Refreshed Convertible
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390)
Pros
- Uses 10th Gen Intel processors
- New 16:10 aspect ratio
- 4K touch display with HDR400 certification
- Thin and light premium build
- Supports active pen for inking
Cons
- RAM and SSD not upgradeable
- More expensive
The new XPS 13 2-in-1 is stunning, powerful, and capable. You can get up to a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 32GB RAM, and pretty good Intel Iris graphics processing. While the XPS 13 2-in-1 can be used as a tablet, the keyboard is not detachable, but instead folds behind the display.
Windows Tablet
Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Pros
- More affordable
- Stunning design
- Works with Microsoft's Stylus
- Can be used as a tablet
Cons
- Can't upgrade RAM or SSD
- TypeCover is an optional extra
- Not as many ports
- No 4K display option
The Surface Pro is more affordable than the new XPS 13 2-in-1, but that's reflected in the older Intel hardware, less powerful specs, and lower resolution screen. That said, it's still a stunning device that can be used as a dedicated tablet for more versatility. If drawing is more your thing, this is the ideal device.
If you're all about true versatility, the Surface Pro 6 is a fantastic Windows-powered tablet that can also be used as a notebook with the optional TypeCover. Should you need a little more in terms of performance, the new XPS 13 2-in-1 is a gorgeous convertible PC with everything you need for work and a little play.
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 vs. Surface Pro 6 tech specs
| Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 | 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8650U |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4x 3733MHz 8GB LPDDR4x 3733MHz 16GB LPDDR4x 3733MHz 32GB LPDDR4x 3733MHz | 8GB 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe SSD 512GB PCIe SSD 1TB PCIe SSD | 128GB CIe SSD 256GB CIe SSD 512GB CIe SSD 1TB PCIe SSD |
| Display size | 13.4-inch | 12.4-inch |
| Display resolution | 1920 x 1200 (touch) 3840 x 2400 (touch) | 2736 x 1824 (touch) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | 3:2 |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics Intel Iris Plus Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 3 MicroSD 3.5mm audio | 1x USB 3.0 Mini DisplayPort Surface Connect MicroSD 3.5mm headset |
| Security | Fingerprint reader | Windows Hello webcam |
| Battery | 51Wh | 45Wh |
| Dimensions | 11.69 x 8.15 x 0.28 - 0.51 inches ( 297 x 207 x 7 - 13 mm) | 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches (292 x 201 x 8.5 mm) |
| Weight | From 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg) | From 1.70 lbs (770 g) |
| Colors | Alpine white Black carbon fiber | Aluminum |
Design and tech
Dell's XPS 13 is a stunning laptop and is one of our favorite notebooks around. The 2-in-1 takes what makes the normal notebook version work so well and adds more versatility with the addition of a tablet mode. There's the choice of two exterior finish options and black and white interior options, depending on your personal preference.
The Surface Pro 6 from Microsoft is also great to look at thanks in large part to the tablet form factor and aluminum build. You're more limited in choice of color for the tablet itself, but the optional Type Covers allow you to add some personal touches to the experience.
Both the Surface Pro 6 and XPS 13 2-in-1 are gorgeous in their own right.
XPS 13 2-in-1 is a laptop convertible, while the Surface Pro 6 is a tablet at heart, which makes it weigh considerably less. It's certainly possible to use the XPS 13 2-in-1 as a notebook or tablet, but for long durations in your hand, you may want to consider the Surface for its lighter build.
When it comes to connectivity, the XPS 2-in-1 wins with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, MicroSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack, while the Surface Pro 6 houses a single USB 3.0 Type-A port, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, MicroSD card reader, and 3.5mm headset jack.
If you need a tablet that can be used as a laptop when it's required, the Surface Pro 6 makes more sense, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 is for those who will enjoy a notebook that can be used in tent, stand, and tablet mode — perfect for enjoying movies.
Looking at the display
Dell makes some killer displays and the XPS 13 2-in-1 has a super panel. The 16:10 ratio is a great upgrade from older models thanks to the increased screen real estate, and the optional 4K display can hit a brightness of around 500 nits — it's also HDR400 certified for better color and contrast production.
Since the Surface Pro 6 is a little older, the display isn't as good as what Dell has to offer with the optional 4K panel, but with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 (touch) and an aspect ratio of 3:2, it's not a bad panel to gaze at throughout the day, so long as you don't mind dropping down a notch in terms of size.
Performance and pricing
The new XPS 13 2-in-1 comes rocking Intel's 10th Gen Core i3-1005G1, Core i5-1035G1, and Core i7-1065G7 CPUs that were released mid-2019. Compared to the older 8th Gen processors found in the Surface Pro 6, these new CPUs offer better efficiency and performance. Combined with the new CPUs is the option for 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe SSD storage.
The same amount of storage can be configured with the Surface Pro 6, but it's capped at 16GB of RAM with the older 8th Gen Intel Core processors. You can't upgrade the RAM and storage in both devices after purchase, which is a shame. You'll get a little bit more out of the XPS 13 2-in-1, but the Surface Pro 6 is not slouch.
For pricing, the Surface Pro 6 starts at just $699, which will see you own a powerful Windows tablet with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 begins at $1,000, rocking an Intel Core i3 processor and 4GB of RAM, so you do get a little more for your money with Microsoft.
Dell's XPS 13 2-in1 is more powerful
Dell revamped the XPS 13 2-in-1 with new 10th Gen Core CPUs, along with a switch to a 16:10 screen and a revamped cooling system. This all makes the convertible notebook that much more powerful, allowing you to get more done and the move to a 16:10 ratio is a fantastic upgrade, especially if you opt for the 4K display. This is perfect for those needing a capable convertible laptop.
Refreshed Convertible
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390)
Beautiful convertible with latest Intel CPUs
The new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is the perfect PC for those seeking a capable notebook that can also be used as a tablet. Rocking Intel's latest 10th Gen processors and up to 32GB of RAM, it's a powerful machine that can handle moderate workloads.
A more affordable and truly portable Windows tablet
Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 is a killer tablet, allowing you to take with you an Intel-powered PC in your backpack that you can use literally anywhere. It's a little slower than the Dell XPS 13 2-in1, by only coming with older 8t Gen processors, but considering it's more versatile, it's a worthy trade-off if you don't require a physical keyboard.
Windows Tablet
Microsoft Surface Pro 6
A capable Windows 10 tablet with serious specs
If you prefer to use a tablet with a clean, compact design, the Surface Pro 6 is the clear choice. It's also more affordable than the XPS 13 2-in-1, but you will need to fork out extra for the stylus and TypeCover.