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Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 Full HD laptop in review: Less display, better colors

Premium goes low budget. Equipped with a comparable configuration, the 9305 is 300 Euros (~$362) cheaper than the popular 9310. In return, it has a 16:9 screen that displays colors very well and an additional USB-C port. Is the XPS 9305 the low-budget entry into the XPS world?
XPS 13 9305 (16:9) versus XPS 13 9310 (16:10) - Which is the better choice?
XPS 13 9305 (16:9) versus XPS 13 9310 (16:10) - Which is the better choice?

A brand-new Tiger Lake XPS 13 for 1,079 Euros (~$1,303)? Not only does this sound interesting, but it actually is. We took a look at Dell's low-cost XPS 9305. The main difference: The cheaper 9305 is equipped with a 16:9 display, while the XPS 13 9310 features an almost borderless 16:10 display. In return, the 9305 is one millimeter thicker, seven millimeters wider, and minimally lighter. Both variants come with a 52 Wh battery and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. In addition, the 9305 offers another USB-C port.

In this review, we'll take a closer look at the version with a matte 1080p display (non-touch), 8 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and the Intel Core i5-1135G7. Should the competition with their 1,200-1,600 Euro (~$1,449-~$1,932) models like the MateBook X or the Spectre X360 13 brace for battle?

More Dell laptops on Notebookcheck:

Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Processor
Intel Core i5-1135G7 4 x 2.4 - 4.2 GHz, 60 W PL2 / Short Burst, 15 W PL1 / Sustained, Tiger Lake-UP3
Graphics adapter
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs, 28 W TDP ( including 1300 W Dynamic Boost), 27.20.100.9168
Memory
8 GB 
, quad-channel
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 166 PPI, Sharp SHP14AE, IPS, glossy: no, HDR, 60 Hz
Mainboard
Intel Tiger Lake-UP3 PCH-LP
Storage
Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ, 512 GB 
, 400 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Tiger Lake-U/Y PCH-LP - cAVS (Audio, Voice, Speech)
Connections
3 USB 3.1 Gen2, 2 Thunderbolt, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: combo, Card Reader: microSD, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor
Networking
Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650w (ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.1
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 16 x 302 x 199 ( = 0.63 x 11.89 x 7.83 in)
Battery
52 Wh Lithium-Polymer
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 720p
Primary Camera: 0 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, Dell Mobile Connect, Power Manager, Update, CinemaCenter, Digital Delivery, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.187 kg ( = 41.87 oz / 2.62 pounds), Power Supply: 310 g ( = 10.93 oz / 0.68 pounds)
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible contenders in comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
87.7 %
05/2021
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
i5-1135G7, Iris Xe G7 80EUs
1.2 kg16 mm13.30"1920x1080
88.1 %
10/2020
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs
1.3 kg14.8 mm13.40"1920x1200
88.9 %
03/2020
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
1.2 kg14.8 mm13.40"1920x1200
92.1 %
06/2020
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
i5-1038NG7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
1.4 kg15.6 mm13.30"2560x1600
87.4 %
06/2020
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
i7-10510U, GeForce MX250
1.3 kg14.6 mm13.90"3000x2000
85.3 %
08/2020
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
R7 4800U, Vega 8
1.4 kg14.9 mm14.00"1920x1080
88.4 %
12/2019
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
1.2 kg16.9 mm13.30"1920x1080

Case - Dell with 1,187 grams

9305 (left) versus 9310 (right)
9305 (left) versus 9310 (right)

Dell first introduced the 16:10 design of the XPS 13 in early 2020 with the XPS 13 9300. Consequently, we now have a 16:9 version at hand; there are no other updates in terms of looks. Nor are there any color options, so Platinum Silver will have to suffice - but that's also the case with the 9310, at least from what we can currently see in Dell's online store. At the time, we had a white XPS 13 9310 in review.

The same design as in the XPS 13 9300/9310
The same design as in the XPS 13 9300/9310
But you can recognize the 16:9 panel here; the frame with the Dell logo is wider.
The chassis is 1 mm thicker...
... but a tad lighter.
Two TB4 ports...
... and a USB Type-C port
Apparently, there are no other colors.
Semi-matte Full HD IPS display
Black on the inside...
... Silver on the outside.

The 9305 is a few millimeters wider than the 9310 as well as one millimeter thicker. This makes its footprint most similar to the HP Spectre x360 13, and its weight is very similar too.

Size comparison

320.6 mm / 12.6 inch 208.2 mm / 8.2 inch 14.9 mm / 0.587 inch 1.4 kg3.15 lbs306 mm / 12 inch 194.5 mm / 7.66 inch 16.9 mm / 0.665 inch 1.2 kg2.74 lbs304.1 mm / 12 inch 212.4 mm / 8.36 inch 15.6 mm / 0.614 inch 1.4 kg3.05 lbs304 mm / 12 inch 217 mm / 8.54 inch 14.6 mm / 0.575 inch 1.3 kg2.95 lbs302 mm / 11.9 inch 199 mm / 7.83 inch 16 mm / 0.63 inch 1.2 kg2.62 lbs296 mm / 11.7 inch 199 mm / 7.83 inch 14.8 mm / 0.583 inch 1.3 kg2.85 lbs296 mm / 11.7 inch 199 mm / 7.83 inch 14.8 mm / 0.583 inch 1.2 kg2.62 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity - Dell Ultrabook with Thunderbolt 4

The 9305 has one additional port, namely a USB Type-C one with DisplayPort. As a result, there are three Type-C ports, and the TB4 variants are both on the left side (without DisplayPort). The 9310 has one TB4 port on the right side and one on the left, both with DisplayPort. 

9305 left side: 2x Thunderbolt 4
9305 left side: 2x Thunderbolt 4
9305 right side: USB Type-C and a microSD card reader
9305 right side: USB Type-C and a microSD card reader

SD card reader

The SD performance is very good; only the fastest card readers in our tests reach 180 MB/s. They probably use USB 3.1 speeds internally. Moreover, inserted microSD cards protrude just under 2 mm beyond the case. We used a 128 GB Angelbird SD card AV PRO UHS-II V60 for our tests.

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 64 GB UHS-II)
194.7 MB/s +6%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
 
183 MB/s
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
155.2 MB/s -15%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (19.5 - 193.9, n=16, last 2 years)
69.6 MB/s -62%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 64 GB UHS-II)
36.3 MB/s -80%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 64 GB UHS-II)
204.2 MB/s +8%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
 
189 MB/s
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
185.7 MB/s -2%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (23.6 - 239, n=16, last 2 years)
84.3 MB/s -55%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 64 GB UHS-II)
37.8 MB/s -80%

Communication

The XPS can establish wireless connections over Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. While WLAN speeds reach an average of 1,492 Mb/s for receiving data with our Netgear Nighthawk AX12 reference router, the average of 940 Mb/s for sending data is only sufficient for the middle place in our test field.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1461 (1327min - 1616max) MBit/s +55%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
1338 (1304min - 1355max) MBit/s +42%
Average Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650w
  (597 - 1550, n=7)
1156 MBit/s +23%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (606 - 1339, n=3, last 2 years)
1056 MBit/s +12%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650s
975 (786min - 1026max) MBit/s +4%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650w
940 (858min - 985max) MBit/s
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650s
852 (232min - 1307max) MBit/s -9%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
809 MBit/s -14%
iperf3 receive AX12
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650w
1492 (1304min - 1621max) MBit/s
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650s
1439 (1386min - 1504max) MBit/s -4%
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650s
1360 (1290min - 1408max) MBit/s -9%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1343 (1313min - 1380max) MBit/s -10%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
1293 (628min - 1379max) MBit/s -13%
Average Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650w
  (633 - 1720, n=7)
1267 MBit/s -15%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (623 - 1690, n=3, last 2 years)
1258 MBit/s -16%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
765 MBit/s -49%
0501001502002503003504004505005506006507007508008509009501000105011001150120012501300135014001450150015501600Tooltip
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650w; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1492 (1304-1621)
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650s; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1439 (1386-1504)
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7 Intel Wireless-AC 9560; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1272 (628-1379)
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650w; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø941 (858-985)
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650s; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø975 (786-1026)
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7 Intel Wireless-AC 9560; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1338 (1304-1355)

Webcam

Like many manufacturers, Dell continues to use a low-resolution webcam with a resolution of 0.9 MP (720p). Image quality is correspondingly mediocre, and details look blurry even in good ambient light. There are many artifacts in the photos, and color reproduction falls short with a poor Delta E value of 16 to 30. However, the competition doesn't tackle the subject in a more professional way, and it also lacks detail sharpness and color accuracy.

ColorChecker
26.5 ∆E
19.5 ∆E
26.3 ∆E
28.8 ∆E
23.2 ∆E
20.9 ∆E
18.5 ∆E
30.2 ∆E
16.7 ∆E
19.4 ∆E
18 ∆E
21.5 ∆E
25.4 ∆E
23.3 ∆E
20.5 ∆E
13.6 ∆E
18.1 ∆E
30.5 ∆E
1.9 ∆E
10.8 ∆E
17.1 ∆E
21.2 ∆E
19.6 ∆E
4.9 ∆E
ColorChecker Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD: 19.85 ∆E min: 1.87 - max: 30.47 ∆E
ColorChecker
28.3 ∆E
13.9 ∆E
16.1 ∆E
16.1 ∆E
14.3 ∆E
11.1 ∆E
16.2 ∆E
20.3 ∆E
19 ∆E
15.8 ∆E
9.8 ∆E
9.8 ∆E
25.4 ∆E
14.5 ∆E
23.5 ∆E
13.8 ∆E
18.8 ∆E
12.8 ∆E
4.9 ∆E
4.9 ∆E
4.7 ∆E
4.4 ∆E
2 ∆E
7 ∆E
ColorChecker Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7: 13.63 ∆E min: 1.95 - max: 28.28 ∆E
ColorChecker
12.9 ∆E
15.4 ∆E
3.9 ∆E
5.3 ∆E
3 ∆E
6.3 ∆E
12.3 ∆E
4.4 ∆E
20 ∆E
8.7 ∆E
8.3 ∆E
8.3 ∆E
10.1 ∆E
4.1 ∆E
19 ∆E
6 ∆E
15.7 ∆E
12 ∆E
2.9 ∆E
3.1 ∆E
3.2 ∆E
2.7 ∆E
9.8 ∆E
13.8 ∆E
ColorChecker Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD: 8.8 ∆E min: 2.66 - max: 19.97 ∆E
ColorChecker
6.3 ∆E
4.2 ∆E
7.9 ∆E
6.1 ∆E
7 ∆E
9.4 ∆E
7.5 ∆E
3.5 ∆E
8.6 ∆E
5.8 ∆E
2 ∆E
4.5 ∆E
6.7 ∆E
8.3 ∆E
8.2 ∆E
4.1 ∆E
6 ∆E
12.8 ∆E
9.4 ∆E
5.2 ∆E
3.8 ∆E
6.7 ∆E
6.3 ∆E
9.9 ∆E
ColorChecker Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE: 6.67 ∆E min: 2 - max: 12.82 ∆E

Accessories

The package doesn't include a USB-C to USB-A adapter, which was still included with the 9310. A 65-watt power adapter provides energy to a Type-C port (Power Delivery), regardless of which of the three you choose.

Maintenance

Since there haven't been any changes in terms of internal components, we decided against opening the case.

Input devices - XPS 13 with firm key stroke

Keyboard

We find the key stroke to be relatively hard. Furthermore, the keyboard surface yields a bit in the center but only under increased pressure. The firm stroke makes it possible to type quickly, and the clear pressure point provides good feedback. If you are used to desktop keyboards, maybe even mechanical ones, you might still find the stroke too soft. However, the firmness is very good by laptop standards.

The keys have a matte surface with a tendency to feel slippery. Moreover, the keys aren't rubberized either.

You can adjust the duration of the keyboard backlight in steps in the BIOS, including permanently enabling or disabling it. In the automatic mode, the backlight automatically turns on again when the keyboard or trackpad is used.

Dell XPS 13 9305 keyboard
Dell XPS 13 9305 keyboard
The arrow keys are still half the size and cramped
The arrow keys are still half the size and cramped

Touchpad

The trackpad has a short travel between the bottom and almost up to the center. Nevertheless, we experience a good feedback because the pressure point is clear and distinctly audible as well.

Display - XPS 13 with accurate colors

Sharp SHP14AE subpixel grid
Sharp SHP14AE subpixel grid

We managed to get our hands on the most affordable variant that costs 1,000 Euros (~$1,207) and features a semi-matte 1080p display (non-touch). As before, the panel comes from the manufacturer Sharp. Compared with the 16:10 display of the 9310, the average brightness drops from 479 to 446 candelas. This isn't perceptible; just under 500 cd/m² in the center of the screen is still a very good result. However, the maximum achievable brightness drops to 420 cd/m² on battery power, which is not the case with the 9310 (Full HD/4K).

At the same time, the brightness distribution has become worse. We only measure 390 cd/m² at the upper left, which is almost 100 cd/m² less than in the center of the screen. Therefore, the brightness distribution drops from 92% and 84% (9310 Full HD and 9310 4K, respectively) to 77%. The fluctuations might be due to tolerances in the panel manufacturing process. The contrast drops from 1,696:1 (9310 4K) or 1,430:1 (9310 Full HD) to 1,215:1.

390
cd/m²
433
cd/m²
415
cd/m²
457
cd/m²
486
cd/m²
504
cd/m²
436
cd/m²
432
cd/m²
458
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Sharp SHP14AE tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 504 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 445.7 cd/m² Minimum: 28 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 77 %
Center on Battery: 418 cd/m²
Contrast: 1215:1 (Black: 0.4 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 2.54 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 1.04
ΔE Greyscale 2.34 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
97% sRGB (Calman 2D)
97% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
62% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
67.1% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
97.1% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
66.3% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.28
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Sharp SHP14AE, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 4K
Sharp LQ134R1, IPS, 3840x2400, 13.40
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Sharp LQ134N1, IPS, 1920x1200, 13.40
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Sharp LQ134N1, IPS, 1920x1200, 13.40
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
APPA03D, IPS, 2560x1600, 13.30
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
JDI LPM139M422A, LTPS, 3000x2000, 13.90
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AU Optronics B140HAN06.8, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Display
14%
6%
1%
27%
1%
6%
Display P3 Coverage
66.3
80.2
21%
70.9
7%
66.3
0%
98.8
49%
66.6
0%
71.7
8%
sRGB Coverage
97.1
100
3%
99.1
2%
97.3
0%
99.9
3%
99.4
2%
99.3
2%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
67.1
78.9
18%
72.9
9%
68.5
2%
86.4
29%
68.6
2%
72.9
9%
Response Times
19%
43%
46%
3767%
938%
4%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
55 ?(25, 30)
59.2 ?(30, 29.2)
-8%
52 ?(27.6, 24.4)
5%
50 ?(22, 28)
9%
46 ?(22, 24)
16%
49.6 ?(23.6, 26)
10%
45.6 ?(23.6, 22)
17%
Response Time Black / White *
27 ?(10, 17)
40.4 ?(22.4, 18)
-50%
33.2 ?(19.2, 14)
-23%
33.2 ?(16, 17.2)
-23%
32.4 ?(18.4, 14)
-20%
30.8 ?(14, 16.8)
-14%
29.6 ?(14.8, 14.8)
-10%
PWM Frequency
996 ?(20)
2137 ?(31)
115%
2475 ?(20)
148%
2500 ?(25)
151%
113600 ?(75)
11306%
29070 ?(40)
2819%
Screen
-4%
-13%
-13%
17%
22%
-23%
Brightness middle
486
508.7
5%
543.3
12%
607.6
25%
512
5%
557
15%
399.6
-18%
Brightness
446
479
7%
524
17%
595
33%
491
10%
532
19%
385
-14%
Brightness Distribution
77
84
9%
92
19%
96
25%
91
18%
87
13%
89
16%
Black Level *
0.4
0.3
25%
0.38
5%
0.4
-0%
0.32
20%
0.33
17%
0.37
7%
Contrast
1215
1696
40%
1430
18%
1519
25%
1600
32%
1688
39%
1080
-11%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
2.54
2.72
-7%
3.02
-19%
3.23
-27%
1.7
33%
1.4
45%
3.2
-26%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
4.34
4.7
-8%
7.61
-75%
8.67
-100%
3.4
22%
2.5
42%
6.44
-48%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.04
1.92
-85%
1.23
-18%
1.01
3%
1
4%
0.7
33%
1.73
-66%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.34
3.4
-45%
5
-114%
5.5
-135%
1.9
19%
2
15%
4.7
-101%
Gamma
2.28 96%
2.11 104%
2.02 109%
2.12 104%
2.19 100%
2.14 103%
2.21 100%
CCT
6864 95%
6245 104%
6550 99%
6413 101%
6817 95%
6689 97%
7184 90%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
62
70.7
14%
66.8
8%
63
2%
77.4
25%
62.5
1%
66.3
7%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
97
100
3%
99.6
3%
97.5
1%
99.9
3%
99.5
3%
99.5
3%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
10% / 3%
12% / 0%
11% / -1%
1270% / 681%
320% / 180%
-4% / -14%

* ... smaller is better

AdobeRGB 62%
AdobeRGB 62%
sRGB 97%
sRGB 97%

Subjectively speaking, the colors still look vivid enough as we can verify by comparing the display with an OLED panel. Out of the box, the Delta E values are quite respectable: 2.3 and 2.5 (grayscales and colors, respectively) are better than what you'd get with the 9310 panels.

We used a spectrophotometer to perform a calibration, after which the Delta E value for colors drops to a brilliant 1.0, something that isn't achieved by the 9310. It seems that the panel can be calibrated excellently.

The sRGB color space is almost completely covered, and we measure a rate of 97%. The AdobeRGB color space is covered by 62%. These figures are a bit lower than those of the sibling models; however, the last three percentage points don't matter in practice, even when doing image-intensive work.

The panel uses PWM to reduce brightness, but it does so at a moderate frequency of 996 Hz. Only very sensitive users should notice something here. In addition, PWM only kicks in at 20% brightness and below, an avoidable scenario.

In short: Compared to the 9310 with the 1080p IPS panel (Sharp LQ134N1), the Sharp SHP14AE is actually a bit better thanks to a lower Delta E out of the box. Dell's CinemaColor was disabled for all measurements.

Calman saturation calibrated
Calman saturation calibrated
Calman saturation
Calman saturation
Calman grayscales calibrated
Calman grayscales calibrated
Calman grayscales
Calman grayscales
Calman colors calibrated
Calman colors calibrated
Calman colors
Calman colors

The semi-matte surface significantly prevents reflections in outdoor use, but not completely. Compared with reflective panels, the effect is still huge, so you can work outdoors as long as direct light is avoided. The brightness of 418 cd/m² on battery power is the factory setting; it looks like this limitation can be disabled in the BIOS. In our case, however, changing the brightness to 100% had no effect; it remained at 418 cd/m² on battery power.

XPS 13 9305 IPS Full HD (right, matte) versus Asus ZenBook UX325EA OLED Full HD (left, glossy)
XPS 13 9305 IPS Full HD (right, matte) versus Asus ZenBook UX325EA OLED Full HD (left, glossy)
XPS 13 9305 IPS Full HD (right, matte) versus Asus ZenBook UX325EA OLED Full HD (left, glossy)
XPS 13 9305 IPS Full HD (right, matte) versus Asus ZenBook UX325EA OLED Full HD (left, glossy)

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
27 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 10 ms rise
↘ 17 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 63 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
55 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 25 ms rise
↘ 30 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 90 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 996 Hz ≤ 20 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 996 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 20 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 996 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

As is typical for IPS panels, viewing angles range from good to very good.

Viewing angles of the XPS 13 9305 with a 16:9 panel
Viewing angles of the XPS 13 9305 with a 16:9 panel

Performance - The XPS goes Turbo

With the Tiger Lake Core i5-1135G7 and Core i7-1165G7, the 9305 has two brand-new chips at its disposal. Both are equipped with Intel Iris Xe iGPUs, the 80EUs version in the i5 and 96EUs in the i7. Both quad-core processors have a TDP of 28 watts. The storage and RAM configuration also varies depending on the chosen hardware.

CPU-Z system info: CPU
CPU-Z system info: Mainboard
CPU-Z system info: Memory
CPU-Z system info: Cache
GPU-Z system info
HWiNFO system info

Processor

The Intel Core i5-1135G7 used here is a quad-core processor from Intel's Tiger Lake generation. Its clock rates are between 2.4 and 4.2 GHz, although it's ultimately the configured TDP and the cooling system what will determine the performance provided. Dell configures the 9305 with a PL2 of 60 watts and a PL1 of 15 watts, meaning that the maximum performance of the i5-1135G7 can be reached, at least theoretically.

In our Cinebench R15 endurance test, the CPU displays increasing initial values that always reset and start to ramp up again after reaching a peak. The 9310 i7 behaves similarly, but it starts with a high rate that is never reached again later. The 9305 is evidently more conservative at the beginning of a load phase and consequently allows some performance to remain unused. The ThinkPad L13 Yoga shows that the Intel Core i5-1135G7 can also behave differently. It starts with a higher score, but afterwards, it lags behind on average (605 instead of 650). This is nothing special anymore, since the Ryzen chips eclipse the Tiger Lake ones. Take the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE for example.

08517025534042551059568076585093510201105119012751360144515301615Tooltip
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD Intel Core i5-1135G7: Ø650 (584.31-733.42)
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD Intel Core i7-1165G7: Ø718 (617.03-918.32)
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7 Intel Core i7-1065G7: Ø636 (559.86-812.55)
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen Intel Core i5-1038NG7: Ø761 (725.23-768.15)
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE Intel Core i5-1135G7: Ø605 (541.92-744.14)
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE AMD Ryzen 7 4800U: Ø1522 (1505.17-1639.01)
Cinebench R23: Single Core | Multi Core
Cinebench R20: CPU (Single Core) | CPU (Multi Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Single 64Bit | CPU Multi 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 -mmt1 | 7z b 4
Geekbench 5.5: Single-Core | Multi-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
Cinebench R23 / Single Core
Average of class Subnotebook
  (598 - 1934, n=68, last 2 years)
1609 Points +23%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
1328 Points +2%
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (1062 - 1373, n=53)
1322 Points +1%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
1308 Points
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
1235 Points -6%
Cinebench R23 / Multi Core
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2485 - 16201, n=68, last 2 years)
9955 Points +83%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
9762 (8462.22min - 9762.06max) Points +79%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
5447 (4192.8min - 5447.26max) Points
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (2786 - 6136, n=55)
4724 Points -13%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
4217 Points -23%
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (216 - 738, n=64, last 2 years)
602 Points +19%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
559 Points +11%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
515 Points +2%
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (375 - 527, n=62)
507 Points +1%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
504 Points
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
474 Points -6%
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
458 Points -9%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
438 Points -13%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
403 Points -20%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7
377 Points -25%
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (810 - 6314, n=64, last 2 years)
3825 Points +105%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
3213 Points +72%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
1998 Points +7%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
1913 Points +3%
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1883 Points +1%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
1863 Points
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (979 - 2382, n=62)
1827 Points -2%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1655 Points -11%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
1567 Points -16%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
1087 Points -42%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (91.8 - 280, n=62, last 2 years)
234 Points
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
218 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
197 Points
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (141.4 - 205, n=61)
194.4 Points
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
182 Points
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
180 Points
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7
178 Points
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
171 Points
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
169 Points
Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (514 - 2581, n=70, last 2 years)
1705 Points +133%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
1639 (1505.17min - 1639.01max) Points +124%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
918 Points +25%
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (431 - 941, n=65)
792 Points +8%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
768 (720min - 768max) Points +5%
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
750 Points +2%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
744 (541.92min - 744.14max) Points +2%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
733 (584.31min - 733.42max) Points
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7
643 Points -12%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
590 (456.98min - 589.46max) Points -20%
Blender / v2.79 BMW27 CPU
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
959 Seconds * -52%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
758 Seconds * -20%
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (499 - 1044, n=60)
662 Seconds * -5%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
632 Seconds * -0%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
630 Seconds *
Average of class Subnotebook
  (201 - 1600, n=66, last 2 years)
397 Seconds * +37%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
322 Seconds * +49%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
4.2 Seconds * +99%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 -mmt1
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5283 MIPS +15%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2197 - 6403, n=58, last 2 years)
5278 MIPS +15%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
4769 MIPS +4%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
4742 MIPS +4%
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (3924 - 4921, n=62)
4674 MIPS +2%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
4579 MIPS
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
4436 MIPS -3%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
4161 MIPS -9%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
44804 MIPS +83%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (16223 - 67444, n=57, last 2 years)
43017 MIPS +76%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
24447 MIPS
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (14745 - 24873, n=62)
21407 MIPS -12%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
20843 MIPS -15%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
19485 MIPS -20%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
18842 MIPS -23%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
16346 MIPS -33%
Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core
Average of class Subnotebook
  (672 - 2350, n=66, last 2 years)
1677 Points +23%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
1547 Points +14%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
1398 Points +3%
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (1147 - 1428, n=58)
1373 Points +1%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
1360 Points
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
1265 Points -7%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
1154 Points -15%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
1150 Points -15%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
977 Points -28%
Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4213 - 12580, n=66, last 2 years)
8762 Points +67%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
6950 Points +33%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
5798 Points +11%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5682 Points +9%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
5233 Points
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (3475 - 5472, n=58)
4663 Points -11%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
4564 Points -13%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
4454 Points -15%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
2636 Points -50%
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 / 4k Preset
Average of class Subnotebook
  (1.5 - 19.4, n=56, last 2 years)
11.5 fps
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
10.77 fps
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
5.99 fps
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (3.57 - 7.6, n=57)
5.93 fps
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
5.84 fps
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
4.75 fps
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
3.88 fps
LibreOffice / 20 Documents To PDF
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
88.6 s * -51%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
58.8 s *
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
57.8 s * +2%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
56.1 s * +5%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
55.7 s * +5%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (40.1 - 120.5, n=57, last 2 years)
53.6 s * +9%
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (44.2 - 62.9, n=60)
52.8 s * +10%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
46.2 s * +21%
R Benchmark 2.5 / Overall mean
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
0.702 sec * -8%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7
0.651 sec *
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U
0.642 sec * +1%
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7
  (0.619 - 0.727, n=59)
0.642 sec * +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen2-20VK000VGE
Intel Core i5-1135G7
0.639 sec * +2%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
0.613 sec * +6%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7
0.586 sec * +10%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (0.4397 - 1.236, n=57, last 2 years)
0.528 sec * +19%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
733 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
96.5 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Help

System performance

In the PCMark 10 benchmark for evaluating system performance, the XPS 13 9305 can only claim fourth place in our test field. This isn't relevant because the absolute difference is only 1-2%. The differences are much higher in the subcategories, where the Tiger Lake Core i7 and the Ryzen 7 4800U have the upper hand in Digital Content Creation and Productivity.

The performance achieved by other laptops in our tests can be found in our CPU Benchmarks article.

PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4384 - 7428, n=56, last 2 years)
5810 Points +24%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
Vega 8, R7 4800U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
5383 Points +15%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Micron 2300 512GB MTFDHBA512TDV
4914 Points +5%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1135G7, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ
4692 Points
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (4026 - 4952, n=53)
4613 Points -2%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
4522 Points -4%
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel SSDPEMKF512G8 NVMe SSD
4154 Points -11%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
3861 Points -18%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1038NG7, Apple SSD SM0512F
3222 Points -31%
Essentials
Average of class Subnotebook
  (8890 - 11168, n=56, last 2 years)
10202 Points +7%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Micron 2300 512GB MTFDHBA512TDV
9749 Points +2%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
9664 Points +2%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
Vega 8, R7 4800U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
9637 Points +1%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1135G7, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ
9514 Points
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (8149 - 9917, n=53)
9310 Points -2%
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel SSDPEMKF512G8 NVMe SSD
8763 Points -8%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
8190 Points -14%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1038NG7, Apple SSD SM0512F
7827 Points -18%
Productivity
Average of class Subnotebook
  (6213 - 10279, n=56, last 2 years)
7803 Points +25%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
Vega 8, R7 4800U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
7631 Points +22%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
7334 Points +17%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
7051 Points +13%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Micron 2300 512GB MTFDHBA512TDV
6838 Points +9%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1135G7, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ
6265 Points
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (5040 - 6619, n=53)
6218 Points -1%
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel SSDPEMKF512G8 NVMe SSD
5759 Points -8%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1038NG7, Apple SSD SM0512F
3568 Points -43%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4093 - 9749, n=56, last 2 years)
6758 Points +44%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
Vega 8, R7 4800U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
5758 Points +22%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Micron 2300 512GB MTFDHBA512TDV
4832 Points +3%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1135G7, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ
4703 Points
Average Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (3548 - 5255, n=53)
4612 Points -2%
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel SSDPEMKF512G8 NVMe SSD
3856 Points -18%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
3684 Points -22%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1038NG7, Apple SSD SM0512F
3256 Points -31%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
GeForce MX250, i7-10510U, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
2621 Points -44%
PCMark 10 Score
4692 points
Help

DPC latencies

The XPS 13 9305 shows the lowest interruption times in our test field. This makes it very well suited for real-time applications.

DPC latencies
DPC latencies
DPC latencies - Test
DPC latencies - Test
DPC latencies - Drivers
DPC latencies - Drivers
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Intel SSDPEMKF512G8 NVMe SSD
14995 μs * -121811%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
Vega 8, R7 4800U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
2164 μs * -17493%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Micron 2300 512GB MTFDHBA512TDV
1009 μs * -8103%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1135G7, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ
12.3 μs *

* ... smaller is better

Storage

Our test device is equipped with a Samsung PM9A1, and 512 GB is now the minimum configuration option. However, the M.2 NVMe SSD could also come from SK Hynix, Intel, or Toshiba as other XPS samples recently showed.

The Samsung model isn't a high-end NVMe drive. The sequential read and write speeds of 2,000 MB/s and 1,100 MB/s, respectively, are moderate and don't manage to come too close to the popular Samsung PM981 series. However, the Samsung drive catches up to its big sibling when it comes to reading and writing small blocks of data (Write 4K). In the end, the PM981 seems to be 45% faster if we stick to the total score of AS SSD.

More storage benchmarks can be found in our HDD/SSD Benchmarks article.

Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Micron 2300 512GB MTFDHBA512TDV
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Apple SSD SM0512F
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
Average Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
26%
-12%
40%
54%
101%
Write 4K
136.9
97.5
-29%
28.16
-79%
165.6
21%
146.1
7%
182.8 ?(122.4 - 237, n=30)
34%
Read 4K
47.34
50.9
8%
17.5
-63%
50.2
6%
47.18
0%
77 ?(47.3 - 92, n=30)
63%
Write Seq
1150
1811
57%
1195
4%
1905
66%
2896
152%
3119 ?(1056 - 4456, n=21)
171%
Read Seq
2052
1836
-11%
1470
-28%
1669
-19%
2754
34%
3360 ?(1249 - 4560, n=21)
64%
Write 4K Q32T1
433
521
20%
205
-53%
474.6
10%
425.8
-2%
464 ?(277 - 710, n=30)
7%
Read 4K Q32T1
293
357.5
22%
692
136%
508
73%
514
75%
566 ?(293 - 940, n=30)
93%
Write Seq Q32T1
1148
2879
151%
1475
28%
3007
162%
2989
160%
4450 ?(1148 - 5123, n=30)
288%
Read Seq Q32T1
3427
3204
-7%
1920
-44%
3556
4%
3568
4%
6333 ?(1770 - 6867, n=30)
85%
AS SSD
-110%
-109%
26%
0%
41%
Seq Read
2629
2091
-20%
1300
-51%
2737
4%
1658
-37%
4658 ?(2629 - 5546, n=38)
77%
Seq Write
1270
1396
10%
1518
20%
2530
99%
2464
94%
2766 ?(1108 - 3925, n=38)
118%
4K Read
65.2
49.29
-24%
14.09
-78%
54
-17%
59.5
-9%
67.8 ?(39.2 - 85.1, n=38)
4%
4K Write
182.5
104.2
-43%
24.25
-87%
152.5
-16%
128.6
-30%
174.9 ?(105.4 - 216, n=38)
-4%
4K-64 Read
1032
827
-20%
725
-30%
2011
95%
1576
53%
1566 ?(533 - 2783, n=38)
52%
4K-64 Write
1257
1636
30%
169.6
-87%
1260
0%
1986
58%
2393 ?(1010 - 3480, n=38)
90%
Access Time Read *
0.07
0.066
6%
0.172
-146%
0.066
6%
0.049
30%
0.048 ?(0.023 - 0.089, n=37)
31%
Access Time Write *
0.023
0.365
-1487%
0.155
-574%
0.024
-4%
0.087
-278%
0.03368 ?(0.02 - 0.076, n=38)
-46%
Score Read
1360
1086
-20%
869
-36%
2339
72%
1802
33%
2099 ?(1079 - 3224, n=38)
54%
Score Write
1567
1880
20%
346
-78%
1666
6%
2361
51%
2819 ?(1258 - 4036, n=38)
80%
Score Total
3573
3499
-2%
1667
-53%
5191
45%
5133
44%
5933 ?(3573 - 8620, n=38)
66%
Copy ISO MB/s
1430
1544
8%
1588
11%
2185 ?(979 - 3555, n=31)
53%
Copy Program MB/s
782
613
-22%
550
-30%
630 ?(115.3 - 1407, n=31)
-19%
Copy Game MB/s
1177
1451
23%
1329
13%
1390 ?(390 - 2780, n=31)
18%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-42% / -60%
-61% / -68%
33% / 32%
27% / 20%
71% / 63%

* ... smaller is better

Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 3427 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 1148 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 293 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 433 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 2052 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 1150 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 47.34 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 136.9 MB/s

Continuous load read: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8

No graph data

Graphics card

The Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 internal GPU with its 80 EUs is responsible for displaying image content in the XPS 13 9305. It shares memory with the CPU and benefits from a multi-channel configuration like the one found here. The benchmarks also prove to be correspondingly good, and the Xe Graphics G7 80EUs in the 9305 outperforms the Xe Graphics G7 96EUs (9310 i7) - but not in 3DMark 11. Dell's maximum performance mode was enabled.

You can compare the performance provided by other graphics units in our GPU Benchmarks article.

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2979 - 16904, n=55, last 2 years)
8016 Points +34%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs, Intel Core i7-1165G7
6698 Points +12%
Lenovo ThinkPad T15 Gen2-20W5S00100
NVIDIA GeForce MX450, Intel Core i7-1165G7
6616 Points +11%
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs, Intel Core i5-1135G7
6117 Points +2%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000/5000), AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
6085 Points +2%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs, Intel Core i5-1135G7
5978 Points
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (2246 - 6477, n=105)
5167 Points -14%
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
4508 Points -25%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i5-1038NG7
4374 Points -27%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, Intel Core i7-10510U
3614 Points -40%
3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2837 - 12349, n=59, last 2 years)
5881 Points +25%
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs, Intel Core i5-1135G7
4775 Points +1%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs, Intel Core i5-1135G7
4705 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T15 Gen2-20W5S00100
NVIDIA GeForce MX450, Intel Core i7-1165G7
4506 Points -4%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs, Intel Core i7-1165G7
4170 Points -11%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000/5000), AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
3938 Points -16%
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (1560 - 5305, n=107)
3782 Points -20%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, Intel Core i7-10510U
2951 Points -37%
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
2950 Points -37%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i5-1038NG7
2883 Points -39%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (811 - 4773, n=58, last 2 years)
1981 Points +47%
Acer Swift 5 SF514-55T-58DN
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs, Intel Core i5-1135G7
1384 Points +2%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs, Intel Core i5-1135G7
1351 Points
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs, Intel Core i7-1165G7
1209 Points -11%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000/5000), AMD Ryzen 7 4800U
1173 Points -13%
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (561 - 1511, n=104)
1170 Points -13%
Lenovo ThinkPad T15 Gen2-20W5S00100
NVIDIA GeForce MX450, Intel Core i7-1165G7
1086 Points -20%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, Intel Core i7-10510U
881 Points -35%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i5-1038NG7
825 Points -39%
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
824 Points -39%
3DMark 11 Performance
6434 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
4089 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
1490 points
Help

Gaming performance

The 3DMark results are impressive for an integrated GPU, delivering scores that are 5% to 25% higher than those of the discrete GeForce MX450 or 60% higher than those of the Iris Plus G7 found in the XPS 13 9300. However, as it turns out, these synthetic results don't translate well to real-world gaming performance, so users shouldn't expect frame rates that are 5% to 25% faster than those of a GeForce MX350/MX450 laptop.

Final Fantasy 15 and The Witcher 3, for example, are by no means faster on our XPS 13 9305 than on a laptop powered by the MX450.

The Witcher 3 - 1920x1080 High Graphics & Postprocessing (Nvidia HairWorks Off)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (11.2 - 92, n=57, last 2 years)
34.4 fps +86%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs
32.7 (29min - 36max) fps +77%
Lenovo ThinkPad T15 Gen2-20W5S00100
Intel Core i7-1165G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX450
32.5 fps +76%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000/5000)
23.1 fps +25%
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (9.3 - 33.5, n=98)
21.5 fps +16%
Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Gen2-20TD002MGE
Intel Core i7-1165G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX450
21 fps +14%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
18.5 fps
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
18.4 (14min - 23max) fps -1%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
Intel Core i5-1038NG7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
18 fps -3%
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
16.3 fps -12%
Strange Brigade - 1920x1080 medium AA:medium AF:4
Average of class Subnotebook
  (29.4 - 126.9, n=55, last 2 years)
47.1 fps +54%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs
38.5 (8.5min, 10P1 - 315max) fps +26%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000/5000)
32.5 (25.4min, 28.5P1 - 41.2max) fps +7%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
30.5 (10.6min, 16.5P1 - 153max) fps
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (6 - 48.8, n=80)
27.9 fps -9%
F1 2020 - 1920x1080 Medium Preset AF:16x
Average of class Subnotebook
  (51.9 - 67, n=2, last 2 years)
59.5 fps +113%
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (24.8 - 42, n=12)
32.3 fps +15%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
28 fps
GTA V - 1366x768 Normal/Off AF:4x
Average of class Subnotebook
  (31 - 172.6, n=51, last 2 years)
101.6 fps +34%
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs
76.8 (5.78min, 40P1 - 185max) fps +1%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
76 fps
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (28.9 - 133.8, n=80)
70.4 fps -7%
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark
1280x720 Lite Quality
Lenovo ThinkPad T15 Gen2-20W5S00100
Intel Core i7-1165G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX450
52.8 fps +50%
Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Gen2-20TD002MGE
Intel Core i7-1165G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX450
51.5 fps +46%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (18.9 - 130.6, n=54, last 2 years)
50.3 fps +42%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000/5000)
37.5 fps +6%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
35.3 fps
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs
33.7 fps -5%
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (8.32 - 45.6, n=100)
31.5 fps -11%
1920x1080 Standard Quality
Average of class Subnotebook
  (10.8 - 71, n=54, last 2 years)
27.2 fps +34%
Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Gen2-20TD002MGE
Intel Core i7-1165G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX450
26 fps +28%
Lenovo ThinkPad T15 Gen2-20W5S00100
Intel Core i7-1165G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX450
25.1 fps +24%
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
20.3 fps
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
Intel Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs
19.6 fps -3%
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000/5000)
18.8 fps -7%
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
  (4.47 - 25.1, n=93)
17.3 fps -15%

The Witcher 3 Ultra frame rates

0510Tooltip
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1135G7, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ: Ø11.8 (9-15)
low med. high ultraQHD4K
GTA V (2015) 81 76 23 9.7
The Witcher 3 (2015) 47.7 18.5 12
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 78.9 70.5 45.8 44 20.6
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) 35.3 20.3 20.3 20.3 2.98
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 43.4 30.5 27.7 32.5
Strange Brigade (2018) 76.1 30.5 26.4
F1 2020 (2020) 62 28

Emissions - The Dell XPS is mostly silent

Noise emissions

The XPS 13 is silent when used for office tasks and browsing the web. When the fans do start up, they operate uniformly and emit an audible noise, which can easily fade out, though.

We didn't detect any other noises, such as coil whine or the like, in our test device.

Noise Level

Idle
26 / 26 / 26 dB(A)
Load
33.5 / 33.5 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 26 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2032.13434.932.6253740.738.443.8313540.843.2404026.433.233.2315029.943.534.929.96319.526.731.429.98022.826.926.327.710023.225.425.127.212522.822.62333.916018.919.219.723.720018.518.919.219.525017.717.217.418.331517.61817.919.840018.518.215.116.750017.918.414.215.763018.519.214.415.680017.217.413.714.9100020.120.213.716.3125020.520.513.717.6160022.322.413.615.1200023.923.913.916.5250023.823.714.216.1315024.724.41416.9400022.822.814.518.3500020.219.914.720.6630020.518.815.124800021.417.715.325.91000020.818.216.128.41250018.215.915.220.81600014.513.715.514.9SPL33.933.626.832.8N1.81.80.91.7median 20.2median 19.2median 15.1median 18.3Delta2.32.41.93.931.940.532.833.138.631.929.736.236.931.231.729.722.73026.13132.622.723.524.422.421.723.723.520.723.52424.724.120.719.630.931.831.731.219.619.722.721.22323.119.724.224.519.319.92024.223.724.724.922.924.923.717.620.719.119.619.917.61820.318.419.318.8181920.517.117.817.11920.120.216.818.316.620.120.620.91515.814.520.622.923.114.314.714.422.923.824.41414.613.823.822.722.913.513.613.522.721.12113.113.313.121.121.722.113.413.11321.722.122.51312.913.122.124.223.915.413.513.224.225.825.613.413.41325.826.726.513.613.413.226.728.929.21413.313.328.926.126.113.813.213.326.12424.113.613.313.32419.7201413.513.319.717.918.113.613.313.217.916.316.613.813.11316.31313.513.212.512.31336.536.626.225.925.736.52.42.40.80.80.72.4median 22.1median 22.5median 14median 13.5median 13.3median 22.12.32.11.61.81.92.3hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseDell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHDDell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD

Temperature

Our measurements show that the Dell XPS reaches surface temperatures of up to 34 °C (~93 °F) under load. The warmest spot is at the rear section of the center, but the palm rests always remain cool. This also allows the laptop to be used under load such as on the lap, for example.

During our one-hour endurance stress test, the temperatures inside the XPS 13 rose up to 100 °C (~212 °F). The cooling system managed to lower these to about 65 °C (~149 °F) by the end of the test, leading to average clock speeds of 1.0 GHz, which is well below the base clock rate. The 60-watt PL1 was maintained for about 1:30 minutes, with heat rapidly reaching the 100 °C (~212 °F) mark and being contained for a while. After this period, power consumption dropped ad hoc to 15 watts.

Since a load level like the one in our stress test is almost impossible in everyday operation, users don't have to expect restrictions due to excessively high temperatures.

Prime95 and FurMark stress test: PL1 remains at 65 watts for just under 1:30 minutes, causing the SoC to quickly heat up to 100 °C (~212 °F).
Prime95 and FurMark stress test: PL1 remains at 65 watts for just under 1:30 minutes, causing the SoC to quickly heat up to 100 °C (~212 °F).
Max. Load
 43.5 °C
110 F
43.4 °C
110 F
37 °C
99 F
 
 33.7 °C
93 F
37.4 °C
99 F
27.8 °C
82 F
 
 27.6 °C
82 F
26.2 °C
79 F
26.6 °C
80 F
 
Maximum: 43.5 °C = 110 F
Average: 33.2 °C = 92 F
41.8 °C
107 F
43 °C
109 F
44.8 °C
113 F
32.2 °C
90 F
33.9 °C
93 F
32.2 °C
90 F
30.4 °C
87 F
31.1 °C
88 F
31.3 °C
88 F
Maximum: 44.8 °C = 113 F
Average: 35.4 °C = 96 F
Power Supply (max.)  32.7 °C = 91 F | Room Temperature 22.1 °C = 72 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 33.2 °C / 92 F, compared to the average of 30.7 °C / 87 F for the devices in the class Subnotebook.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 43.5 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 44.8 °C / 113 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 23.8 °C / 75 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 27.6 °C / 81.7 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (+0.7 °C / 1.2 F).
XPS 13 9305 i5-1135G7 heat development - Top (idle)
XPS 13 9305 i5-1135G7 heat development - Top (idle)
XPS 13 9305 i5-1135G7 heat development - Bottom (idle)
XPS 13 9305 i5-1135G7 heat development - Bottom (idle)
XPS 13 9305 i5-1135G7 heat development - Top (stress test)
XPS 13 9305 i5-1135G7 heat development - Top (stress test)
XPS 13 9305 i5-1135G7 heat development - Bottom (stress test)
XPS 13 9305 i5-1135G7 heat development - Bottom (stress test)

Speakers

The speakers of the Dell XPS 13 9305 are the same as those of the 9310. They are located on the right and left sides under the palm rest, where there is a small opening on each side.

Both mids and highs aren't too lacking, and they are relatively well balanced. The speakers even provide some bass, with an impressive amount of "oomph" coming out of the small case. The manufacturer manages to incorporate the volume of the chassis into the generation of sound. Even covering the speaker openings can hardly put a brake on the sound output.

As usual, the Max Audio Pro tool provides numerous audio enhancements. We can create a surround sound effect using the Waves nX function. For this purpose, the webcam scans the position of the head, and voices or sounds then become louder or softer on the headphones, depending on whether we're standing to the left or right in front of the webcam. This simulates a surround sound experience.

The microphone isn't located next to the webcam but at the front along the edge of the palm rest instead. In our test recording, speech is recorded clearly and without background noise. However, the speaker shouldn't move away from the laptop, because this causes the recording to immediately become quieter, but the background noise remains low.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2037.334.937.32540.738.440.73144.643.244.64034.733.234.75032.834.932.86327.331.427.38031.126.331.110041.225.141.21254923491605119.75120048.619.248.625049.517.449.531551.617.951.640058.115.158.150062.714.262.763065.214.465.280071.713.771.7100072.113.772.1125069.913.769.9160074.913.674.920007313.973250072.814.272.8315075.61475.6400070.814.570.8500073.814.773.8630075.615.175.6800077.515.377.51000073.716.173.71250063.115.263.11600050.815.550.8SPL85.426.885.4N63.50.963.5median 69.9median 15.1median 69.9Delta8.81.98.834.133.530.630.5323230.731.327.53427.330.824.832.62434.92340.124.445.723.248.92252.821.457.120.859.420.259.419.664.218.668.818.168.717.269.816.767.316.866.417.167.216.364.615.764.41660.21652.415.953.91654.215.855.815.650.229.677.51.338.7median 17.2median 59.42.27.835.739.535.732.930.732.930.530.130.525.623.725.628.722.128.73321.83338.223.738.243.822.143.847.617.947.654.817.654.857.61857.661.517.461.562.218.362.263.616.863.666.915.666.965.714.265.763.91463.972.21472.27313.47368.313.568.370.613.570.667.913.867.970.613.570.668.413.868.472.914.272.965.614.965.664.114.764.159.614.759.65515.75550.216.750.281.426.581.451.80.851.8median 64.1median 14.7median 64.15.41.55.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseDell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHDHuawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (77 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 21.4% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.5% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.3% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (17.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 43% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 49% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 30% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 62% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (77.5 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 12.8% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 6.1% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (4.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.2% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (5.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (20.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 59% of all tested devices in this class were better, 10% similar, 32% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 47% of all tested devices were better, 9% similar, 45% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (81.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 9.5% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (8.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.1% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.2% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (13.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 23% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 73% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 18%, worst was 45%
Compared to all devices tested
» 12% of all tested devices were better, 3% similar, 85% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy management - The lights go out sooner than with the 9310

Energy consumption

According to our measurements, the XPS 13 9305 shows an average idle power consumption, but maximum idle consumption shows an increase, especially compared to the other two XPS models in the table.

However, with a power consumption of up to 64 watts under load, it can dominate our test field even under the highest power consumption. We're talking about the PL2 Short Burst of 60 watts. How well the XPS makes use of its processor is also shown by the power consumption when the internal display is inactive, which is presented below. The HP Spectre x360 14 included in our comparison that has the same SoC starts with just under 30 watts and only matches the XPS at a level of 25-28 watts over time. Note: We're not referring to PL1/PL2 here but to the device's energy consumption when the TFT is inactive.

The included charger offers a maximum output of 65 watts and is consequently of sufficient capacity.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.35 / 0.15 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.2 / 6.7 / 10.5 Watt
Load midlight 28.5 / 64 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
i5-1135G7, Iris Xe G7 80EUs, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs, Micron 2300 512GB MTFDHBA512TDV, IPS, 1920x1200, 13.40
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel SSDPEMKF512G8 NVMe SSD, IPS, 1920x1200, 13.40
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
i5-1038NG7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Apple SSD SM0512F, IPS, 2560x1600, 13.30
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
i7-10510U, GeForce MX250, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR, LTPS, 3000x2000, 13.90
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs
 
Average of class Subnotebook
 
Power Consumption
-1%
-5%
-33%
-38%
-12%
-28%
Idle Minimum *
3.2
3.9
-22%
4.2
-31%
3.8
-19%
4.3
-34%
4.46 ?(2.3 - 15.8, n=101)
-39%
4.9 ?(1.77 - 11.8, n=63, last 2 years)
-53%
Idle Average *
6.7
5.9
12%
6.9
-3%
8.6
-28%
8.5
-27%
7.33 ?(3.5 - 16.8, n=101)
-9%
8.4 ?(4.6 - 17.4, n=63, last 2 years)
-25%
Idle Maximum *
10.5
6.3
40%
7.5
29%
10.3
2%
12
-14%
9.25 ?(4.5 - 17, n=101)
12%
10.4 ?(5.1 - 22.4, n=63, last 2 years)
1%
Load Average *
28.5
39.7
-39%
33.3
-17%
52.1
-83%
54.8
-92%
36.1 ?(14.3 - 70, n=99)
-27%
46.1 ?(19.1 - 83.3, n=62, last 2 years)
-62%
Witcher 3 ultra *
28.5
34.8
-22%
37.1
-30%
48.2
-69%
47.1
-65%
Load Maximum *
64
47.5
26%
48.4
24%
65.2
-2%
61.5
4%
61.2 ?(24.2 - 149, n=101)
4%
66.2 ?(24.2 - 121.2, n=63, last 2 years)
-3%

* ... smaller is better

External monitor power consumption

0510152025303540455055Tooltip
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1135G7, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ; Cinebench R15 Multi (external Monitor): Ø46.4 (36-58.3)
HP Spectre x360 14-ea0378ng Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 1TB HBRPEKNX0203AH(L/H); Cinebench R15 Multi (external Monitor): Ø24.7 (23.4-29)
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1135G7, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ; 1920x1080 The Witcher 3 ultra (external Monitor): Ø29.5 (27.7-32.7)
HP Spectre x360 14-ea0378ng Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 1TB HBRPEKNX0203AH(L/H); 1920x1080 The Witcher 3 ultra (external Monitor): Ø26.3 (23.3-29.5)
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1135G7, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ; Prime95 V2810 Stress (external Monitor): Ø32.1 (26.1-58.2)
HP Spectre x360 14-ea0378ng Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1165G7, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 1TB HBRPEKNX0203AH(L/H); Prime95 V2810 Stress (external Monitor): Ø24.2 (20-29.1)

Battery life

In our real-world Wi-Fi test, the XPS 13 9305 reaches a runtime of over 9 hours. This means that the 9305 apparently can't utilize its 56 Wh battery as well as the 9310 or 9300 variants. 9 hours is also the worst result in the comparison field, with Apple, Lenovo, Huawei, and HP having more powerful batteries.

We repeated the Wi-Fi test with maximum brightness, which could be an outdoor scenario where you need full brightness. At 5:30 hours, battery life is considerably shorter here.

ExpressCharge is on board, so the battery is fully charged within 1.5 hours. To optimize battery usage (slow charging is better), the Adaptive mode can be selected in Dell's Power Manager: The system will now optimize charging according to the typical battery use - so things will look different if you use the device plugged in frequently as opposed to using it in a mobile mode often.

There are settings for the TFT brightness and keyboard illumination in the BIOS. For example, the maximum brightness can be limited on battery power, which is also the case by default. However, turning off the brightness reduction by selecting 100% had no effect in our test device.

The timeout of the keyboard backlight on battery power can be set between 5 seconds and 15 minutes, or you can even configure it to never happen at all.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
25h 26min
WiFi Websurfing
9h 14min
WiFi Websurfing max. Brightness
5h 34min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 55min
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD
i5-1135G7, Iris Xe G7 80EUs, 52 Wh
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD
i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs, 52 Wh
Dell XPS 13 9300 Core i7-1065G7
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), 52 Wh
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen
i5-1038NG7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), 58 Wh
Huawei MateBook X Pro 2020 i7
i7-10510U, GeForce MX250, 57.4 Wh
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7-14ARE
R7 4800U, Vega 8, 61 Wh
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), 60 Wh
Average of class Subnotebook
 
Battery Runtime
16%
38%
31%
-3%
-12%
15%
-15%
Reader / Idle
1526
1800
18%
1623
6%
2223
46%
1197 ?(581 - 2550, n=10, last 2 years)
-22%
WiFi v1.3
554
657
19%
763
38%
728
31%
622
12%
619
12%
594
7%
623 ?(303 - 1144, n=64, last 2 years)
12%
Load
175
193
10%
146
-17%
79
-55%
160
-9%
115.4 ?(61 - 197, n=47, last 2 years)
-34%
H.264
687
715
778 ?(426 - 1153, n=30, last 2 years)

Pros

+ bright, high-quality Full HD display
+ high performance per watt
+ quiet or moderately loud under load
+ respectable audio quality
+ upgradeable M.2 NVMe PCIe x4 SSD
+ fingerprint reader
+ small, light, and slim design
+ fast microSD reader
+ good colors out of the box

Cons

- RAM and WLAN are soldered and not upgradeable
- low gaming performance
- no webcam shutter

Verdict

Dell XPS 13 9305 2021: A good budget laptop
Dell XPS 13 9305 2021: A good budget laptop

Does the XPS 13 9305 offer a lot of laptop for little money? Yes, and that is why we can recommend it without reservations. The bright, vivid display already shows colors excellently out of the box, so calibration itself is hardly worthwhile. The case has the same quality as the 9310, and this is also true for the input devices.

The Tiger Lake Core i5's performance is utilized in the best possible way, and Turbo is taken advantage of for almost one and a half minutes. Afterwards, performance fluctuates in a wave-like manner, but it always returns to a high level. The Tiger Lake Core i7 variant also exhibited this behavior, although it has a stronger starting phase. With all this said, the system never really gets loud, even in the corresponding Dell performance mode.

The M.2 SSD is upgradeable, but RAM, on the other hand, is not. This should be clear to users at the time of purchase. An upgrade for the pixelated 720p webcam was not to be expected from a budget XPS. But this is actually a pity, since the weak 08/15 webcam simply doesn't measure up anymore in 2021.

We can give the XPS 13 9305 a clear purchase recommendation. No competitor in this performance class offers such a razor-thin and perfect subnotebook for just under 1,100 Euros (~$1,335).

HP's Spectre x360 13 costs at least 1,200 Euros (~$1,456); it doesn't come with Tiger Lake yet, but it does have 16 GB of RAM. Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7 14 is currently a hit for 900 Euros (~$1,092); with its Ryzen 7 4700U APU, it computes faster and is even better equipped with 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD. However, the Yoga is thicker, larger, and it has a glossy panel. The Huawei MateBook X Pro (2020) costs 1,200 Euros (~$1,456), but the Core i5-10210U and the GeForce MX250 are no longer the latest chips. In addition, its gaming performance is lower than that of a Tiger Lake XPS 13.

Price and availability

You can find the Dell XPS 13 9305 in the manufacturer's online store. Prices currently start at $699.99 for the Core i3 version. The base configuration of the Core i5 model comes with 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD, and it costs $849.99. If you need more storage space, you can go for the Core i7 model with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, which is currently priced at $1,199.99. Alternatively, you can also keep tabs on Amazon and wait for the laptop to pop up there.

Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD - 05/11/2021 v7
Sebastian Jentsch

Chassis
89 / 98 → 91%
Keyboard
84%
Pointing Device
88%
Connectivity
59 / 75 → 79%
Weight
73 / 20-75 → 96%
Battery
87%
Display
87%
Games Performance
66 / 78 → 84%
Application Performance
87 / 85 → 100%
Temperature
91%
Noise
94%
Audio
73 / 91 → 81%
Camera
26 / 85 → 30%
Average
77%
88%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 Full HD laptop in review: Less display, better colors
Sebastian Jentsch, 2021-05-15 (Update: 2021-05-15)