Dell XPS 15 (2024) vs Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16 (2024)
Dell's XPS 15 commands premium pricing with its stunning 3456x2160 OLED touch display (400 nits), Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with 32GB RAM, and exceptional 13-hour battery life from an 86Wh cell. Lenovo's IdeaPad Slim 5 offers compelling value at $799, delivering a larger 16-inch IPS screen, comparable storage, and respectable 11-hour endurance, though its 1920x1200 resolution and 16GB RAM feel dated against the Dell's flagship specs. Build quality favors Dell's CNC aluminum chassis over Lenovo's hybrid construction. Port selection is nearly equivalent, both offering dual Thunderbolt options. For creative professionals needing display excellence and performance, the XPS 15 justifies its $700 premium. Budget-conscious users prioritizing screen real estate and acceptable performance will appreciate the IdeaPad's practical strengths. Recommend the XPS 15 for serious content creators; choose the IdeaPad for everyday computing on a budget.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Dell XPS 15 (2024) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.86 kg | 1.95 kg |
| Material | CNC machined aluminum | Aluminum top, plastic base |
| Dimensions | 344.4 x 230.1 x 18.0 mm | 356.5 x 251.8 x 16.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | 1 |
| USB-A ports | 1 | 2 |
| SD card | ||
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 1 |
| USB-C ports | — | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 13 hours mixed use | Up to 11 hours |
| Capacity | 86 Wh | 65 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 15.6 inches | 16 inches |
| Type | OLED touch | IPS, anti-glare |
| Resolution | 3456 x 2160 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | — |
| Brightness (nits) | 400 | 300 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB NVMe | 512 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 32 GB LPDDR5x | 16 GB LPDDR5X |
| Cores | 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) | 14 cores |
| Chipset | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Dell XPS 15 (2024)
Pros
- Gorgeous 3.5K OLED touchscreen with vivid colors
- 32 GB RAM standard at this price tier
- Premium CNC aluminum chassis
- Includes USB-A and HDMI alongside Thunderbolt
- Upgradeable SSD and memory
Cons
- OLED display can exhibit burn-in over time
- Base model ships with integrated Iris Xe graphics only
- Battery drains faster with OLED on
- Runs warm under sustained load
- Fan noise noticeable during CPU-heavy tasks
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16 (2024)
Pros
- Large 16-inch screen great for productivity and multitasking
- Strong port selection including HDMI and SD card
- Excellent value for the spec sheet
- Comfortable full-size keyboard with numpad
Cons
- 1920x1200 panel is low resolution for a 16-inch display
- Heavier and bulkier than 14-inch ultrabooks
- Display brightness only 300 nits, dim outdoors
- Plastic base feels less premium than competitors
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Explore more in laptops, see all Dell products or all Lenovo products. View full details for the Dell XPS 15 (2024) or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16 (2024).