Dell XPS 13 Returns at $599 With 120Hz Touch Display

Key Takeaways

• The 2026 XPS 13 starts at $599 for students and $699 for everyone else, undercutting the MacBook Neo
• At 12.7mm thick and 2.2 pounds, it's the thinnest and lightest XPS 13 Dell has ever made
• Unlike the MacBook Neo's 60Hz panel, the XPS 13 features a 120Hz touchscreen with 100% DCI-P3 coverage

Dell killed the XPS brand last year. Now it's back, and the company is swinging hard at Apple.

The 2026 XPS 13 starts at $599 for students and $699 for everyone else. That's aggressive pricing for a laptop Dell positions as a premium MacBook Neo alternative. The base model ships in June, with higher-spec configurations coming later this summer.

Thinner and Lighter Than Apple's Entry-Level Mac

At 12.7mm thick and 2.2 pounds, Dell says this is the thinnest and lightest XPS 13 it has ever made. The company also claims it beats the MacBook Neo on both dimensions. The CNC aluminum chassis carries over from previous generations, so you're not getting plastic to hit that price point.

The display is where Dell really differentiates from Apple. The XPS 13 features a 2.5K IPS touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The MacBook Neo is stuck at 60Hz. Dell also covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which matters for photo and video work.

What's Inside the Base Model

The $599 student configuration comes with an Intel Core Series 3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. That's not a lot of storage in 2026, but it's workable for students who keep most files in the cloud.

Higher-tier models can be configured with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips, up to 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Dell hasn't announced pricing for these configurations yet.

• Two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports
• Wi-Fi 7 support
• Quad speakers
• Windows Hello-compatible webcam
• Fully backlit keyboard
• No 3.5mm headphone jack (unclear if adapter is included)

Active Cooling vs. Fanless Design

The MacBook Neo uses a fanless design. The XPS 13 does not. Dell went with a dual-fan configuration, which will make noise under load but should handle sustained performance better.

There's an argument that active cooling is actually an advantage if you work outside. A fanless laptop in direct sunlight can thermal throttle quickly. The XPS 13's fans can dissipate that heat.

“I'll give [Apple] credit... The difference is, we built something better.”

— Jeff Clarke, COO at Dell Technologies

Physical Function Keys Are Back

Dell's previous XPS models experimented with a capacitive touch function row. Users hated it. The 2026 model brings back physical function keys, which Reddit and Hacker News communities view as Dell finally listening to feedback.

A Windows Central poll found that 72% of respondents felt Dell made the right call bringing back the XPS brand after last year's cancellation. The return of physical keys likely contributes to that sentiment.

Battery Life Claims Need Testing

Dell claims 27 hours of video streaming on the base configuration. That's an aggressive number. The new Intel Panther Lake chips are supposed to close the efficiency gap with Apple Silicon, but independent benchmarks don't exist yet.

Online communities are taking a wait-and-see approach. Apple Silicon has set a high bar for battery efficiency, and Intel's mobile chips have historically struggled to match it. Real-world testing will determine if Dell's claims hold up.

What's Missing

No headphone jack. In 2026, this still matters to plenty of users. Dell hasn't confirmed whether the box includes a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. Budget buyers shouldn't have to spend extra on dongles.

The student discount requires proof of enrollment at a degree-granting college or being a high schooler over 16. That's a narrower definition than some competitors use.

Availability and Pricing

The base XPS 13, including the $599 student configuration, arrives in June 2026. Higher-spec models with more RAM and storage will follow sometime later this summer. Dell is offering two color options: storm (gray) and sky (blue).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Dell XPS 13 2026 cost?

The base model starts at $599 for eligible students and $699 for everyone else. Higher configurations with more RAM and storage will cost more, but Dell hasn't announced those prices yet.

When does the Dell XPS 13 2026 release?

The base model, including the $599 student configuration, ships in June 2026. More powerful configurations arrive later in the summer.

Does the Dell XPS 13 2026 have a touchscreen?

Yes. The 2.5K IPS display supports touch input and runs at 120Hz, unlike the MacBook Neo's 60Hz non-touch panel.

Does the Dell XPS 13 2026 have a headphone jack?

No. The laptop has two USB-C ports but no 3.5mm audio jack. It's unclear if Dell includes an adapter in the box.

Who qualifies for the $599 student price?

High school students over 16 and anyone attending a degree-granting college can get the $599 student pricing with proof of enrollment.

Source: Engadget