Dell XPS 13 Outperforms MacBook Neo in WIRED Comparative Review
A new analysis by WIRED finds the Dell XPS 13 offers superior specifications and better value than the MacBook Neo, particularly in its $900 16 GB configuration.
A comparative review published by WIRED has concluded that the Dell XPS 13 is the superior device to Apple’s newly announced MacBook Neo, despite both laptops sharing an 8 GB RAM configuration and similar starting prices of $699. The analysis highlights the Windows machine as the better value proposition, citing advantages in display technology, port configuration, and overall portability.
The review notes that while the MacBook Neo represents Apple’s entry into the sub-$1,000 market, the Dell XPS 13 matches its premium build quality while offering more screen real estate. The XPS 13 features a 13.4-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a touchscreen, specifications that the reviewer described as rare for budget laptops. The device also demonstrated better colour saturation on Adobe RGB and P3 scales compared to the MacBook Neo’s 509-nit screen.
Connectivity differences were a significant factor in the assessment. The XPS 13 utilises two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, allowing for 4K output and 10 Gbps data transfer on both sides of the chassis. In contrast, the MacBook Neo includes one outdated USB 2 port that cannot output to external displays. The only port advantage cited for the Apple device was the retention of a headphone jack, which is absent on the Dell model.
Storage and input features also favoured the Dell machine. The XPS 13 comes standard with 512 GB of faster storage, whereas the base MacBook Neo offers only 256 GB. Additionally, the XPS 13 includes a backlit keyboard and an IR camera for password-free login, features that the base MacBook Neo lacks due to the omission of Touch ID and keyboard lighting.
Both devices struggled with multitasking when limited to 8 GB of RAM, with memory usage exceeding 90 per cent during standard browsing tasks. However, the reviewer identified the $900 variant of the XPS 13 with 16 GB of RAM as the best laptop under $1,000. While the MacBook Neo offers silent passive cooling, the XPS 13’s active fan and superior specifications make it the recommended choice for most users.
