Dell takes on Apple’s MacBook Neo with the new XPS 13 at an affordable price

The highly anticipated Computex 2026 event has commenced in Taiwan, showcasing Dell's latest innovation aimed squarely at Apple's market. The tech giant has launched its new laptop, the Dell XPS 13, priced at an attractive $599 (approximately ₹56,832) for students, offering premium features without breaking the bank. This launch directly challenges Apple's MacBook Neo, catering to casual users and students in search of a dependable everyday laptop. Here’s a closer look at what the Dell XPS 13 has to offer. The Dell XPS 13 is being hailed as the slimmest and lightest model in its lineup, measuring just 12.7mm thick and weighing around 997 grams. Its design features a CNC-machined aluminum chassis and boasts a stunning 2.5K touchscreen display with a brightness of up to 500 nits and a fluid 120Hz refresh rate. For enhanced usability, it includes a backlit keyboard and WiFi 7, ensuring seamless productivity. Connectivity options are ample, with two USB-C ports included. Under the hood, the XPS 13 is powered by an Intel Core Series 3 processor, complemented by 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. It also incorporates a dual-fan cooling system to maintain optimal performance. In terms of battery life, the laptop promises an impressive 17 hours of video playback, making it ideal for students and professionals alike. Pricing details reveal that the Dell XPS 13 is set at $700 (about ₹67,900), while the Apple MacBook Neo is slightly more expensive at ₹69,900. However, for students under 16, the price drops to $599 (around ₹56,832). The Indian pricing for the Dell XPS 13 is yet to be finalized. When comparing the Dell XPS 13 to the MacBook Neo, the former offers a larger 13.4-inch touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, whereas the MacBook Neo lacks a touchscreen and features a 60Hz refresh rate. Dell's backlit keyboard is a significant advantage in low-light settings, a feature absent in Apple's offering. Moreover, the XPS 13 is marginally lighter, enhancing its portability, and it includes two high-speed USB-C (3.2 Gen 2) ports for efficient data transfer. However, it’s important to note that the MacBook Neo is priced more competitively than the Dell XPS 13, making it an interesting choice for budget-conscious consumers.