Dell XPS 13 9310 OLED Laptop Review: Is It Better Than IPS?

The XPS 13 9310 launched late last year alongside Intel's 11th gen Tiger Lake series. Configurations at the time included FHD (1920 x 1200) and 4K (3840 x 2400) options all with IPS panels. Dell had promised OLED to come at a later date to supplement the existing IPS SKUs.
Now that halfway through 2021, the promised OLED SKU is finally shipping to customers for about $1650 USD complete with the Core i7-1185G7 CPU, 16 GB of soldered RAM, and 3.5K (3456 x 2160) resolution touchscreen. It's true that other flagship laptops have had OLED options for much longer, but this is the first time we're seeing it on a 16:10 13.4-inch form factor.
We recommend checking out our existing three reviews on the XPS 13 9310 FHD, XPS 13 9310 4K, and XPS 13 9300 to learn more about the chassis and its features as the XPS 13 9310 OLED is visually identical to these configurations. This review will focus more on the OLED touchscreen and what users can expect from it when compared to the usual XPS 13 IPS options.
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Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Best Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
88.3 % | 05/2021 | Dell XPS 13 9310 OLED i7-1185G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | 1.2 kg | 14.8 mm | 13.40" | 3456x2160 | |
87.4 % | 12/2020 | Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 4K i7-1185G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | 1.3 kg | 14.8 mm | 13.40" | 3840x2400 | |
88.1 % | 10/2020 | Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | 1.3 kg | 14.8 mm | 13.40" | 1920x1200 | |
85.9 % | 11/2019 | Dell XPS 13 7390 Core i7-10710U i7-10710U, UHD Graphics 620 | 1.2 kg | 11.6 mm | 13.30" | 3840x2160 | |
86.9 % | 04/2021 | MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A11MT i7-1185G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | 1.4 kg | 14.9 mm | 13.40" | 1920x1200 | |
09/2021 | Asus ZenBook 13 OLED UM325UA R7 5700U, Vega 8 | 1.1 kg | 14.8 mm | 13.30" | 1920x1080 |
Case
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Top 10 Smartphones
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SD Card Reader
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) | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 4K (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 32 GB UHS-II) | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 OLED (AV PRO microSD 128 GB V60) | |
Dell XPS 13 7390 Core i7-10710U (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 64 GB UHS-II) | |
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A11MT (AV PRO microSD 128 GB V60) | |
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB) | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 4K (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 32 GB UHS-II) | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 64 GB UHS-II) | |
Dell XPS 13 7390 Core i7-10710U (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 64 GB UHS-II) | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 OLED (AV PRO microSD 128 GB V60) | |
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A11MT (AV PRO microSD 128 GB V60) |
Communication
Transmit rates are slower than what we experienced on our older XPS 13 test units even after repeating this test several times. In practice, however, the connection remains stable and reliable for streaming and browsing.
Webcam

Display
Since the native resolution is 3.5K (3456 x 2160) instead of 4K (3840 x 2400), PPI is slightly lower than on the 4K XPS 13 IPS configuration (304 vs. 338). We suspect that the resolution is lower because there are currently no 4K OLED panels available in the 13.4-inch 16:10 form factor. Nonetheless, this can work in favor of OLED in some cases since text can be too tiny on the 4K 338 PPI screen.
The three biggest advantages of our OLED SKU vs. the other XPS 13 IPS SKUs are the faster black-white response times, infinite contrast ratio, and higher DCI-P3 color coverage. Colors pop with almost no ghosting for an amazing picture quality especially during movie playback.
Though the display supports HDR, the default Windows 10 settings will automatically disable HDR when running on battery to extend battery life. This transition from HDR to non-HDR or vice versa involves a momentary screen flicker whenever the laptop is connected to disconnected to an outlet. Fortunately, users can easily toggle the default settings by entering "Windows HD Color" in the Start menu search bar, making sure "Use HDR" is set to "On", and then setting the Battery options to "Optimize for image quality" instead of "Optimize for battery life". You'll know the settings are working when the screen stocks flickering when changing between AC adapter power and battery power.
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Brightness Distribution: 97 %
Center on Battery: 384 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.56 | 0.55-29.43 Ø5.2, calibrated: 4.52
ΔE Greyscale 1.5 | 0.57-98 Ø5.4
100% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
87.1% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
97.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
100% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
99.7% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.26
Dell XPS 13 9310 OLED Samsung 134XK01, OLED, 13.40, 3456x2160 | Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 4K Sharp LQ134R1, IPS, 13.40, 3840x2400 | Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD Sharp LQ134N1, IPS, 13.40, 1920x1200 | Dell XPS 13 7390 Core i7-10710U AU Optronics B133ZAN, Dell P/N: 90NTH, IPS, 13.30, 3840x2160 | MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A11MT Sharp LQ134N1JW53, IPS, 13.40, 1920x1200 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display | -13% | -18% | -25% | -20% | |
Display P3 Coverage | 99.7 | 80.2 -20% | 70.9 -29% | 63.4 -36% | 69.8 -30% |
sRGB Coverage | 100 | 100 0% | 99.1 -1% | 93.7 -6% | 98.8 -1% |
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 97.7 | 78.9 -19% | 72.9 -25% | 64.3 -34% | 70.6 -28% |
Response Times | -1179% | -914% | -1836% | -2355% | |
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 2.2 ? | 59.2 ? -2591% | 52 ? -2264% | 51.6 ? -2245% | 64 ? -2809% |
Response Time Black / White * | 2.2 ? | 40.4 ? -1736% | 33.2 ? -1409% | 33.6 ? -1427% | 44 ? -1900% |
PWM Frequency | 240.4 ? | 2137 ? 789% | 2475 ? 930% | ||
Screen | 3% | -9% | -50% | 28% | |
Brightness middle | 384 | 508.7 32% | 543.3 41% | 408.2 6% | 551.3 44% |
Brightness | 387 | 479 24% | 524 35% | 399 3% | 517 34% |
Brightness Distribution | 97 | 84 -13% | 92 -5% | 89 -8% | 91 -6% |
Black Level * | 0.3 | 0.38 | 0.39 | 0.37 | |
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 4.56 | 2.72 40% | 3.02 34% | 4.6 -1% | 1.45 68% |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 7.27 | 4.7 35% | 7.61 -5% | 11.84 -63% | 2.86 61% |
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 4.52 | 1.92 58% | 1.23 73% | 2.03 55% | 1.7 62% |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.5 | 3.4 -127% | 5 -233% | 7.5 -400% | 1.3 13% |
Gamma | 2.26 97% | 2.11 104% | 2.02 109% | 2.12 104% | 2.14 103% |
CCT | 6219 105% | 6245 104% | 6550 99% | 7966 82% | 6580 99% |
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 87.1 | 70.7 -19% | 66.8 -23% | 59.5 -32% | 65 -25% |
Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 100 | 100 0% | 99.6 0% | 93.5 -6% | 99 -1% |
Contrast | 1696 | 1430 | 1047 | 1490 | |
Total Average (Program / Settings) | -396% /
-236% | -314% /
-192% | -637% /
-300% | -782% /
-323% |
* ... smaller is better
Display Response Times
↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
---|---|---|
2.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 1 ms rise | |
↘ 1.2 ms fall | ||
The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 4 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (22.3 ms). | ||
↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
2.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 1.2 ms rise | |
↘ 1 ms fall | ||
The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.25 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 4 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (35.1 ms). |
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
Screen flickering / PWM detected | 240.4 Hz | ≤ 51 % brightness setting | |
The display backlight flickers at 240.4 Hz (Likely utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 51 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting. The frequency of 240.4 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 19046 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured. |
Whereas IPS panels would typically exhibit just one pulse-width modulation frequency, this OLED panel exhibits two discrete pulse-width modulation frequencies depending on the brightness level setting. We're able to record a frequency of 240.4 Hz and 61 Hz from 0 percent to 51 percent brightness and 52 percent to maximum brightness, respectively. In comparison, the XPS 13 4K IPS panel would exhibit a higher PWM of 2137 MHz only from 0 percent to 31 percent brightness. The XPS 13 IPS SKUs may therefore be the better option if your eyes are sensitive to screen flickering.
Outdoor visibility is a mixed bag. While OLED offers deeper contrast for easier readability, it's not as bright as the typical XPS 13 IPS display (384 nits vs. >500 nits). Thus, glare remains as much of an issue under most conditions. It's also worth noting that the display has a blue-green hue when reflections are heavy which is another unique characteristic not observed on IPS.
Performance
Processor
As noted in our earlier XPS 13 reviews, CPU clock rates cycle heavily when running benchmarks or games due to Dell's Dynamic Power policy. This can be observed when running CineBench R15 xT in a loop or when playing games as scores and frame rates tend to cycle to reflect the unsteady clock rates. For example, CineBench R15 xT scores would be anywhere between 609 and 765 points while Witcher 3 frame rates would be anywhere between 66 and 95 simply by idling on the world map.
Cinebench R23: Multi Core | Single Core
Cinebench R15: CPU Multi 64Bit | CPU Single 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 -mmt1 | 7z b 4
Geekbench 5.4: Single-Core | Multi-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
Cinebench R23: Multi Core | Single Core
Cinebench R15: CPU Multi 64Bit | CPU Single 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 -mmt1 | 7z b 4
Geekbench 5.4: Single-Core | Multi-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
PCMark 10 Score | 5226 points | |
Help |
DPC Latency
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95 | |
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A11MT | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 4K | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 OLED | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD |
* ... smaller is better
Dell XPS 13 9310 OLED Toshiba XG6 KXG60ZNV512G | Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD Micron 2300 512GB MTFDHBA512TDV | Dell XPS 13 7390 Core i7-10710U SK Hynix PC601 NVMe 512 GB | MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A11MT Phison 1TB SM2801T24GKBB4S-E162 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
AS SSD | -43% | -25% | 23% | |
Seq Read | 2694 | 2091 -22% | 1804 -33% | 3789 41% |
Seq Write | 1407 | 1396 -1% | 1000 -29% | 2257 60% |
4K Read | 54.4 | 49.29 -9% | 45.1 -17% | 54.2 0% |
4K Write | 195.8 | 104.2 -47% | 115 -41% | 78.7 -60% |
4K-64 Read | 1092 | 827 -24% | 893 -18% | 1330 22% |
4K-64 Write | 1269 | 1636 29% | 732 -42% | 2038 61% |
Access Time Read * | 0.064 | 0.066 -3% | 0.044 31% | 0.042 34% |
Access Time Write * | 0.062 | 0.365 -489% | 0.095 -53% | 0.04 35% |
Score Read | 1416 | 1086 -23% | 1119 -21% | 1763 25% |
Score Write | 1606 | 1880 17% | 947 -41% | 2343 46% |
Score Total | 3692 | 3499 -5% | 2608 -29% | 4938 34% |
Copy ISO MB/s | 1782 | 1544 -13% | 1515 -15% | 2270 27% |
Copy Program MB/s | 1023 | 613 -40% | 535 -48% | 670 -35% |
Copy Game MB/s | 1148 | 1451 26% | 1211 5% | 1525 33% |
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6 | 41% | 30% | 95% | |
Write 4K | 156.8 | 97.5 -38% | 134 -15% | 311.1 98% |
Read 4K | 39.66 | 50.9 28% | 42.91 8% | 56.6 43% |
Write Seq | 854 | 1811 112% | 1841 116% | 2397 181% |
Read Seq | 2167 | 1836 -15% | 1707 -21% | 2277 5% |
Write 4K Q32T1 | 441.1 | 521 18% | 394.7 -11% | 803 82% |
Read 4K Q32T1 | 395.5 | 357.5 -10% | 398.5 1% | 849 115% |
Write Seq Q32T1 | 858 | 2879 236% | 2250 162% | 2410 181% |
Read Seq Q32T1 | 3258 | 3204 -2% | 3265 0% | 4954 52% |
Total Average (Program / Settings) | -1% /
-13% | 3% /
-5% | 59% /
49% |
* ... smaller is better
Disk Throttling: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8
GPU Performance
3DMark 11 Performance | 6398 points | |
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 15019 points | |
3DMark Fire Strike Score | 4449 points | |
3DMark Time Spy Score | 1526 points | |
Help |
Strange Brigade | |
1280x720 lowest AF:1 | |
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A11MT | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 OLED | |
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs (86.9 - 105, n=120) | |
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD | |
1920x1080 medium AA:medium AF:4 | |
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A11MT | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD | |
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs (37.6 - 48.3, n=119) | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 OLED | |
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD | |
1920x1080 high AA:high AF:8 | |
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A11MT | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 OLED | |
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs (29 - 38.1, n=118) | |
Dell XPS 13 9305 Core i5 FHD | |
1920x1080 ultra AA:ultra AF:16 | |
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A11MT | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 Core i7 FHD | |
Average Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs (23.7 - 30.8, n=116) | |
Dell XPS 13 9310 OLED |