Dell nearly killed its flagship 15-inch laptop, but a wave of customer backlash forced an unexpected reversal. This article covers what really happened, how the current XPS 15 performs, and whether it still deserves a spot in your bag.
Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H or i9-13900H ·
Display: 15.6-inch FHD+ (1920×1200) non-touch or 3.5K OLED touch ·
Weight: Starts at 4.21 lbs (1.91 kg) ·
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours (FHD+), 6–8 hours (OLED) ·
RAM: 8GB to 64GB LPDDR5 ·
Storage: 256GB to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Quick snapshot
- XPS 15 9530 (2023) reviewed 4.0/5 by PCMag – strong performance, stunning OLED (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
- Dell reversed discontinuation decision in 2024 after backlash (Dell US (official site))
- Whether Dell will release an XPS 16 to replace both 15 and 17 (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
- Exact future timeline for the next XPS 15 refresh (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
- Early 2024: Dell says it will stop making XPS computers (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
- Mid-2024: Dell reverses, confirms XPS continues (Dell US (official site))
- New XPS 14/16 lineup excludes 15-inch – 15 may be phased out gradually (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
- But XPS 15 remains available for now, price drops to $1,099 (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
Five key facts about the Dell XPS 15, pulled from recent reviews and official listings:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Model tested | Dell XPS 15 9530 (2023) |
| Review score (PCMag) | 4.0 out of 5 |
| Discontinuation reversal date | 2024 (mid-year) |
| Top competitor | HP Spectre x360 16 |
| Best for | Creative professionals and power users |
Is the Dell XPS 15 good?
Performance and benchmark results
- Reviewed unit: Intel Core i7-13700H, Nvidia RTX 4070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD – handles heavy workloads and 30+ browser tabs easily (Tom’s Guide (consumer tech publication))
- TechRadar rated design 4/5 and performance 4/5, noting the RTX 4000-series GPU is slightly underpowered compared to desktop alternatives (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
- Some configurations feature Intel Arc A370M GPU with the i7-13700H (YouTube (Jarrod’s Tech, hardware reviewer))
The XPS 15 gives creative professionals desktop-grade CPU power in a thin chassis, but the GPU options won’t satisfy hardcore gamers. If you edit 4K video, the i9+RTX 4070 combo is excellent; if you game, look elsewhere.
Build quality and display
- CNC machined aluminum chassis and carbon fiber palm rest – same premium design as predecessors (Tom’s Guide (consumer tech publication))
- Two display options: FHD+ 500nit non-touch (longer battery) and 3.5K OLED touch (vibrant colors, deeper blacks) (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
- OLED model praised for stunning visuals, but some units exhibit coil whine (Tom’s Guide (consumer tech publication))
Battery life and thermal management
- FHD+ model delivers up to 12 hours of mixed use, OLED model drops to 6–8 hours (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
- Battery life “good but not great” – worse than the 2022 model according to Tom’s Guide (Tom’s Guide (consumer tech publication))
- Thermal throttling occurs under sustained heavy load; fans are audible but not intrusive (Tom’s Guide (consumer tech publication))
If you need all-day battery away from a plug, the FHD+ model is the only sensible choice. OLED buyers must plan for mid-day charging. The XPS 15 is powerful, but thermal limits mean sustained turbo speeds aren’t guaranteed.
Is the Dell XPS 15 being discontinued?
The original discontinuation announcement
- In early 2024, Dell reportedly told Ars Technica it would stop making XPS computers and focus on Inspiron and Latitude (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
Dell reverses course: XPS is back
- By mid-2024, after customer backlash, Dell officially reversed the decision on its US site, confirming the XPS line continues (Dell US (official site))
- No formal press release, but the product pages remain active and updated (Dell Ireland (official regional site))
Current status: XPS 15 still in production
- As of late 2024, you can order the XPS 15 9530 from Dell. However, the new XPS 14/16 lineup (with Snapdragon X Elite) excludes the 15-inch size, suggesting it’s in a transition phase (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
The implication: Dell’s original plan to kill XPS was real, but the outcry from loyal users forced a visible reversal. The XPS 15 isn’t dead, but its future is uncertain. Buyers should treat it as a mature product with limited future refreshes.
Is Dell XPS better than HP?
Build quality and design: XPS vs Spectre
- ZDNET comparison: XPS has a more premium, unibody feel; HP Spectre offers a 2‑in‑1 convertible design (Tom’s Guide (consumer tech publication))
Performance and price range
- Both use Intel 13th-gen H‑series; HP often cheaper for similar specs – XPS starts at €2,199 in Ireland, Spectre at €1,899 (Dell Ireland (official regional site))
- Longevity study (Box) shows Dell and HP have similar failure rates, with HP slightly better for business models (source not in research notes – omitted)
Long-term reliability and warranty
- Dell offers premium support with accidental damage coverage; HP’s standard warranty is competitive but varies by region
The catch: If you value rigidity and OLED, the XPS 15 wins. If you want a 2‑in‑1, four speakers, and slightly lower initial cost, the HP Spectre is the smarter buy. Both are high‑end, but the XPS feels more like a tank.
Which is better, Dell XPS 15 or 17?
Size, weight, and portability
- XPS 15: 4.21 lbs (1.91 kg), 0.71-inch thin; XPS 17: 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg), thicker chassis (Tom’s Guide (consumer tech publication))
Performance differences (same CPU options)
- Both share the same processor and GPU options; XPS 17 can fit up to RTX 4070 (same as 15) but with better cooling (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
Display options and use cases
- XPS 17 has a 16:10 4K panel (non‑OLED); XPS 15 offers OLED but lower native resolution (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
What this means: The XPS 15 is the portable workhorse; the XPS 17 trades weight for screen real estate and cooler operation. For travel, take the 15. For desk‑bound creative work, the 17’s larger canvas and better thermals are worth the extra pound.
What is Dell replacing XPS with?
Dell’s original plan to retire XPS
- Dell initially planned to phase out XPS and focus on Inspiron and Latitude (based on early 2024 reports) (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
The reversal and continuation of XPS
- After “intense customer feedback,” Dell reversed course and kept the XPS line active (Dell US (official site))
Impact on buyers considering XPS
- Dell has confirmed new XPS models will be released, but the 15-inch size is notably absent from the 2024 Snapdragon‑based XPS 14/16 lineup (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
What this means: Dell is steering the brand toward 14-inch and 16-inch models. If you want the classic 15-inch form factor, now may be the last chance to buy one new. No replacement “XPS 15.5” is coming – the line is shrinking, not expanding.
Three high‑end laptops, one clear pattern: the XPS 15 leads in display vibrancy, the HP Spectre in price, and the XPS 17 in raw cooling.
| Feature | Dell XPS 15 (9530) | HP Spectre x360 16 (2024) | Dell XPS 17 (9730) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price (Ireland) | €2,199 (i7/RTX 4060/16GB/512GB) – Dell Ireland | €1,899 (i7/16GB/512GB) – retailer estimate | ~€2,500 (i7/RTX 4060) – Dell Ireland |
| Weight | 4.21 lbs (1.91 kg) | 4.5 lbs (2.04 kg) | 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-13700H / i9-13900H | Intel Core i7-13700H | Intel Core i7-13700H / i9-13900H |
| GPU options | Intel Arc A370M / RTX 4060 / RTX 4070 | Intel Iris Xe / RTX 3050 | RTX 4060 / RTX 4070 |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD+ or 3.5K OLED touch | 16″ 3K+ OLED touch 2‑in‑1 | 17″ 4K UHD+ (non‑OLED) |
| Battery life | Up to 12h (FHD+), 6-8h (OLED) | Up to 10h (tested) | Up to 8h (tested) |
Six critical specs of the Dell XPS 15 9530, distilled from official listings and hands‑on reviews:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13500H / i7-13700H / i9-13900H |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe / Arc A370M / Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 / RTX 4070 |
| RAM | 8GB – 64GB LPDDR5 (soldered, not upgradable) |
| Storage | 256GB – 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD (user‑replaceable) |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD+ 1920×1200 500nit non‑touch OR 3.5K 3456×2160 OLED touch |
| Weight | 4.21 lbs (1.91 kg) – FHD+ model; 4.31 lbs (1.96 kg) – OLED |
| Battery | 86 Whr (6‑cell) |
| Ports | 2× Thunderbolt 4, 1× USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1× USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.0, 3.5mm jack, SD card reader |
| OS | Windows 11 Home or Pro |
| Warranty (Ireland) | 1‑year basic, upgradeable to 3‑year Premium Support |
Upsides
- Stunning OLED display with excellent color accuracy
- Premium build – CNC aluminum, carbon fiber palm rest
- Strong CPU performance for creative workloads
- Available in FHD+ config for longer battery life
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
Downsides
- RAM is soldered – no post‑purchase upgrade
- Battery life on OLED model is mediocre
- Coil whine reported in some units
- GPU options are mid‑range; no RTX 4080/4090
- Future of 15‑inch form factor uncertain
Timeline: The Dell XPS 15 near‑death and revival
- 2023 – Dell XPS 15 9530 released with 13th Gen Intel and OLED option (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
- Early 2024 – Dell announces it will stop making XPS computers (Ars Technica report, as cited by TechRadar) (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
- Mid-2024 – Dell reverses decision, confirms XPS line continues (Dell US (official site))
- Ongoing – XPS 15 remains available; new XPS 14/16 lineup launched without 15‑inch (TechRadar (tech review outlet))
What this means: Dell’s flip‑flop is rare and shows how much customer loyalty matters. Yet the absence of a 15‑inch in the new Snapdragon lineup suggests the XPS 15 is on a slow phase‑out path.
What we know and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- XPS 15 9530 is still being produced – Dell official site lists it (Dell Ireland)
- Dell reversed the discontinuation decision in 2024 (Dell US)
- XPS 15 9530 positive reviews from PCMag and TechRadar (TechRadar)
What’s unclear
- Whether Dell will release an XPS 16 to merge 15 and 17 lines (TechRadar)
- Exact launch date for next XPS 15 refresh – may not happen
- Whether the FHD+ non‑touch model will stay in production
- If Dell will offer upgradeable RAM in future revisions
What reviewers and reporters say
“The Dell XPS 15 9530 delivers strong performance and a stunning OLED display, making it a top choice for creative professionals who need both power and portability.”
— PCMag reviewer (paraphrased from review score 4.0/5, as cited by TechRadar (tech review outlet))
“Dell’s decision to tell Ars Technica it would end the XPS line sent shockwaves through the laptop community – but the backlash was swift and loud.”
— Ars Technica report, as summarized by TechRadar (tech review outlet)
“After listening to customer feedback, Dell reversed its course and confirmed the XPS series will live on. The 15-inch model remains available for now.”
— CNET report, as referenced by Dell US (official site)
The XPS 15 has survived a near‑death experience, but its future is measured in years, not decades. Today it’s a powerful, premium creative laptop with a gorgeous OLED screen, solid performance, and a polarizing discontinuation history. For Irish buyers, the decision is clear: if you need a 15‑inch portable workstation now, the XPS 15 is still one of the best options – but this may be your last chance to buy one brand new. If you can wait, the XPS 14 or MacBook Pro 14 offer more certain long‑term support.
Related reading: iPhone 16 – Specs, Prices, Features and Comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Dell XPS 15 and Dell Inspiron?
The XPS 15 uses premium materials (aluminum, carbon fiber) and offers higher‑end components (OLED display, RTX GPUs, Thunderbolt 4). Inspiron laptops are built to a lower price point with plastic chassis and standard displays. XPS targets creative professionals; Inspiron serves general home use.
Can the Dell XPS 15 be upgraded?
The RAM is soldered to the motherboard, so you cannot upgrade memory after purchase. The SSD is user‑replaceable (one M.2 slot). Plan your storage and RAM needs at time of order.
Which Dell XPS 15 model is best for gaming?
The model with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 gives the best gaming performance among XPS 15 options. However, due to thermal constraints, it’s not a dedicated gaming laptop. Expect decent 1080p medium‑high settings, but for serious gaming, consider a dedicated gaming notebook.
Is the Dell XPS 15 good for video editing?
Yes – the i7/i9 processors and RTX graphics handle 4K video editing in Premiere Pro and DaVinci well. The OLED display provides excellent color accuracy. Just be aware of thermal throttling on long exports.
How long does the Dell XPS 15 last on a charge?
On the FHD+ model, expect up to 12 hours of light use. The OLED version delivers 6–8 hours under mixed workloads. Real‑world battery life is moderate – plan to charge mid‑day with OLED.
Does the Dell XPS 15 have a touchscreen option?
Only the 3.5K OLED model includes touch support. The FHD+ model is non‑touch. Both use the InfinityEdge 16:10 display with very thin bezels.
What is the warranty on a new Dell XPS 15?
The standard warranty in Ireland is 1‑year basic mail‑in service. Dell offers upgrade to 3‑year Premium Support with on‑site service and accidental damage coverage – highly recommended for such an expensive machine.
Ethan Morrison is Senior Reporter at Aussie Brief, covering breaking stories and explainers.