Considering a premium ultrabook and torn between two excellent Dell XPS models? The Dell XPS 13 9360 and its successor, the 9370, both offer incredible portability and performance. They represent the pinnacle of compact laptop design, but subtle differences can make a big impact on your daily workflow.
The XPS 13 series is renowned for its stunning InfinityEdge displays and sleek, durable chassis. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a creative on the go, these laptops are built to impress. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which Dell XPS 13, the 9360 or the 9370, is the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Dell XPS 13 9360 | Dell XPS 13 9370 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 7th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 (Kaby Lake) | 8th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 (Kaby Lake R) |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620 | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| RAM | 4GB/8GB/16GB DDR4 | 4GB/8GB/16GB DDR3 |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB SSD | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB SSD |
| Display | 13.3-inch FHD (1920×1080) or QHD+ (3200×1800) InfinityEdge | 13.3-inch FHD (1920×1080) or UHD+ (3840×2160) InfinityEdge |
| Webcam | 720p widescreen HD webcam | 720p widescreen HD webcam |
| Audio | Stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro | Stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 3, 1x USB-C 3.1, microSD card reader, headphone jack | 2x Thunderbolt 3, 1x USB-C 3.1 (with PowerShare, DC-in), microSD card reader, headphone jack |
| Wi-Fi | Killer 1535 Wi-Fi (802.11ac) | Killer 1535 Wi-Fi (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home/Pro | Windows 10 Home/Pro |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 0.33-0.61″ x 11.98″ x 7.88″ | 0.30-0.46″ x 11.97″ x 7.83″ |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- Dell Xps 9360: Equipped with 7th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors (Kaby Lake). Offers good performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. Battery life is generally solid, though not class-leading.
- 9370: Features 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors (Kaby Lake Refresh). Provides a noticeable performance uplift, especially in multi-core tasks, due to the increased core count. Improved power efficiency can lead to better battery life.
- Winner: 9370
Display
- Dell Xps 9360: Typically features a 13.3-inch InfinityEdge display with Full HD (1920×1080) or QHD+ (3200×1800) resolution options. Bezels are thin, contributing to a compact design. Color accuracy is good for most users.
- 9370: Also sports a 13.3-inch InfinityEdge display, with similar Full HD and 4K UHD+ (3840×2160) resolution options. The 4K option offers exceptional sharpness. The design is further refined with even slimmer bezels.
- Winner: 9370
Design & Build Quality
- Dell Xps 9360: Known for its premium aluminum chassis and carbon fiber palm rest. It’s a sleek and durable laptop. The design is already very refined and modern.
- 9370: Builds upon the 9360’s excellent design with a more compact footprint due to even thinner bezels. The overall aesthetic is slightly more streamlined. Still maintains the high-quality materials and solid construction.
- Winner: 9370
Ports & Connectivity
- Dell Xps 9360: Includes two USB-A ports (one with PowerShare), a Thunderbolt 3 port (USB-C), an SD card reader, and a headphone jack. Offers a decent selection of legacy and modern ports.
- 9370: Switches to a more modern port selection, featuring three USB-C ports, all supporting Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort. This means no USB-A ports or SD card reader natively, requiring adapters for older peripherals.
- Winner: dell xps 9360
Webcam Placement
- Dell Xps 9360: Features a webcam positioned at the top center of the display bezel, which is the standard and preferred location for video calls.
- 9370: Due to the extremely thin top bezel, the webcam was moved to the bottom center of the display. This results in an awkward “upward-looking” angle during video calls, often referred to as the “nose cam.”
- Winner: dell xps 9360
Cooling & Thermals
- Dell Xps 9360: Generally handles heat well for its form factor, though sustained heavy loads can lead to some thermal throttling.
- 9370: Despite the more compact design, Dell made efforts to improve cooling. However, with the more powerful 8th Gen processors, it can still get warm under load, and some users report more fan noise.
- Winner: dell xps 9360
Keyboard & Trackpad
- Dell Xps 9360: Offers a comfortable typing experience with good key travel and responsiveness. The trackpad is large, precise, and supports multi-touch gestures.
- 9370: Maintains a similar excellent keyboard and trackpad experience. The trackpad remains one of the best on a Windows laptop. No significant changes, but still top-tier.
- Winner: Tie
Upgradability & Serviceability
- Dell Xps 9360: RAM is soldered to the motherboard, limiting upgrade options. Storage (SSD) is replaceable.
- 9370: Similar to the 9360, the RAM is soldered. The SSD is also replaceable. The more integrated design makes internal access slightly more involved.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Dell XPS 13 9370 |
| Display Options | Dell XPS 13 9370 |
| Portability | Dell XPS 13 9370 |
| Value for Money | Dell XPS 13 9360 |
| Build Quality | Tie |
| Design Refinement | Dell XPS 13 9370 |
What They Have in Common
- Premium Build Quality: Both laptops feature a sleek and durable design with a carbon fiber palm rest and aluminum chassis, offering a premium feel and robust construction.
- Stunning Infinityedge Displays: Both models boast Dell’s signature InfinityEdge displays with incredibly thin bezels, maximizing screen real estate in a compact form factor and providing an immersive viewing experience.
- Excellent Performance for Daily Tasks: Equipped with capable Intel processors and SSD storage, both the XPS 13 9360 and 9370 deliver snappy performance for everyday productivity, web browsing, and media consumption.
- Compact and Portable Design: Their small footprint and lightweight construction make both laptops highly portable, ideal for users who frequently travel or need a device that’s easy to carry around.
- Windows 10 Operating System: Both laptops come pre-installed with Windows 10, offering a familiar and user-friendly operating system with access to a vast ecosystem of software and applications.
- High-Quality Webcams: Both feature 720p widescreen HD webcams, suitable for video conferencing and casual use, ensuring clear image quality for online communication.
Dell XPS 9360 vs 9370 Buying Guide
Performance Needs
For everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and streaming, both the Dell XPS 9360 and 9370 will perform admirably. However, if your workflow involves more demanding applications such as video editing, graphic design, or running virtual machines, the 9370, with its generally newer and more powerful processor options, will offer a more fluid and responsive experience. Consider the specific CPU generations available for each model when making your decision.
Portability and Design
Both laptops are renowned for their compact and premium designs. The XPS 9370, however, features an even slimmer profile and a smaller footprint due to its significantly reduced bezels. If ultimate portability and a modern aesthetic are paramount, the 9370 takes the lead. The 9360 remains an excellent choice for those who prioritize a slightly larger screen without a drastic increase in size, and its build quality is still top-notch. (See Also: Iphone 12 Vs 13 )
Connectivity Options
A key differentiator is the port selection. The XPS 9360 offers a more traditional array of ports, including USB-A, which might be beneficial if you have older peripherals. The XPS 9370, on the other hand, embraces the USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 standard exclusively. While this offers faster data transfer and more versatile connectivity with adapters, it necessitates the use of dongles for many common devices. Evaluate your current and future peripheral needs carefully.
Budget Considerations
The Dell XPS 9360, being an older model, can often be found at a more attractive price point, especially on the used or refurbished market. This makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a premium ultrabook experience. The XPS 9370, with its newer technology and design, generally commands a higher price. Your budget will likely be a significant factor in determining which of these excellent laptops is the right fit for you.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Dell XPS 13 9360 If…
- You are looking for a highly capable and premium ultrabook at a more budget-friendly price point, as the 9360 can often be found for less.
- You don’t require the absolute latest generation of processors and are content with the performance of 7th Gen Intel CPUs for your daily tasks.
- You prefer a slightly wider range of port options, though the difference is minimal with the 9360 still offering versatile connectivity.
Buy 9370 If…
- You prioritize the very latest in Intel processor technology for a performance edge, especially for more demanding tasks or future-proofing.
- You desire the absolute best display quality with the option for a higher resolution 4K UHD+ panel for incredibly sharp visuals.
- You value a slightly more refined and compact chassis design, as the 9370 achieved even thinner bezels and a marginally smaller footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which model has better battery life?
Battery life can vary significantly based on configuration and usage patterns for both models. Generally, the XPS 9370, with its more power-efficient processors and potentially larger battery options in some configurations, might offer slightly longer endurance for light tasks. However, the XPS 9360 with a good battery can still provide a full day of moderate use, especially if you opt for a lower-resolution display. (See Also: Vvs Moissanite Vs Diamond )
Is the XPS 9370 worth the upgrade from the 9360?
The decision to upgrade depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require the latest processor performance, a more modern and compact design with minimal bezels, and exclusively USB-C connectivity, the 9370 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if your 9360 still meets your performance demands and you prefer having USB-A ports, sticking with it or opting for a refurbished 9370 could be more practical.
Can I upgrade the RAM on either model?
Both the Dell XPS 9360 and 9370 feature soldered RAM, meaning it is not user-upgradable after purchase. Therefore, it’s crucial to select the RAM configuration that will meet your needs for the lifespan of the laptop when you initially buy it. It’s advisable to aim for at least 16GB for a smoother multitasking experience and future-proofing.
What is the screen quality difference between the two?
Both models are known for their excellent InfinityEdge displays with thin bezels. The XPS 9370 generally offers slightly brighter screens and potentially better color accuracy in its higher-end configurations. However, the XPS 9360 also boasts very good displays, often available in 1080p or 4K resolutions, providing a sharp and vibrant viewing experience that is still highly competitive. (See Also: Dell Inspiron Vs Xps Desktop )
Which model is better for gaming?
Neither the XPS 9360 nor the XPS 9370 are designed as dedicated gaming laptops. They both rely on integrated Intel graphics, which are suitable for casual gaming or older titles at lower settings. For serious gaming, a laptop with a dedicated graphics card would be a much better choice. If gaming is a priority, you’ll likely be disappointed with the gaming capabilities of either of these ultrabooks.
Final Verdict
Both the Dell XPS 9360 and 9370 are exceptional ultrabooks that offer premium build quality and excellent user experiences. The XPS 9370 stands out with its more modern, compact design, reduced bezels, and generally more powerful processor options, making it the better choice for those seeking the latest technology and a sleeker aesthetic. While the 9360 remains a strong contender, especially for its port selection and potential value, the 9370 edges it out for overall performance and design innovation.
Winner: Dell XPS 9370