Dell's new, redesigned XPS 13 is built to beat the MacBook Neo

Dell's new, redesigned XPS 13 is built to beat the MacBook Neo Dell XPS 13 (2026) laptop in use by a woman on a park bench. Credit: Dell By  Jon Fingas Published May 31, 2026, 7:00 PM EDT Jon is a seasoned journalist who has written definitive coverage of consumer tech at publications like Engadget, Android Authority, and BetaKit. He's an expert on making tech accessible ranging from mobile and PCs to emerging platforms like wearables. When he's not writing, he's going on adventures with ihis family and is an avid photographer. Sign in to your How-To Geek account Add Us On follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap Dell is continuing its XPS revival by launching a redesigned XPS 13, and it's not just a major rethink of the company's smallest premium laptop — it's a direct bid to capture would-be MacBook Neo buyers. The all-new system is pitched as the thinnest and lightest XPS to date at 0.5in thick and 2.2lbs, with an aluminum body that gives it a high-end feel despite weighing half a pound less than the Neo and carrying a larger 13.4-inch display. Dell is also keen to tout features conspicuously missing in Apple's system, including a 2,560 x 1,600 30-120Hz touchscreen with DCI-P3 color accuracy, a backlit keyboard, cooling fans, and Wi-Fi 7. Dell XPS 14 (2026) Brand Dell Operating System Windows 11 Home Expand Collapse Performance is also an advantage over the MacBook Neo, depending on the model you get. The new XPS 13 starts with a Core Series 3 CPU, the Core 5 320, whose six cores help it theoretically outrun the iPhone-derived A18 Pro in the Neo. However, you can also option the XPS with a Core Ultra Series 3-based Core Ultra 7 355, with similarly available upgrades to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage depending on the configuration. You can use the XPS for more demanding tasks if you're willing to