Dell XPS 15 Review: Things You Must Know Before Buying

Dell XPS 15 on a table

One of those laptops that has both power, design, and reliability all in one sleek package is the Dell XPS 15. It has always been . But since there are other newer models and brands in the market, many people keep asking this one big question: Is the XPS 15 still worth it in 2025?

Well, in this quick guide, I will walk you through the Dell XPS 15 – what’s new, who it is best for, how it compares to other laptops, and whether it’s still worth it in 2025?


The Current Dell XPS 15 Lineup

The latest Dell XPS 15 (model 9530) for me, is one of the best Windows laptops you can buy right now because It comes with:

  • Intel’s 13th Gen Core i7 and i9 processors
  • Up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM
  • And powerful NVIDIA RTX 4050 or RTX 4060 graphics.

You will also get an option between a sharp FHD+ display or a gorgeous 3.5K OLED screen, both will offer you amazing color accuracy which is very good for video editors, designers, or anyone who cares so much about visuals. And also, it can handle long workdays or travel easily because it has up to 18 hours of battery life.

The design of the Dell XPS 15 is still very attractive. The body is made of aluminum, carbon fiber palm rest, and ultra-smooth trackpad and honestly it feels really premium. And even in 2025, only a very few laptops can deliver this level of build quality.


Key Specs

  • Display: 15.6-inch FHD+ or 3.5K OLED touchscreen
  • Processor: Intel Core i7 / i9 (13th Gen)
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4050 or RTX 4060
  • Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5
  • Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
  • Battery Life: Up to 18 hours

These specs make the Dell XPS 15 a very good fit for creators, programmers, engineers, and even casual gamers who need serious power in a compact design.


Who the Dell XPS 15 Is For

If you want a premium performance without needing to carry a bulky gaming laptop, then Dell XPS 15 is for you.

Now let me walk you through how it fits different types of users:

For Engineering Students and Professionals

If you are a user that uses demanding apps like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, the Dell XPS 15 handles them with ease because it has a dedicated RTX GPU and high quality display which makes it perfect for design work and 3D modeling.

For Gamers

Well, the Dell XPS 15 is not actually marketed as a gaming laptop, but With RTX 4050 or 4060 graphics, it can comfortably run modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077or Call of Duty at 1080p on medium to high settings. Though, you won’t get RGB lights or gaming aesthetics, only clean power and style.

Read also: Best Budget Gaming Laptops Under $1000

For Programmers and Data Scientists

It has a 16:10 screen ratio, quiet fans, and strong battery life, so the Dell XPS 15 is ideal for coding or running virtual machines. It also has a fast NVMe SSD and powerful CPUs which help it to speed up builds and large data processing.


Is Dell Discontinuing the XPS 15?

Well, maybe you have  heard rumors that Dell plans to phase out the XPS line. But I want to let you know that it’s not true, because early 2025, Dell confirmed it would keep supporting and selling the XPS 15.

The confusion actually  came from reports showing that Dell was merging XPS with its Precision line, but the company still lists the XPS 15 as its flagship laptop on their official website.

TechRadar’s James Murphy summed it up well, he said:

The Dell XPS brand is too valuable to be phased out. It’s more likely to evolve than disappear.

James murphy

Dell XPS 15 vs Other Laptops

So, If you need to decide between the Dell XPS 15 and its main competitors, here’s a quick comparison:

Dell XPS 15 vs MacBook Pro 16

The MacBook Pro actually wins on battery optimization and brightness, but the Dell XPS 15 offers a better hardware flexibility and customization. So, if you rely on Windows apps or need an RTX GPU, then the Dell XPS 15 is the smarter pick.

Dell XPS 15 vs XPS 17

Well, the XPS 17 will give you more screen space and slightly better cooling but it sure has an extra weight. So, the 15-inch model is better suited for those who travel or work on the go.

Dell XPS 15 vs Precision Series

Dell’s Precision laptops are actually designed for professional workstations and it comes with certified software support (ISV). So, unless you need those certifications, the Dell XPS 15 will offer you nearly the same power for less money.


Upgrading and Customizing Your Dell XPS 15

One of the best things about the Dell XPS 15 is that you can actually upgrade it.You can easily access the internals to upgrade RAM or storage. And it supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and dual M.2 SSD slots which will give you plenty of room to expand over time.

And if you need even more power, you can also connect an external GPU (eGPU) through the Thunderbolt 4 ports for heavier graphics workloads.

Read also: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?


Why the Dell XPS 15 Still Stands Out in 2025

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The Dell XPS 15 will continue to hold its ground even with the strong competition from brands like Apple, ASUS, and Lenovo because  it offers:

  • Excellent all around performance
  • Stunning OLED display option
  • A premium aluminum and carbon fiber design
  • Long battery life
  • Upgradable components
  • A very good keyboard and trackpad experience

LaptopMag’s Alicia Wong said:

The XPS 15 continues to define what a premium Windows laptop should be. Elegant, powerful, and reliable.

Alicia wong

Best Time and Place to Buy the Dell XPS 15

If you are on a tight budget and need to save some money, then the best time to buy is during the back to school seasonaround Augustto Septemberor major sale events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

You can buy it directly from Dell’s official website, Amazon, or authorized stores like Best Buy.
If you’re in Ghana, check trusted sites like Jiji.com.gh for both new and used units.


Common Questions About the Dell XPS 15

Is the Dell XPS 15 worth it in 2025?

Yes. It is still one of the best all round laptops combining performance, build quality, and design.

Does it have RTX graphics?

Yes. The 2025 version of the Dell XPS 15 offer NVIDIA RTX 4050 and 4060 GPUs.

Is there a touchscreen model?

Yes. The 3.5K OLED version includes a touchscreen option.

How long will it last?

If you take good care of your Dell XPS 15 and upgrades, then you can easily use it for up to 5to 7 years.

Is Dell a reliable brand?

Absolutely. Dell will continue to rank among the top laptop makers for build quality and after sales support.


Finally

The Dell XPS 15 in 2025 has proven that some designs age gracefully. It’s still one of the most balanced laptops out there which is powerful enough for creative work, efficient enough for travel, and stylish enough to stand out in any meeting room.

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