core Series 3 processor paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X memory and 256GB SSD storage. Buyers can upgrade to Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and as much as 1TB of PCIe Gen4 storage.
Bigger Display and Backlit Keyboard
One of the biggest highlights is the 13.4-inch 2.5K InfinityEdge touchscreen display. The panel offers a 2560 x 1600 resolution, variable refresh rates from 30Hz to 120Hz, DisplayHDR 400 support, and brightness of up to 500 nits. Dell also points out that the screen is larger than the one found on the MacBook Neo.
The laptop uses a premium CNC-machined aluminum chassis and includes a backlit keyboard, which remains absent on Apple’s competing model.
Dell claims the XPS 13 can deliver up to 17 hours of streaming battery life from its 52Wh battery. The laptop ships with a 65W USB-C GaN charger and includes dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-C connectivity, DisplayPort 2.1 support, and a Kensington lock slot.
Additional features include a 1080p IR webcam, dual-array microphones, a glass touchpad, and a quad-speaker system with 8W total output.
Dell will offer the XPS 13 in Sky and Storm color options starting in June 2026. The entry-level model costs $599 for eligible students aged 16 and above, while the standard starting price for other buyers is $699.
Sounds like a good laptop for the budget crowd. I use a Dell XPS 15 that’s served my needs well, although I did move away from Windows and run Fedora Linux as my OS of choice. The article doesn’t mention OS options so I assume it’s Windows. My main laptop is a MacBook Air M5 which is a rock solid performer for all my needs.