Dell XPS 15 vs Surface Book 2: Which Premium Laptop Reigns Supreme?

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When it comes to choosing a high-end laptop, the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2 are two models that often come up in discussions. Both laptops offer impressive specifications and features, but which one is the better option? In this article, we'll take a closer look at both laptops and compare their design, performance, display, battery life, and more to help you make an informed decision. So, if you're in the market for a new laptop and can't decide between the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2, read on to find out which one is the best fit for you.

First and foremost, the design of a laptop can play a significant role in determining its appeal. The Dell XPS 15 boasts a sleek aluminum chassis with a carbon fiber palm rest, making it both lightweight and durable. On the other hand, the Surface Book 2 has a unique design that features a detachable screen, allowing it to double as a tablet. This feature alone sets the Surface Book 2 apart from other laptops in the market, making it a popular choice among artists and creatives. However, the Dell XPS 15's refined design and solid build quality cannot be ignored, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize style and durability.

When it comes to performance, both laptops have their strengths and weaknesses. The Dell XPS 15 is equipped with a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti graphics card, and up to 32GB of RAM. This combination of hardware allows the Dell XPS 15 to handle heavy-duty applications with ease, making it an ideal option for professionals who need a reliable machine for video editing, graphic design, and other demanding tasks. Meanwhile, the Surface Book 2 is no slouch either, boasting an Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card, and up to 16GB of RAM. While the Surface Book 2 may not have the same level of processing power as the Dell XPS 15, its unique design and versatility make it an excellent option for those who require a portable machine that can also handle moderate to heavy-duty tasks.

Another aspect that sets these laptops apart is their display. The Dell XPS 15 features a stunning 15.6-inch 4K Ultra HD InfinityEdge display that provides sharp and vivid visuals. This display is perfect for professionals who need accurate color representation for their work. On the other hand, the Surface Book 2 comes equipped with a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels. While it may not be as large as the Dell XPS 15's display, it more than makes up for it with its superior touch capabilities and support for the Surface Pen. This makes the Surface Book 2 an excellent option for artists and creatives who need a laptop that can double as a tablet.

One of the most critical factors to consider when purchasing a laptop is battery life. After all, what good is a powerful laptop if it can't last more than a few hours on a single charge? The Dell XPS 15 comes equipped with a 97Wh battery that can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, making it one of the best options when it comes to battery life. On the other hand, the Surface Book 2's battery life is not as impressive, with the 13.5-inch model lasting up to 17 hours and the 15-inch model lasting up to 12 hours. While both laptops offer decent battery life, the Dell XPS 15's longer battery life may give it an edge over the Surface Book 2 for those who need to work on-the-go for extended periods.

In conclusion, choosing between the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a powerful laptop with excellent performance and a stunning display, the Dell XPS 15 is an excellent choice. However, if you need a versatile machine that can double as a tablet and has superior touch capabilities, the Surface Book 2 is the way to go. Regardless of which one you choose, both laptops are excellent options that offer impressive specifications and features, making them a worthwhile investment for professionals and creatives alike.


Introduction

Dell XPS 15 and Microsoft Surface Book 2 are two of the most popular laptops in the market today. Both of these laptops are designed for professionals and power users who need high-performance machines to run demanding applications. In this article, we will compare Dell XPS 15 and Surface Book 2 in terms of design, performance, display, and other features.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, both Dell XPS 15 and Surface Book 2 are premium laptops with a sleek and stylish look. The Dell XPS 15 has an aluminum chassis with a carbon-fiber palm rest, while the Surface Book 2 has a magnesium-aluminum body. Both laptops have a premium feel and are built to last.

Dell XPS 15 Design

The Dell XPS 15 has a slim profile with a thickness of only 0.66 inches and weighs around 4.5 pounds. It has a silver finish with a black carbon-fiber palm rest that gives it a professional look. The laptop has a backlit keyboard with a precision touchpad that supports Windows 10 gestures.

Surface Book 2 Design

The Surface Book 2 is a 2-in-1 laptop that can be used as a tablet or a laptop. It has a detachable display that can be removed from the keyboard to use it as a tablet. The laptop has a thickness of 0.9 inches and weighs around 3.62 pounds. It has a silver finish with a magnesium-aluminum body that gives it a premium look.

Performance

Both Dell XPS 15 and Surface Book 2 are high-performance laptops that are designed to handle demanding tasks. The Dell XPS 15 is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor with up to 16GB of RAM and a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti graphics card. The Surface Book 2, on the other hand, is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor with up to 16GB of RAM and a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics card.

Dell XPS 15 Performance

The Dell XPS 15 is a powerful laptop that can handle demanding applications like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming. The laptop comes with a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti graphics card that provides excellent gaming performance. It also has a fast SSD storage that helps in faster boot times and application load times.

Surface Book 2 Performance

The Surface Book 2 is also a high-performance laptop that can handle demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The laptop comes with a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics card that provides excellent gaming performance. It also has a fast SSD storage that helps in faster boot times and application load times.

Display

Both Dell XPS 15 and Surface Book 2 have excellent displays that provide a great viewing experience. The Dell XPS 15 has a 15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels or 4K Ultra HD resolution. The Surface Book 2, on the other hand, has a 13.5-inch display with a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels.

Dell XPS 15 Display

The Dell XPS 15 has a stunning 15.6-inch display that provides excellent color accuracy and brightness. The laptop also has a 4K Ultra HD resolution option that provides even sharper images and text. The display also has slim bezels that provide a larger screen real estate.

Surface Book 2 Display

The Surface Book 2 has a 13.5-inch display that provides excellent color accuracy and brightness. The laptop also has a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels, which provides a sharper image and text. The display also supports touch input and can be detached from the keyboard to use it as a tablet.

Battery life

Battery life is an essential feature for any laptop, especially for professionals who are always on the go. Both Dell XPS 15 and Surface Book 2 have excellent battery life that can last for a full day of work.

Dell XPS 15 Battery Life

The Dell XPS 15 has a 97WHr battery that can last for up to 15 hours of web browsing or 14 hours of video playback. The laptop also has a fast-charging feature that can charge the battery up to 80% in just one hour.

Surface Book 2 Battery Life

The Surface Book 2 has a 45WHr battery in the tablet and a 63WHr battery in the keyboard base. The laptop can last for up to 17 hours of web browsing or 5 hours of video playback. The laptop also has a fast-charging feature that can charge the battery up to 80% in just one hour.

Ports

The Dell XPS 15 and Surface Book 2 have different port configurations that cater to different user needs. The Dell XPS 15 has a variety of ports, including USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, SD card reader, and headphone jack. The Surface Book 2, on the other hand, has two USB Type-A ports, USB Type-C port, Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack.

Dell XPS 15 Ports

The Dell XPS 15 has an excellent port selection that caters to different user needs. The laptop has a Thunderbolt 3 port that supports data transfer and charging, an HDMI port for connecting to an external display, an SD card reader for easy file transfers, and a headphone jack.

Surface Book 2 Ports

The Surface Book 2 has a limited number of ports that cater to basic user needs. The laptop has two USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, and a Surface Connect port for charging and data transfer.

Price

Price is always a crucial factor when it comes to purchasing a laptop. Both Dell XPS 15 and Surface Book 2 are premium laptops that come with a high price tag.

Dell XPS 15 Price

The Dell XPS 15 starts at $1,299 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The high-end model with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti graphics card costs around $2,099.

Surface Book 2 Price

The Surface Book 2 starts at $1,499 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The high-end model with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics card costs around $2,799.

Conclusion

Both Dell XPS 15 and Surface Book 2 are excellent laptops that cater to different user needs. The Dell XPS 15 has a better port selection, while the Surface Book 2 has a detachable display that can be used as a tablet. The Dell XPS 15 has a better graphics card, while the Surface Book 2 has a longer battery life. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the user's specific needs.

Dell XPS 15 vs Surface Book 2: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to high-end laptops, the Dell XPS 15 and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 are two of the most popular options in the market. Both laptops are designed for power users who require top-notch performance, premium features, and excellent build quality. In this article, we will compare these two laptops on various parameters such as design, display, performance, battery life, ports, keyboard, audio, graphics, operating system, and price, to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Dell XPS 15 has a sleek and elegant design that is both eye-catching and functional. The laptop features an aluminum body with a carbon-fiber palm rest, which not only looks great but also feels comfortable to touch. The laptop measures 14.06 x 9.27 x 0.66 inches and weighs 4.5 pounds, making it slightly heavier than the Surface Book 2.On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 is a 2-in-1 laptop that can be used as a tablet or a laptop. The laptop features a magnesium body that gives it a premium look and feel. The laptop measures 13.5 x 9.87 x 0.59 inches and weighs 3.38 pounds, making it lighter than the XPS 15. The Surface Book 2 also has a unique hinge mechanism that allows you to detach the screen from the keyboard and use it as a tablet.Overall, both laptops have excellent build quality and are designed to last. The Dell XPS 15 has a more traditional laptop design, while the Surface Book 2 offers more versatility with its 2-in-1 form factor.

Display and Resolution

The display is one of the most important features of any laptop, and both the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2 have excellent displays.The Dell XPS 15 features a 15.6-inch InfinityEdge display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels or 3840 x 2160 pixels, depending on the configuration you choose. The display is bright, vivid, and has excellent color accuracy. The InfinityEdge display also means that the laptop has a very thin bezel, giving it a modern and sleek look.On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 comes in two sizes: 13.5-inch and 15-inch. Both models have a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels, which is higher than the XPS 15. The display is also touch-enabled and supports the Surface Pen, making it great for artists and designers who need a high-resolution display for their work.Overall, both laptops have excellent displays, but the Surface Book 2 has a slightly higher resolution and is touch-enabled, making it better suited for creative professionals.

Performance and Processing Power

When it comes to performance, both the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2 are powerhouses that can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.The Dell XPS 15 is available with either an 8th generation Intel Core i5-8300H processor or an Intel Core i7-8750H processor, depending on the configuration you choose. The laptop also comes with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe SSD storage, making it one of the fastest laptops in its class.The Microsoft Surface Book 2, on the other hand, is available with either an 8th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, depending on the model you choose. The laptop also comes with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, making it a powerful machine that can handle even the most demanding tasks.Overall, both laptops have excellent processing power and can handle everything from video editing to gaming with ease. However, the XPS 15 has a slight edge over the Surface Book 2 when it comes to processing power.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is another crucial factor to consider when buying a laptop, especially if you plan to use it on the go.The Dell XPS 15 comes with a 97Wh battery that can last up to 11 hours on a single charge, depending on your usage. The laptop also supports fast charging, which means you can get up to 80% charge in just one hour.On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 has a slightly smaller battery at 70Wh, but it still manages to deliver impressive battery life. The laptop can last up to 17 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a full day's work. The Surface Book 2 also comes with a proprietary charger that can charge the laptop quickly.Overall, both laptops have excellent battery life and support fast charging, but the Surface Book 2 has a slight edge when it comes to battery life.

Ports and Connectivity

Ports and connectivity are essential for any laptop, and both the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2 have a good selection of ports.The Dell XPS 15 comes with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB-A 3.1 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.The Microsoft Surface Book 2, on the other hand, comes with two USB-A 3.0 ports, a USB-C port, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.Overall, both laptops have a good selection of ports, but the XPS 15 has a slight edge over the Surface Book 2 when it comes to ports.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard and touchpad are essential components of any laptop and can significantly impact your productivity and comfort.The Dell XPS 15 features a full-sized backlit keyboard with excellent key travel and tactile feedback. The keyboard is also spill-resistant, making it great for people who tend to work while on the go. The laptop also comes with a precision touchpad that is responsive and accurate.The Microsoft Surface Book 2, on the other hand, features a detachable keyboard that is comfortable to type on and has good key travel. The laptop also comes with a precision touchpad that supports multi-touch gestures and is accurate.Overall, both laptops have excellent keyboards and touchpads, but the XPS 15 has a more traditional keyboard and touchpad setup, while the Surface Book 2 offers more versatility with its detachable keyboard.

Audio and Sound Quality

Audio and sound quality are often overlooked when buying a laptop, but they are essential if you plan to watch movies or listen to music on your laptop.The Dell XPS 15 features two speakers located at the bottom of the laptop, which deliver decent sound quality. The laptop also comes with Waves MaxxAudio Pro software that allows you to customize the sound settings.The Microsoft Surface Book 2, on the other hand, features two front-facing speakers that deliver excellent sound quality. The laptop also comes with Dolby Atmos technology that enhances the audio experience.Overall, both laptops have decent sound quality, but the Surface Book 2 has a slight edge when it comes to audio and sound quality.

Graphics and Gaming Capabilities

If you are a gamer or a creative professional who works with graphics-intensive applications, then graphics and gaming capabilities are crucial factors to consider when buying a laptop.The Dell XPS 15 is available with either an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, depending on the configuration you choose. The laptop can handle most modern games and graphics-intensive applications with ease.The Microsoft Surface Book 2, on the other hand, is available with either an Intel UHD Graphics 620 or an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, depending on the model you choose. The laptop can handle most modern games and graphics-intensive applications, but the GTX 1060 version is better suited for gaming and graphics-intensive work.Overall, both laptops have excellent graphics and gaming capabilities, but the Surface Book 2 has a slight edge when it comes to gaming.

Operating System and Software

The operating system and software are essential components of any laptop, and both the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2 come with their own operating systems and software.The Dell XPS 15 runs on Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, depending on the configuration you choose. The laptop also comes with various productivity and security software, such as Microsoft Office and McAfee LiveSafe.The Microsoft Surface Book 2 also runs on Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, depending on the model you choose. The laptop also comes with various productivity and creativity software, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud.Overall, both laptops come with excellent operating systems and software, but the Surface Book 2 offers more creativity software, making it better suited for creative professionals.

Price and Value for Money

Finally, price is a crucial factor to consider when buying a laptop, and both the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2 are premium laptops that come with a premium price tag.The Dell XPS 15 starts at around $1,299 for the base model, which comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The top-of-the-line model with an Intel Core i9 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD can cost upwards of $3,000.The Microsoft Surface Book 2, on the other hand, starts at around $1,499 for the base model, which comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. The top-of-the-line model with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD can cost upwards of $3,300.Overall, both laptops are expensive, but they offer excellent value for money, considering their features and performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Dell XPS 15 and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 are excellent laptops that offer top-notch performance, premium features, and excellent build quality. The XPS 15 has a more traditional laptop design, excellent processing power, and a good selection of ports, while the Surface Book 2 offers more versatility with its 2-in-1 form factor, higher resolution display, and better audio and sound quality.Ultimately, the choice between these two laptops will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a powerful laptop for gaming or graphics-intensive work, then the XPS 15 is a better option. However, if you need a versatile laptop that can be used as a tablet or a laptop, and you prioritize a high-resolution display and better audio quality, then the Surface Book 2 is the way to go.

Dell XPS 15 vs Surface Book 2: A Comparison

Overview

When it comes to high-end laptops, the Dell XPS 15 and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 are two of the most popular options on the market. Both of these devices are designed to deliver top-notch performance and cater to the needs of professionals and power users. While they share some similarities, there are also key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2 and highlight their pros and cons.

Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 is a powerful laptop that's built to handle heavy-duty tasks. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros

  1. Powerful performance thanks to its 9th Gen Intel Core processors
  2. Gorgeous display with slim bezels and 4K resolution option
  3. Lightweight and portable design
  4. Long battery life (up to 12 hours)
  5. Solid build quality with premium materials

Cons

  1. Limited upgrade options
  2. No discrete graphics option
  3. No Thunderbolt 3 port

Surface Book 2

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is a versatile laptop that can also be used as a tablet. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros

  1. Versatile design with detachable screen
  2. Powerful performance with 8th Gen Intel Core processors
  3. Excellent battery life (up to 17 hours)
  4. Beautiful display with 3:2 aspect ratio and high resolution
  5. Comes with a stylus for drawing and note-taking

Cons

  1. Expensive price tag
  2. Limited upgrade options
  3. No Thunderbolt 3 port
  4. Heavier and bulkier than the Dell XPS 15

Comparison

Here's a quick comparison table that highlights the key differences between the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2:

Specification Dell XPS 15 Surface Book 2
Processor 9th Gen Intel Core i5/i7/i9 8th Gen Intel Core i5/i7
Graphics Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
Display 15.6-inch FHD or 4K (3840 x 2160) 13.5-inch PixelSense (3000 x 2000)
Battery Life Up to 12 hours Up to 17 hours
Weight 4.5 pounds 3.62 pounds (tablet only)
Price Starts at $1,099 Starts at $1,499

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2 comes down to personal preference and your specific needs. If you prioritize portability and a high-resolution display, the Dell XPS 15 might be the better option for you. However, if you need a versatile device that can also function as a tablet, the Surface Book 2 might be the way to go. Regardless of which device you choose, both laptops offer top-of-the-line performance and premium features that are sure to impress.


Closing Message: Dell XPS 15 vs Surface Book 2

As we come to the end of our comparison between the Dell XPS 15 and the Surface Book 2, it's clear that both devices have their unique selling points. However, ultimately, your choice will be determined by your needs and preferences.

If you're looking for a device that is more portable and has a longer battery life, the Surface Book 2 may be the better option for you. However, if you're after a device with a larger screen, more powerful processor, and greater graphics capabilities, the Dell XPS 15 may be the way to go.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Dell XPS 15 is a more affordable option. It offers similar features to the Surface Book 2, but at a lower price point. This could be an important factor for those who are looking to save money.

Another consideration is that the Surface Book 2 is a 2-in-1 device that can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. This versatility could be a big selling point for some users who want the flexibility to switch between modes as needed.

On the other hand, the Dell XPS 15 is a traditional laptop that is designed for productivity and performance. It has a larger screen and more powerful specs, making it a great option for power users who need a device that can handle demanding tasks.

In terms of design, both devices are sleek and well-built. The Surface Book 2 has a unique hinge design that allows you to detach the screen and use it as a tablet, while the Dell XPS 15 has a slim profile and a sturdy aluminum chassis.

When it comes to performance, both devices are top-notch. The Surface Book 2 is powered by an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor and comes with up to 16GB of RAM and a dedicated NVIDIA graphics card. The Dell XPS 15, meanwhile, features a 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor and can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.

In terms of connectivity, both devices offer a range of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI. However, the Surface Book 2 also includes a full-size SD card reader, which could be an important feature for photographers and other creatives who need to transfer large files.

Finally, it's worth noting that both devices run on Windows 10, which means you'll have access to the same software and apps. However, the Surface Book 2 also comes with some additional features, such as support for the Surface Pen and Windows Ink, which could be a big selling point for artists and designers.

In conclusion, whether you choose the Dell XPS 15 or the Surface Book 2 will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Both devices are excellent options that offer top-notch performance and impressive features. We hope that our comparison has helped you make an informed decision and find the device that's right for you.


People Also Ask About Dell XPS 15 vs Surface Book 2

What are the differences between Dell XPS 15 and Surface Book 2?

The Dell XPS 15 and Surface Book 2 are both high-end laptops with impressive specs, but there are some key differences:

  • The Surface Book 2 has a detachable screen that can be used as a tablet, while the XPS 15 is a traditional laptop.
  • The XPS 15 has more customization options when it comes to specs, including up to 64GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card.
  • The Surface Book 2 has a longer battery life, with up to 17 hours of video playback compared to the XPS 15's 12 hours.
  • The XPS 15 has a larger display at 15.6 inches compared to the Surface Book 2's 13.5-inch screen.

Which is better for gaming: Dell XPS 15 or Surface Book 2?

The Dell XPS 15 is generally considered to be better for gaming due to its dedicated graphics card and more customizable specs. However, the Surface Book 2 can still handle some lighter games and has a longer battery life, making it a good choice for casual gamers on the go.

Which has a better screen: Dell XPS 15 or Surface Book 2?

Both laptops have impressive screens, but the Dell XPS 15 has a higher resolution and a larger display. The XPS 15's screen is also brighter, with a maximum brightness of 500 nits compared to the Surface Book 2's 400 nits.

Which is more portable: Dell XPS 15 or Surface Book 2?

The Surface Book 2 is more portable due to its detachable screen and lighter weight. However, the XPS 15 is still relatively slim and lightweight for a 15-inch laptop, making it easier to carry around than some other models in its class.