Dell has released the latest model for its flagship laptop, the XPS 15 (9530).
This has historically been a very reliable high-end unit that showcases Dell’s design aesthetic and grand performance.
However, some slight design choices keep it from being the true all-purpose market leader it hopes to be.
Dell XPS 15 9530 on desk.
Disclaimer:This review was made possible by a review unit provided by Dell.
The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.
Pricing starts at $2,249.
As is always the case, the cost varies depending on your chosen hardware configuration.
The XPS 15 (9530) is relatively expensive compared to similar laptop configurations from other brands.
However, it also works well and is a reliable option.
What’s more, when closed, the XPS 15 (9530) looks ultra slim and classy.
It doesn’t weigh a ton either at 4.23 lbs (1.92kg), making it easy to transport.
Dell tends to do major design overhauls every 4 to 5 years without much tinkering.
For instance, the limited number of connections that the XPS 15 (9530) offers.
Let’s start with the good.
This right side also features a full-size SD card reader v6.0 and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack.
As with previous XPS 15 models, there is no built-in USB-A or HDMI port.
But then again, if it needed doing, these ports should have been built into the laptop.
The laptop can feel limiting since there are no built-in USB-A or HDMI ports.
Dell XPS 15 9530 on desk.
But as it is, the laptop can feel limiting.
I had to connect this accessory even to plug in mybest wireless mouse.
Of course, the other option is to purchaseUSB-A to USB-C adapters.
The XPS 15 (9530) has a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H.
It performs excellently in benchmarks and is perfect for this all-purpose laptop.
Thanks to the potentNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070processor, this laptop easily ran more demanding games with beautiful visuals.
Dell XPS 15 (9530) closed.
After updating the drivers, I played a few hours ofCyberpunk 2077.
Not bad at all.
However, the fans did go on blast shortly after initiating each gaming session.
The Dell XPS 15 (9530) comes with an HDMI and USB-A adapter.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
While definitely not the most powerful laptop out there, these are both very good scores.
This allows it to offer much faster boot times than average as well as higher bandwidth.
We’ve also got a meager sampling of Geekbench 6 results, which will grow over time.
There’s a headphone jack, USB-C charging port, and full SD card reader on the right side of the XPS 15 (9530).(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
It is a beauty to look upon and improves the creative or viewing experience.
The only downside is the extreme glare.
You’ll want to ensure you’re not seated with your back to a window.
Dell XPS 15 (9530) CrossMark benchmarks.(Image credit: Windows Central)
While ~400 nits is not extremely bright by some standards, OLED brightness appears much brighter than it is.
However, the 60Hz panel isn’t ideal and a more modern 120Hzdynamic refresh ratewould be better.
Gamers who tend to play FPS games or online multiplayer will prefer panels with 165Hz or 240Hz refresh rates.
Dell XPS 15 (9530) Cinebench R23 benchmarks.(Image credit: Windows Central)
That’s plenty of juice to get me through an average workday.
During testing, the XPS 15 (9530) was kept in a dry and cool environment.
However, results will vary when used in various temperatures.
Dell XPS 15 (9530) PCMark 10 benchmark.(Image credit: Windows Central)
This worked well and didn’t give me any issues when I wanted to use it.
Now onto the speakers.
It’s a beautiful experience, especially for laptop speakers.
Dell XPS 15 (9530) CrystalDiskMark benchmark.(Image credit: Windows Central)
It is a great choice overall, but there are ways that other brands outshine it.
The most likely (upcoming) challenger is Lenovo’s newSlim 9i Pro.
It also keeps a key in-A port, and has 6 Dolby Atmos speakers.
(Image credit: Windows Central)
It ships later in May 2023.
A more budget-friendly option that is also outstanding is theHP Envy 16.
Razer’s offering also tends to cost a few hundred less, which wallet-conscious folks will find appealing.
Dell XPS 15 (9530) Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Plus, you’re free to oftenfind it on sale, saving you a lot of money.
you’re able to see more inour best 15-inch laptops guide.
Dell XPS 15 (9530): Should you buy it?
Dell XPS 15 (9530) Geekbench 5 benchmark.(Image credit: Windows Central)
You should buy this if…
You should not buy this if…
It works very well performance-wise and can handle more intensive programs and gaming.
In that way, it’s more than capable of handling most work tasks and creative software.
Dell XPS 15 (9530) Geekbench 6 benchmark.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Overall, it’s a great choice for a work or personal laptop.
However, there are a few things that prevent it from being perfect.
It’s a bit pricey, but that’s what it takes to get the most powerful hardware.
Dell XPS 15 (9530) display default settings produced 100% of sRGB, 96% of AdobeRGB, and 100% of P3.
Dell XPS 15 (9530) PCMark 10 Battery benchmark.
Dell XPS 15 9530 underside.
Dell XPS 15 (9530) trackpad.
Dell XPS 15 9530 camera.
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 14-inch laptop (2023).
Running Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark on Dell XPS 15 (9530).
