When it comes to compare laptops. Dell XPS 17 stands out in a competitive market of high-performance laptops due to its meticulous engineering and remarkable design. As the flagship model in Dell’s XPS series, the XPS 17 exemplifies the company’s dedication to crafting premium devices that don’t just excel in performance but also push the boundaries of design, build quality, and user experience.
Design and Build Quality
The Dell XPS 17 (2023) strikes an impressive balance between style and performance, boasting a sleek, sophisticated design. Its machined aluminum chassis in a refined silver finish is complemented by glossy, reflective accents, creating a premium aesthetic. The laptop adopts the same InfinityEdge design found on its smaller siblings like the Dell XPS 13, giving the 17-inch display an even more immersive feel. The thin bezels around the screen enhance its striking visual appeal, making it hard to ignore just how expansive and sharp the display is when opened.
However, despite its elegant and lightweight appearance, the 5.4-pound weight of the review unit is a bit of a surprise. The XPS 17 is undoubtedly one of the heavier laptops in the ultraportable segment, and every time I picked it up, I was reminded of its heft. 5.4 pounds may not sound like much on paper, but in practice, it feels substantial for a laptop of this size. The combination of its 17-inch span and premium build makes it a laptop that requires both hands for safe handling. Trying to pick it up with one hand often feels awkward, and I’ve found myself worried about straining my wrist. A bit of caution is needed—this is a two-handed laptop for sure.
As if the weight wasn’t enough of a surprise, I encountered another issue while handling the XPS 17: opening the laptop. While past XPS models have generally been easy to open with a simple one-handed motion, this review unit presented a challenge. The lid required significant effort to pry open each time, and I had to use both hands to lift it. There’s no noticeable indentation or lip on the edge of the lid where you could easily hook a finger for leverage, which I found somewhat frustrating.
I’ve never experienced this issue on smaller XPS models, but a friend of mine, has often noted it with other XPS devices, but this is the first time I’ve run into it myself. It’s unclear whether this difficulty is a result of the extra weight of the 17-inch version or just a design quirk, but in any case, the extra effort required to open the lid became an annoyance during my testing. Perhaps it’s just a matter of getting used to it, as the hinges may loosen up with time, and I suspect the frustration will diminish as the mechanism becomes more pliable. Still, it’s worth noting that, at least initially, opening the laptop requires a bit more finesse than I’d expect from a premium device like the Dell XPS 17.
Overall, while the XPS 17’s design is undeniably stunning and its display is a showstopper, the extra weight and tough-to-open lid are worth keeping in mind for anyone considering this model. The overall experience might improve over time, but for now, the laptop’s practical handling and ergonomic factors are not as seamless as one might expect from a high-end device.
Check out: Dell XPS 13 Plus
Check out: Dell XPS 13
DELL XPS 17| Display
One of the standout features of the XPS 17 is its display. The laptop comes equipped with a 17-inch Infinity Edge display, which maximizes screen with minimal bezels. The display options include:
- 4K UHD+ (3840 x 2400): This high-resolution option offers breathtaking clarity, ideal for professionals in fields such as graphic design, video editing, and 3D modeling.
- FHD+ (1920 x 1200): While slightly less sharp than the 4K option, this display still provides vibrant colors and excellent detail for everyday tasks. Which is good enough for watching Netflix, showmax, prime and Disney.
Both display options feature excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, thanks to the IPS technology. Which makes it bigger and better the SPX 15 interns of display. The screen is also available with a touch interface, adding an extra layer of interactivity for those who prefer a more tactile experience.
Dell SPX 17 Performance
One of the reasons why Dell is the first choice of the tech-bros is because of its high-quality performance it is known for. The Dell SPX 13 comes with 3th Gen Intel® Core™ processors deliver the high-performance capabilities required to handle the most demanding creative applications. These processors support configurations up to the Intel® Core™ i9, providing exceptional power for professional-grade workflows. providing immense processing power for even the most demanding tasks. Coupled with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, the laptop ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of intensive applications.
For gaming and creating content Dell add a NVIDIA(invidia, the Latin word for “envy,” and the acronym NV (short for “next vision”) that also NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 40 Series Laptop GPUs deliver unparalleled performance for gamers and creators, powered by the advanced NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture. These GPUs represent a significant leap forward in computational power, featuring AI-driven DLSS 3(Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology and enabling highly realistic virtual environments through full ray tracing. The Max-Q suite of technologies further enhances system performance by optimizing power efficiency, battery life, and acoustics for an exceptional computing experience. The XPS 17 is available with up to the GeForce RTX™ 4080 Laptop GPU, offering top-tier graphical performance. This high-end graphics capability makes it well-suited for gaming, rendering, and other graphics-intensive applications, such as Adobe illustrator, Adobe photoshop and CorelDraw.
The laptop also features high-speed PCIe SSD storage options, up to 8TB, delivering rapid boot times and quick access to your files and applications. This combination of powerful components ensures that the XPS 17 can handle virtually any workload with ease.
Dell XPS 17 Connectivity| Ports & Slot
Dell has designed the XPS 17 with a range of connectivity options, making it versatile and future-proof. The laptop includes:
2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB Type-C™) Ports: These versatile ports support high-speed data transfer, DisplayPort video output, and Power Delivery, allowing for fast charging and seamless connection to external displays and peripherals.
Full-size SD Card Reader (v6.0): The device features a full-size SD card reader, supporting the latest SD 6.0 standards for faster data transfer and improved compatibility with a wide range of media.
5mm Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack: A combined headphone and microphone jack for convenient audio input and output, supporting a wide range of headsets and audio devices.
USB-C to USB-A v3.0 & HDMI v2.0 Adapter (Included): An adapter is included in the package for added connectivity, enabling you to connect USB-A devices and HDMI displays for expanded functionality.
Wedge-shaped Lock Slot: A physical lock slot is provided for securing the device with compatible anti-theft security solutions, offering additional protection in public or shared environments.
Additionally, the laptop supports Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring faster internet speeds and better network performance, and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless connections to peripherals.
Battery Life and Efficiency
Despite its powerful components, the Dell XPS 17 maintains a respectable battery life. The 97WHr battery provides up to 10 hours of use on a single charge, depending on the configuration and usage patterns. This efficiency makes it suitable for long working sessions or travel.
Keyboard and Trackpad: Comfort and Precision
The XPS 17 features a backlit keyboard with comfortable key travel, making typing for extended periods a pleasant experience. The precision touchpad is large and responsive, enhancing navigation and productivity.
Audio and Webcam
The laptop includes a high-fidelity audio system with four stereo speakers, engineered to deliver clear, immersive sound. The built-in Waves Nx 3D audio technology further enhances the audio experience, making it ideal for multimedia consumption.
The webcam, positioned at the top of the screen, is a 720p HD camera that provides clear video quality for virtual meetings. While not the highest resolution available, it is more than adequate for professional use.