Overview

The Dell XPS 13 9310 was the flagship of Dell’s 2020-2021 ultrabook lineup, featuring Intel’s 11th Gen Tiger Lake processors, the iconic InfinityEdge display, and a stunningly compact chassis that remains one of the smallest 13-inch laptops ever made. Originally starting at $1,299, it set the standard for Windows ultrabook design that competitors spent years chasing.

Design & Build

The XPS 13 9310 is a masterclass in miniaturization. Its 11.6 x 7.8-inch footprint is smaller than many 12-inch laptops, yet it packs a 13.4-inch display thanks to Dell’s InfinityEdge technology with 4mm side bezels. The CNC-machined aluminum lid and carbon fiber palm rest (available in black or Arctic white woven glass fiber) feel premium and durable. At 2.64 pounds (1.2 kg) and 0.58 inches thick, it’s exceptionally portable. The 2021 model added a subtle new color — Platinum Silver with a black carbon interior.

Performance

Intel’s 11th Gen Tiger Lake processors — Core i5-1135G7 (4 cores, 8 threads, up to 4.2 GHz) or Core i7-1165G7 (4 cores, 8 threads, up to 4.7 GHz) — brought a significant GPU upgrade with Iris Xe graphics that doubled performance over the previous generation. The i7-1165G7 scores approximately 1,500 single-core and 5,200 multi-core in Geekbench 6, with Iris Xe reaching roughly 17,000 in Night Raid — enough for light 1080p gaming at Low-Medium settings and smooth 4K video playback. The 15W TDP means sustained workloads cause throttling, but burst performance is excellent.

Display

The 13.4-inch display comes in two variants: a 1920x1200 FHD+ non-touch (500 nits, anti-glare) and a stunning 3840x2400 4K UHD+ touch (500 nits, 100% sRGB, 90% DCI-P3). The 16:10 aspect ratio provides more vertical space than 16:9 screens, ideal for productivity. The 4K panel is incredibly sharp and vibrant, though it takes a significant toll on battery life. The FHD+ model is the practical choice for most users, offering excellent sharpness with vastly better endurance.

Battery Life

With the FHD+ display, expect 10-14 hours of real-world productivity and 8-10 hours with the 4K panel. The 52Wh battery is well-sized for the efficient Tiger Lake platform. ExpressCharge delivers 80% in about 60 minutes with the included 45W USB-C charger. Battery life is competitive for the era but falls short of Apple M-series MacBooks and more modern ultrabooks.

Keyboard & Trackpad

The keyboard features 1mm of key travel — shallow by any standard. The key feel is crisp but some users will find it lacking for extended typing sessions. The glass trackpad is generously sized for the chassis, responsive, and features Precision drivers for excellent gesture support. The trackpad surface has a smooth, comfortable feel.

Ports & Connectivity

2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) with power delivery and DisplayPort, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. That’s it. No USB-A, no HDMI — you’ll need a dongle or dock for legacy peripherals. Dell included a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box. Wi-Fi 6 (Intel AX1650) and Bluetooth 5.1 are standard.

Pros

• Incredibly compact footprint — smallest 13-inch laptop of its era
• Gorgeous 4K UHD+ InfinityEdge display option
• Strong 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake performance with Iris Xe
• Premium aluminum and carbon fiber build quality
• 16:10 display aspect ratio for productivity

Cons

• Very limited ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 only, no USB-A or HDMI
• Shallow 1mm key travel keyboard
• 4K display kills battery life
• Webcam placement in bottom bezel is unflattering
• Discontinued; replaced by XPS 13 9315/9320
• Soldered LPDDR4x RAM, not upgradeable

Verdict

The Dell XPS 13 9310 was, in its day, the Windows ultrabook to beat — a stunning achievement in miniaturization with a gorgeous display, premium build, and strong performance. Looking back from 2026, its shallow keyboard, limited port selection, and bottom-mounted webcam reveal its age, but the core design remains influential. If you find one on the used market for $400-600, it’s still a capable machine for productivity tasks, though we’d recommend the newer XPS 13 Plus or MacBook Air M2 for anyone buying new.

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