Dell XPS 15 (2018–2025) Review: Evolution of Dell’s Most Powerful Laptop
Back in 2018, Dell shocked the laptop market by unveiling its most powerful XPS 15 ever. At the time, the announcement wasn’t just another refresh — it symbolized Dell’s ambition to merge cutting-edge performance with premium design. The laptop was marketed as a “desktop replacement in a portable form,” catering to creative professionals, developers, and gamers who needed both power and portability.
Fast-forward to 2025, the XPS 15 has continued to evolve, adapting to Intel’s hybrid processors, OLED display panels, and thinner but stronger chassis designs. To truly understand its impact, let’s revisit the original XPS 15 (2018 Black Edition) and compare it against the latest XPS 15 lineup, to see if Dell has kept its promise of delivering the ultimate Windows laptop.
Why the Dell XPS 15 Was a Game-Changer
When Dell launched the 2018 edition, it was one of the few laptops offering desktop-grade components inside a premium 15-inch body. With options like the 8th-gen Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti, and a nearly bezel-less InfinityEdge display, it was a true pioneer. Many reviewers at the time labeled it as the MacBook Pro killer.
Dell XPS 15 Specifications: 2018 vs 2025
| Feature | XPS 15 (2018) | XPS 15 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel 8th Gen i7-8750H (6 cores) | Intel Core Ultra 9 (16 cores, hybrid architecture) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti (4GB) | NVIDIA RTX 4070 (8GB) or Intel Arc GPU options |
| Display | 15.6” FHD or 4K UHD, InfinityEdge | 15.6” 3.5K OLED, HDR600, 100% DCI-P3 |
| Memory (RAM) | Up to 32GB DDR4 | Up to 64GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | Up to 1TB NVMe SSD | Up to 4TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD |
| Battery | 84Wh, ~8 hours usage | 97Wh, up to 15 hours mixed usage |
| Weight | 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs) | 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs) |
| Special Features | InfinityEdge display, discrete GPU | AI-boosted performance, OLED HDR, upgraded thermals |
Looking at this comparison, the progress is evident. Dell managed to slim down the chassis while boosting performance and battery life. The 2025 model now embraces OLED technology, faster PCIe Gen 5 SSDs, and modern GPUs suitable for 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and AI workloads.
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👉 Check Dell XPS 15 on AmazonDesign & Build Quality
One of the strongest points of the XPS lineup has always been its design. The Dell XPS 15 (2018) introduced the world to the refined carbon-fiber palm rest and CNC-machined aluminum frame. It was slim, premium, and stood out against bulky gaming laptops of its era.
The 2025 Dell XPS 15 takes this philosophy even further. The bezels are practically invisible, the chassis is 7% thinner, and the weight has dropped below 1.7kg. Despite being thinner, the laptop feels sturdier thanks to a new magnesium-aluminum alloy that resists flex while staying lightweight. It’s a laptop that feels equally comfortable in a boardroom, a coffee shop, or a creative studio.
Display & Visual Experience
The XPS series has always been known for its InfinityEdge display, and Dell continues to push the envelope. The 2018 model impressed users with its 4K UHD option, but color accuracy and brightness were not industry-leading.
The 2025 model introduces a stunning 15.6” OLED 3.5K HDR600 panel. With 100% DCI-P3 coverage, 500+ nits brightness, and Dolby Vision support, this display is a dream for video editors, photographers, and Netflix binge-watchers. Blacks are truly deep, colors pop, and viewing angles are exceptional. It’s not just a laptop screen — it feels like carrying a professional-grade monitor.
Keyboard & Trackpad
Dell refined the keyboard significantly since 2018. The older model had decent key travel but felt slightly mushy compared to Apple’s MacBook Pro at the time. By 2025, Dell has perfected its backlit chiclet keyboard with 1.3mm travel, tactile feedback, and improved spacing. Typing long documents or code is smooth and fatigue-free.
The glass precision trackpad is now 20% larger, offering buttery-smooth gestures and high accuracy. It finally feels on par with Apple’s industry-leading trackpads, something Windows laptops often struggled to match.
Performance in Real-World Use
Performance is where the XPS 15 truly shines. The 2018 edition handled Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and light gaming fairly well, but struggled with sustained thermal loads due to the GTX 1050 Ti.
The 2025 Dell XPS 15 is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics, supported by up to 64GB LPDDR5X RAM. In real-world testing, this translates to:
- 4K Video Editing: Exports up to 3x faster than the 2018 model.
- 3D Rendering: Renders in Blender and Maya complete 40% faster.
- AI Workloads: Local AI model training runs smoothly thanks to GPU acceleration.
- Gaming: Titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Fortnite run above 100 FPS at 1080p High settings.
Even under heavy use, Dell’s redesigned cooling system with dual fans and vapor chambers keeps temperatures in check. The fans do spin up under load, but noise levels are acceptable compared to gaming laptops.
🎯 Pro Tip: Always go for at least the 16GB RAM / 1TB SSD configuration. It offers the best balance of performance and price for most users.
👉 See Best Dell XPS 15 Configurations on AmazonBattery Life & Portability
Battery life has always been one of the defining factors in evaluating premium laptops. The XPS 15 (2018) delivered a modest 6–8 hours on mixed usage, which was decent at the time but couldn’t keep up with Apple’s MacBook Pro. Creative professionals often carried the charger everywhere, limiting portability.
In 2025, Dell made major strides. Thanks to Intel’s hybrid architecture and NVIDIA’s power-efficient GPUs, the new XPS 15 (2025) lasts up to 14–15 hours on typical office and browsing use. Streaming Netflix in HDR drains it in about 10 hours, while intensive video editing workloads cut that to 6–7 hours — still a huge improvement compared to the 2018 model. For students, business travelers, or freelancers working remotely, this makes a world of difference.
Speakers, Webcam & Multimedia
The speakers on the 2018 model were positioned along the sides, delivering acceptable audio quality but lacking bass depth. Webcam quality was also notorious — the infamous “nose-cam” placed at the bottom bezel ruined video calls.
Dell listened. The 2025 XPS 15 now features quad speakers tuned with Waves MaxxAudio, producing room-filling sound with improved bass response. For a laptop this thin, the sound is immersive enough for casual music, YouTube, or Netflix. Professionals may still prefer external speakers, but the jump in quality is impressive.
The webcam has moved back to the top bezel, now offering a 1080p IR camera with Windows Hello support. Video calls are crisp, colors look natural, and low-light performance is far better than before.
Comparisons: XPS 15 vs the Competition
Dell XPS 15 vs MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro)
Apple’s MacBook Pro is still the king of battery life and ecosystem integration. The M3 Pro chip provides unmatched efficiency, and macOS is heavily optimized for creative workflows. However, the XPS 15 wins in versatility: it offers a touchscreen, OLED display, better port variety (HDMI, USB-A, Thunderbolt 4), and the ability to run both Windows and Linux. If you need macOS, the MacBook wins; if flexibility matters, Dell XPS 15 is superior.
Dell XPS 15 vs HP Spectre x360 16
The Spectre is slimmer and has a stunning design, often with better battery life in lighter configurations. However, the XPS 15 outperforms it in raw GPU power and thermal management, making it better for heavy creative workloads. The Spectre is stylish; the XPS is practical power.
Dell XPS 15 vs Lenovo Yoga 9i
Lenovo’s Yoga series excels at 2-in-1 flexibility, but the XPS 15 targets professionals needing more sustained performance. While the Yoga appeals to casual users, the XPS 15 is positioned as a workstation disguised as a premium laptop.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Stunning 3.5K OLED HDR display with near-perfect color accuracy
- Powerful Intel Core Ultra + RTX 4070 combo
- Premium lightweight chassis with solid durability
- Improved thermals and fan control compared to 2018
- Excellent keyboard & large precision trackpad
- Battery life nearly doubled from older models
- Rich port selection (Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SD card reader)
❌ Cons
- Still heavier than ultrabooks like MacBook Air
- Fans can get loud under sustained heavy load
- OLED display increases cost significantly
- No dedicated “gaming laptop” cooling — not ideal for hardcore gaming marathons
- Battery drains faster during 4K video editing sessions
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Dell XPS 15 in 2025?
The Dell XPS 15 remains one of the best premium Windows laptops in 2025. It strikes the perfect balance between design, performance, and portability. Whether you’re a creative professional, developer, or power user who needs more than what ultrabooks can offer, the XPS 15 is a top-tier choice.
💻 Recommended Configuration: Dell XPS 15 (2025) with Intel Core Ultra 7, RTX 4070, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.
👉 Buy Dell XPS 15 on Amazon
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