Dell XPS 13 Plus (2024) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 6
The Verdict
Both laptops share identical $1299 pricing and similar Intel Core Ultra 7 processors with 16GB RAM, yet they diverge in meaningful ways. The Dell XPS 13 Plus excels with a brighter 500-nit display, superior portability at 1.24kg versus 1.34kg, and a more compact 15.3mm profile. Its InfinityEdge design feels more premium, though the non-touch screen limits versatility. The Surface Laptop 6 counters with a higher-resolution 2256x1504 display, touchscreen capability, and exceptional 17-hour battery life compared to the Dell's 12 hours. It also includes a traditional USB-A port alongside USB-C, offering better peripheral compatibility, plus Windows 11 Pro instead of Home. The removable SSD on the Surface provides future upgrade flexibility that the XPS lacks. Display brightness favors Dell (500 vs 400 nits), but the Surface's touch integration and superior battery endurance make it more practical for extended work sessions. Choose the XPS 13 Plus if ultraportability and premium design matter most. Pick the Surface Laptop 6 if you prioritize all-day battery life, touchscreen functionality, and upgradeability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2024) if…
- →Remarkably thin and light at 1.24 kg
- →Striking futuristic design with zero-lattice keyboard
- →Strong Intel Core Ultra performance
Buy the Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 if…
- →Intel Core Ultra with NPU for Windows Copilot AI features
- →17-hour rated battery life is excellent for an Intel-based ultrabook
- →3:2 PixelSense touch display is ideal for productivity and documents
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Dell XPS 13 Plus (2024)
Pros
- Remarkably thin and light at 1.24 kg
- Striking futuristic design with zero-lattice keyboard
- Strong Intel Core Ultra performance
- Excellent build quality with premium aluminum finish
- Optional 4K OLED upgrade available
Cons
- Only two Thunderbolt ports — no USB-A, HDMI, or SD card
- Capacitive function row lacks tactile feedback
- Soldered RAM and SSD cannot be upgraded
- Battery life is merely average for an ultrabook
- Haptic touchpad has invisible borders
Microsoft Surface Laptop 6
Pros
- Intel Core Ultra with NPU for Windows Copilot AI features
- 17-hour rated battery life is excellent for an Intel-based ultrabook
- 3:2 PixelSense touch display is ideal for productivity and documents
- Removable SSD allows easy data migration and storage upgrades
- Premium fit and finish with an excellent keyboard and trackpad
Cons
- Only one USB-C and one USB-A — very limited port selection
- No Thunderbolt despite using Intel Core Ultra
- 60Hz display feels dated against 120Hz competitors
- No HDMI or SD card reader — dongles required for presentations
- 13.5-inch screen is small for extended multitasking
Full Specifications
| Spec | Dell XPS 13 Plus (2024) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.24 kg | 2.96 lbs (1.34 kg) |
| Material | CNC aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 295.3 x 199.0 x 15.3 mm | 12.13 x 8.79 x 0.57 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 0 | |
| USB-C ports | 0 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | — |
| USB-A ports | — | 1 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours mixed use | Up to 17 hours |
| Capacity | 55 Wh | 54 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.4 inches | 13.5 inches |
| Type | InfinityEdge IPS non-touch | PixelSense IPS touch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2256 x 1504 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 400 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB NVMe | 512 GB removable SSD |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5x | 16 GB LPDDR5X |
| Cores | 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) | 16 cores (6P + 8E + 2LPE) |
| Chipset | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel Core Ultra 7 165H |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
- Dell XPS 13 Plus (2024) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 vs Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro
- Dell XPS 13 Plus (2024) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 vs Apple MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro
- Dell XPS 13 Plus (2024) vs Framework Laptop 16 (AMD Ryzen AI 300)
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 vs Framework Laptop 16 (AMD Ryzen AI 300)
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in laptops, see all Dell products or all Microsoft products. View full details for the Dell XPS 13 Plus (2024) or the Microsoft Surface Laptop 6.