Dell XPS 15 (2020) Review: New Design, Familiar Problems

Dell XPS 15 (2020) Review: Striking Design with Familiar Challenges

Dell’s XPS 15 (2020) brings a refreshed design to one of the brand’s well-regarded laptop lines, aiming to marry style with high performance. While the laptop impresses with its premium build and improved visuals, it also grapples with some recurring issues. Let’s dive into a comprehensive review of the Dell XPS 15 (2020) to uncover the nuances of this laptop.

1. Design and Build Quality

Premium Materials and Slim Bezels

Dell’s XPS series is renowned for its sleek design, and the XPS 15 (2020) continues this trend. The laptop features a CNC-machined aluminum chassis, providing a premium look and feel. The slim bezels surrounding the 15.6-inch InfinityEdge display contribute to a more immersive visual experience.

Compact Form Factor

Despite its sizable display, the XPS 15 maintains a relatively compact form factor, thanks to the slim bezels. This makes it a compelling choice for users who want a larger screen without sacrificing portability.

2. Display Quality

Vivid and High-Resolution Display

The XPS 15 (2020) offers a stunning 15.6-inch display with various configuration options, including a 4K Ultra HD+ OLED panel. The OLED display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an impressive level of detail, making it suitable for content creation and multimedia consumption.

HDR Support

For users who prioritize high dynamic range (HDR) content, the XPS 15 supports Dolby Vision, enhancing the visual experience when streaming HDR-compatible content.

3. Performance and Power

10th Gen Intel Processors and Dedicated GPU

Equipped with 10th Gen Intel Core processors and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU, the XPS 15 (2020) is geared towards demanding tasks, including video editing, graphic design, and gaming. The combination of powerful components ensures smooth performance for resource-intensive applications.

Ample RAM and Storage Options

Users can configure the XPS 15 with up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and large SSD storage capacities, providing ample space for multitasking and storing large files.

4. Keyboard and Trackpad

Spacious and Comfortable Keyboard

The XPS 15 features a full-size keyboard with well-spaced keys, offering a comfortable typing experience. The keyboard is backlit, allowing users to work efficiently in various lighting conditions.

Precision Touchpad

The large precision touchpad is responsive and supports a range of gestures, contributing to a smooth and intuitive navigation experience.

5. Audio Quality

Immersive Audio with Waves MaxxAudio Pro

The laptop comes equipped with stereo speakers tuned by Waves MaxxAudio Pro, providing immersive audio quality for both entertainment and productivity.

6. Familiar Challenges

Webcam Placement

One of the consistent challenges with the XPS series is the placement of the webcam. The webcam is positioned at the bottom of the display, resulting in an unflattering upward angle during video calls.

Thermal Management

As with previous XPS models, thermal management can be a concern during extended periods of heavy usage. Users may experience thermal throttling, impacting performance in prolonged demanding tasks.

Conclusion: A Striking Balance with Room for Improvement

The Dell XPS 15 (2020) impresses with its premium design, vivid display, and powerful performance. However, the familiar challenges, such as webcam placement and thermal management, highlight that even in refinement, there is room for improvement. For users seeking a combination of style and substance, the XPS 15 remains a compelling choice, with its strengths outweighing its limitations.

Reference Links:

1. Dell XPS 15 (2020) Overview
2. InfinityEdge Display and Premium Build
3. Performance Capabilities and GPU
4. Comfortable Keyboard and Precision Touchpad
5. Audio Quality with Waves MaxxAudio Pro
6. Challenges with Webcam Placement and Thermal Management