Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Vs. Dell XPS 12

Dell hoped to break the chatter by launching its XPS line-up. XPS 15 follows the same philosophy as the younger XPS 13, an infinity display design along with high-end specifications. In terms of top Windows 10 laptops, Dell is crowned as the front runner, as the things might change after Surface Book has been tested to the hilt. Until then, Dell XPS 13 and 15 are considered the best Windows 10 laptops.

Dell also unveiled XPS 12, a 2-in-1 tablet-cum-laptop. At first glance it looks like a laptop but has a separate base unit. This time Dell has experimented with magnets whereas previous XPS 12 had a spinning display that converted to a tablet. Dell has not tried anything weird, it looks somehow it broached Microsoft Surface territory. Dell has revealed a new tablet/laptop hybrid, the XPS 12, which brings the fight straight to the aluminium doors of the Microsoft Surface Pro 4.

Microsoft Corporation has been under the spotlight for past couple of days, as its Surface Pro 4 has surprised the tech community at large. The device was expected to be a big bump over its predecessor, Surface Pro 3, and that is what Microsoft did. However, Microsoft's first in-house laptop, Surface Book has got everyone talking.

Display, Design

Dell XPS 12's 12.5-inch IPS screen comes in two display choices, 1920 x 1080 and UltraHD 4K. The company has decided to house a 4K panel to generate 352ppi. Although Microsoft is not far behind but not offers a 4K display either. Its 12.3-inch display panel is capable of 2736 x 1824 resolution, which translates to 267ppi. It can surely beat 1080p display offered in XPS 12’s base model.

Design- and construction-wise XPS 12 touches base as a true laptop which could be transformed into a tablet. On the other hand, Surface Pro 4 relies on a stand for support which can get in the way if the user plans to use it on his lap. A single look at XPS 12 will make the one think it is a laptop, but if he takes a look at Surface Pro 4, it barely passes off as a laptop.

Power, Processor

Dell decided to stay away from Intel Core i processors for XPS 12, instead opted for Intel's Skylake Core M processor. Surface Pro 4 also housed the same Core M processor but it is limited to the base model only. Moreover, Microsoft realized the users might look for extra power, hence it launched Surface Pro 4 with an option to upgrade to 6th generation Core i5 and i7 processors. With a variety of performance options, Surface Pro 4 beats Dell. Core M in no way is a slow processor, even some claim that in terms of performance, not graphics, Core M tries to match Core i.

Dell XPS 12 sits tight with 8GB RAM for the base and upgraded models whereas Surface Pro 4 base model starts off with 4GB RAM, provides an option for upgrade to 8GB or 16GB, and depends on how much a user is willing to spend.

When it comes to storage, Dell offers 128GB and 256GB SSD choice, while Surface Pro 4 offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Thus, Microsoft offers 512GB extra storage compared to Dell.

Ports, Accessories, Pricing

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 features one USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader slot, and a Mini DisplayPort. It also houses an ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and a magnetometer, slowly becoming staples to Surface line-up. On the other hand, Dell XPS 12 houses a memory card reader slot and two USB Type-C ports capable of Thunderbolt 3.0 support.

Microsoft packs a Surface Pen in the box whereas Dell pitches in an adaptor for USB peripherals, a folio (in case the user needs a protective cover), and a keyboard. Stylus support is also present but not included in the pack.

Dell XPS 12's base model with 1080p HD touch display, 128GB storage and 8GB RAM is available for $999. Its updated model provides 4K display and 256GB storage for $1,299. Microsoft Surface Pro 4's base model with 128GB, Core M processor and 4GB RAM is priced at $899. The high-end Surface Pro 4 packs 256GB storage, Core i7 processor and 8GB RAM for $1,599. There is another Surface Pro 4 model, which houses 256GB storage (same as Dell XPS 12), Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM (same as Dell XPS 12) for $1,299. However, Microsoft does not bundle the keyboard with Surface Pro 4, and it costs $129 separately. Both devices debut with Windows 10 operating system, hence the ecosystem experience would be same.