Dell XPS 13 2021: The best Windows laptop now with OLED

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of premium Windows laptops, the Dell XPS 13 2021 has emerged as a true icon. For years, Dell’s XPS lineup has set the benchmark for ultrabooks, consistently pushing the boundaries of design, performance, and innovation. But 2021 marked a pivotal moment, not just for Dell, but for the entire Windows laptop ecosystem, thanks to the introduction of OLED display technology in the XPS 13. This leap forward didn’t just elevate the visual experience; it redefined what users could expect from a portable, high-performance machine.

The Evolution of the Dell XPS Series

The journey of the Dell XPS series is a testament to relentless refinement. From the first InfinityEdge display that stunned users with its ultra-thin bezels, to the adoption of premium materials like machined aluminum and carbon fiber, each generation has raised the bar. The 2021 model, however, stands out as a watershed moment. By integrating a stunning 13.4-inch OLED panel, Dell has delivered a laptop that rivals the best in the industry—not just in performance, but in sheer visual brilliance.

Why OLED Matters for Premium Laptops

Why does this matter? For tech enthusiasts, professionals, students, and anyone seeking the best Windows laptop 2021, the XPS 13’s OLED upgrade means deeper blacks, richer colors, and a cinematic experience previously reserved for high-end televisions. It’s a bold statement in a market crowded with contenders like the MacBook Air M1, HP Spectre x360, and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. Yet, the XPS 13 2021 manages to carve out its own identity, blending portability, power, and premium aesthetics in a way that few competitors can match.

What to Expect in This Review

As we dive into this in-depth Dell XPS 13 review, we’ll explore why the 2021 model is more than just an incremental update. We’ll examine its evolution, the significance of OLED in a Windows ultrabook, and how Dell has positioned the XPS 13 as the gold standard for premium laptops. Whether you’re a student looking for a reliable study companion, a professional demanding top-tier performance, or a creator craving color accuracy, the Dell XPS 13 2021 promises to deliver an experience that’s as inspiring as it is practical.

Why the Dell XPS 13 2021 Is a Game Changer

OLED Display Technology Explained

The headline feature of the Dell XPS 13 2021 is its breathtaking OLED display. But what makes OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) so revolutionary in the context of laptops? Unlike traditional IPS panels, OLED screens emit their own light at the pixel level, allowing for true blacks, infinite contrast ratios, and vibrant, lifelike colors. This translates to a display that’s not only stunning for movies and creative work but also easier on the eyes during extended use.

For professionals and creators, the OLED ultrabook experience means unparalleled color accuracy and HDR support. Whether you’re editing photos, streaming 4K content, or simply browsing the web, the difference is immediately noticeable. The Dell InfinityEdge display, already renowned for its immersive visuals, reaches new heights with OLED—making the XPS 13 a visual powerhouse among premium Windows laptops.

Competitive Landscape: MacBook Air M1, HP Spectre, Lenovo ThinkPad X1

The 2021 XPS 13 enters a fiercely competitive arena. Apple’s MacBook Air M1 set a new standard for performance-per-watt, while HP’s Spectre x360 and Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon are favorites among business users and creatives. Yet, the Dell XPS 13 2021 distinguishes itself with its unique blend of portability, power, and display innovation.

• Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Air M1: While Apple’s M1 chip is a marvel of efficiency, the XPS 13’s Intel 11th Gen processors and Iris Xe graphics deliver robust performance for Windows users, with the added allure of an OLED screen—a feature the MacBook Air lacks.
• Dell XPS 13 vs HP Spectre x360: The HP Spectre x360 offers versatility with its 2-in-1 design, but the XPS 13’s build quality, display, and compact form factor make it the preferred choice for those prioritizing portability and screen excellence.
• Dell XPS 13 vs Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Lenovo’s flagship is a business classic, but the XPS 13’s modern aesthetics, OLED option, and superior display technology give it an edge for users seeking both style and substance.

The “MacBook of Windows Laptops”

It’s no exaggeration to call the Dell XPS 13 2021 the “MacBook of Windows laptops.” Its meticulous attention to detail, premium materials, and seamless user experience set it apart from the crowd. For Windows users who crave the elegance and reliability often associated with Apple’s laptops, the XPS 13 delivers—without compromise.

In summary, the Dell XPS 13 2021 isn’t just another refresh; it’s a bold leap forward. By embracing OLED technology and refining every aspect of the user experience, Dell has created a laptop that stands at the pinnacle of the Windows ecosystem. In the sections that follow, we’ll dive deeper into its design, performance, and real-world value—showing why this ultrabook remains the benchmark for premium Windows laptops.

Full Review: Design, Specs, and Performance

Design & Build Quality

The Dell XPS 13 2021 exemplifies the pinnacle of modern laptop design. Its signature InfinityEdge display—with ultra-thin bezels on all four sides—delivers a nearly borderless viewing experience, maximizing screen real estate within a remarkably compact chassis. At just 2.8 pounds (1.27 kg) and measuring a mere 14.8mm at its thickest point, the XPS 13 is engineered for true portability without sacrificing durability.

Dell’s choice of materials is a masterclass in premium craftsmanship. The exterior is hewn from a single block of CNC-machined aluminum, lending both rigidity and a sophisticated aesthetic. The palm rest is finished in carbon fiber or arctic white woven glass fiber, depending on the configuration, providing a soft-touch feel that resists fingerprints and stays cool under pressure. Every detail, from the diamond-cut edges to the precisely engineered hinge, reflects Dell’s commitment to quality.

The XPS 13’s minimalist design is more than just eye-catching—it’s functional. The laptop’s compact footprint makes it ideal for travel, while its robust build ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily use. The hinge is perfectly tuned for one-handed opening, and the overall fit and finish rival even the most celebrated competitors, including the MacBook Air and HP Spectre x360.

Display (OLED Upgrade)

The star of the show is the 13.4-inch 4k OLED display (3456 x 2160), which elevates the XPS 13 to a new level of visual excellence. OLED technology delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and a wide color gamut that covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color space. This means colors are not only more vibrant but also more accurate—crucial for photographers, designers, and content creators.

Brightness peaks at an impressive 400 nits, making the display easily viewable even in bright environments. Compared to the standard IPS panel, the OLED version offers superior contrast and more lifelike images, with HDR support for streaming and creative work. The InfinityEdge design further enhances immersion, making movies, games, and productivity tasks equally captivating.

For those concerned about eye strain, OLED’s ability to reduce blue light emissions is a welcome bonus. Whether you’re editing photos, watching Netflix, or working on spreadsheets, the XPS 13’s display is a joy to behold—arguably the best on any Windows ultrabook in 2021.

Performance & Hardware

Under the hood, the Dell XPS 13 2021 is powered by Intel’s 11th Gen Core processors (i5 or i7), paired with Intel Iris Xe graphics. This combination delivers a significant leap in performance over previous generations, making the XPS 13 a formidable machine for both productivity and light creative workloads.

Configurations range from 8GB to 32GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB to 2TB of fast NVMe SSD storage. In real-world use, the XPS 13 handles multitasking with ease—whether you’re running dozens of browser tabs, editing high-resolution images, or compiling code. The Iris Xe graphics, while not a replacement for a dedicated GPU, provide enough muscle for casual gaming and accelerated creative tasks.

Thermal management is handled by a dual-fan cooling system and vapor chamber, ensuring the laptop remains cool and quiet even under sustained loads. The result is a laptop that feels as fast as it looks, with performance that rivals or exceeds many larger, heavier competitors.

Keyboard & Trackpad

Dell has refined the XPS 13’s keyboard to near perfection. The edge-to-edge design maximizes key size, providing a comfortable, responsive typing experience with just the right amount of travel. The keys are backlit for low-light environments, and the layout is intuitive, making long typing sessions a breeze.

The glass precision trackpad is generously sized and silky smooth, supporting all Windows 10 and 11 gestures with flawless accuracy. Clicks are tactile and consistent, and palm rejection is excellent—no accidental cursor jumps here. For professionals and students alike, the input experience is among the best in the ultrabook class.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial consideration, especially with the introduction of OLED. The Dell XPS 13 2021 delivers 8–10 hours of real-world use on the OLED model, depending on brightness and workload. While this is slightly less than the 12+ hours achievable with the non-OLED (IPS) version, it’s still impressive given the display’s power demands.

Dell’s intelligent battery management and efficient 11th Gen Intel chips help maximize longevity. For most users, the XPS 13 will easily last a full workday on a single charge. Fast charging support means you can top up quickly when needed—ideal for travelers and busy professionals.

Ports & Connectivity

Despite its slim profile, the XPS 13 offers a solid selection of modern ports:

• 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C): For charging, data, and external displays
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• microSD card reader

While the absence of USB-A may require a dongle for legacy devices, Thunderbolt 4 ensures blazing-fast connectivity for peripherals, storage, and monitors. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 provide robust wireless performance, making the XPS 13 future-proof for years to come.

Software & Windows Experience

The Dell XPS 13 2021 ships with Windows 10 but is fully compatible with Windows 11, ensuring a smooth upgrade path. Dell’s minimal bloatware approach means you get a clean, responsive system out of the box. Features like Windows Hello facial recognition and a fingerprint reader provide fast, secure logins.

Dell’s software suite, including Dell Power Manager and Mobile Connect, enhances productivity and device integration. Whether you’re a student, professional, or creator, the XPS 13 delivers a seamless Windows experience—optimized for both work and play.

Comparisons & Buying Guide

Dell XPS 13 OLED vs Non-OLED Model

Choosing between the OLED and non-OLED versions of the Dell XPS 13 2021 comes down to priorities: display quality versus battery life. The OLED model dazzles with its deep blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors—making it the clear winner for media consumption, creative work, and anyone who values visual fidelity. HDR content looks spectacular, and the 100% DCI-P3 color coverage ensures accuracy for photographers and designers.

However, the OLED panel does draw more power, resulting in slightly shorter battery life (8–10 hours) compared to the non-OLED IPS version, which can exceed 12 hours on a charge. The IPS model still offers excellent color and sharpness, and may be preferable for users who need all-day endurance away from an outlet. Both models feature the same premium build, Intel 11th Gen performance, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, so you’re not sacrificing speed or portability with either choice.

Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Air M1 (2021)

The Dell XPS 13 2021 and MacBook Air M1 are the two titans of the ultrabook world, each representing the best of their respective ecosystems. The MacBook Air’s Apple Silicon M1 chip is a marvel, delivering class-leading performance and battery life, especially for macOS users. Its fanless design ensures silent operation, and the Retina display is sharp and color-accurate.

Where the XPS 13 pulls ahead is in display technology and flexibility. The OLED option offers richer contrast and more immersive visuals than the MacBook’s IPS panel. Windows 10/11 provides broader software compatibility, especially for professionals who rely on legacy applications or need a more customizable environment. The XPS 13’s build quality, keyboard, and trackpad are on par with Apple’s, and its port selection (Thunderbolt 4, microSD) is more versatile.

For users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, the MacBook Air M1 is hard to beat. But for those who want the best Windows laptop 2021—with the added brilliance of OLED—the XPS 13 is the clear choice.

Dell XPS 13 vs HP Spectre x360 / Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

The HP Spectre x360 is renowned for its convertible design, allowing it to function as both a laptop and a tablet. Its OLED option is competitive, and it boasts strong battery life and a striking gem-cut chassis. However, the XPS 13’s more compact footprint and lighter weight make it easier to carry, and its InfinityEdge display offers a more immersive experience.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a business classic, prized for its legendary keyboard, robust security features, and MIL-STD durability. While it excels in productivity and enterprise environments, its display—though excellent—falls short of the vibrancy of the XPS 13’s OLED. The XPS 13 also wins on aesthetics and portability, appealing to users who want both style and substance.

Who Should Buy the Dell XPS 13 2021?

• Students: Lightweight, durable, and with enough battery life to last through lectures, the XPS 13 is ideal for campus life. The OLED display is a bonus for streaming and creative projects.
• Professionals: With its premium build, fast performance, and secure login options, the XPS 13 is perfect for business travelers and remote workers.
• Creators: The OLED model’s color accuracy and contrast make it a top pick for photographers, designers, and video editors who need a portable editing machine.
• Travelers: Compact, robust, and with Thunderbolt 4 for fast charging and connectivity, the XPS 13 is built for life on the go.

Price & Value — MSRP, Best Deals, Availability

The Dell XPS 13 2021 starts at around $999 for the base configuration (non-OLED, i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) and can climb to $2,000+ for fully loaded OLED models with i7, 32GB RAM, and 2TB SSD. The OLED upgrade typically adds $200–$300 to the price, but the visual experience is well worth it for many users.

Availability fluctuates, especially for OLED models, so it’s wise to check Dell’s official site, major retailers, and seasonal sales for the best deals. Student and business discounts are often available, and refurbished units can offer significant savings without compromising quality.

When considering the total package—design, performance, display, and longevity—the XPS 13 2021 stands as one of the best values in the premium Windows laptop segment. Its combination of portability, power, and visual brilliance is unmatched, making it a smart investment for years to come.

Dell XPS 13 2021 Full Specs Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dell XPS 13 2021 Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely. The Dell XPS 13 2021 remains one of the most compelling premium Windows laptops even several years after its release. Its combination of an OLED ultrabook display, robust Intel 11th Gen performance, and timeless design ensures it competes strongly with newer models. For students, professionals, and creators seeking a portable yet powerful machine, the XPS 13 2021 continues to deliver exceptional value, especially as prices become more accessible in the refurbished and deals market.

How Does the OLED Version Impact Battery Life?

The OLED display is a game-changer for color and contrast, but it does consume more power than the standard IPS panel. In real-world usage, the OLED model typically achieves 8–10 hours of battery life, compared to 12+ hours for the non-OLED version. If you prioritize display quality for creative work or entertainment, the trade-off is well worth it. For those who need maximum endurance, the IPS variant is the better choice.

Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Air — Which One Should I Buy?

Both are leaders in the ultrabook category. The MacBook Air M1 excels in battery life, silent operation, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The Dell XPS 13 2021 stands out with its OLED display, superior port selection (Thunderbolt 4, microSD), and Windows flexibility. If you need Windows-specific software, crave OLED visuals, or value hardware versatility, the XPS 13 is the clear winner. Mac users or those seeking the longest battery life may prefer the Air.

Does Dell XPS 13 Support Windows 11?

Yes, the Dell XPS 13 2021 is fully compatible with Windows 11. Dell provides official drivers and support, ensuring a smooth upgrade experience. The hardware meets all of Microsoft’s requirements, and the laptop benefits from Windows 11’s enhanced productivity features and security updates.

Can the Dell XPS 13 Handle Gaming or Video Editing?

While not a dedicated gaming laptop, the XPS 13’s Intel Iris Xe graphics can handle casual gaming and light video editing with ease. Titles like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Minecraft run smoothly at moderate settings. For video editing, the OLED display’s color accuracy is a major asset, and the 11th Gen Intel CPUs provide enough power for 108p editing and rendering. For more demanding creative workloads or AAA gaming, a laptop with a discrete GPU is recommended.

Conclusion

The Dell XPS 13 2021 stands as a testament to Dell’s relentless pursuit of excellence in the ultrabook category. Its introduction of OLED display technology to the XPS lineup redefined what users could expect from a premium Windows laptop—delivering breathtaking visuals, robust performance, and unmatched portability. Even in 2025, the XPS 13 2021 remains a top choice for professionals, students, and creators who demand the best in design, display, and day-to-day usability.

Whether you’re seeking a laptop for productivity, creativity, or travel, the XPS 13’s blend of power, elegance, and innovation ensures it remains at the forefront of the Windows ecosystem. Its enduring value, coupled with Dell’s commitment to quality and support, makes it a smart investment for anyone who refuses to compromise on their computing experience.

Ready to experience the best of Windows laptops? Explore the Dell XPS 13 2021 and discover why it continues to set the standard for premium ultrabooks.

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External Links:

• Dell Official XPS 13 Page
• The Verge XPS 13 Review
• TechRadar XPS 13 Analysis

For more insights, reviews, and buying guides on premium Windows laptops, stay tuned to our blog.