The budget laptop market no longer belongs to Apple alone. With the launch of the new Dell XPS 13one of the most iconic manufacturers in the world Dwelling windows returns to the scene with a team that looks directly into the eyes of the MacBook Neo ? and that in many aspects surpasses it. The announcement came at Computex 2026 and made it clear that the battle for the affordable segment is going to be more intense than ever.
Since Apple introduced the MacBook Neo at $599something moved in the industry. The large PC manufacturers understood that they could no longer continue leaving that free space to Cupertino. There is a real demand for devices that offer top-rate design, good performance and a price that does not require you to take out a second credit card. And Dell knows this better than anyone.
An ultra-thin beast that weighs less than a kilo
The first thing that surprises about this new XPS 13 is what it doesn’t weigh: only 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram)making it the thinnest and lightest XPS computer in Dell history. At just 0.5 inches thick and with a casing of CNC machined aluminumthis equipment feels like a jewel from the first moment you have it in your hands.
And unlike the MacBook Neo, the XPS 13 comes with a 13.4 inch touch screen with 2560 x 1600 resolution, 500 nits brightness and a variable refresh rate of 30 to 120Hz. Do you want to watch content on the move fluently or save battery life by reading documents? The screen adapts itself. That’s something Apple isn’t offering on its Neo yet.
There is also a camera 2MP with 1080p resolution and infrared facial recognitionbacklit keyboard with chiclet keys, and a standard mechanical trackpad. Small details that make a difference every day.
The technical specifications that matter
The heart of the team is the new processor Intel Core 5 320 (“Wildcat Lake”)although Dell has already confirmed that a version with the Intel Core Extremely 7 355 (“Panther Lake”). That means there is room to grow if you are looking for more power.
As for memory and storage, here are the key details:
- RAM from 8 GB to 32 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MT/s (Core Extremely models reach 32 GB in twin-channel configuration)
- Storage PCIe Gen 4 SSD from 256 GB to 1 TB
- Connectivity Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth (Intel BE213 on Core models, BE211 on Core Extremely)
- Ports 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 in the infamous version, with Thunderbolt 4 on Core Extremely models
- Battery 52 WHr
Compared to the MacBook Neo, the The price for that flexibility, of course, can go up depending on the configuration you choose.
The price that changes everything
Here comes the interesting part. The Dell XPS 13 starts at $699but Dell launched a temporary offer of $599 dollars for students over 16 years old for back to school season. That puts it directly in line with the MacBook Neo’s infamous price — although Apple offers that price permanently and its student discount even drops to $499.
Still, Dell’s positioning is clear and aggressive. In an official weblog, the company directly names the MacBook Neo, calling it “a capable device,” and then explains why it believes its XPS is superior in this price range. That’s no small feat for a manufacturer that has historically avoided entering that arena.
The XPS 13 hits the market in June 2026with the infamous configuration that includes the Core 5 320, 8 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD. It’s a solid proposition for college students, professionals on the go, or anyone who wants to stop feeling like they have to choose between price and quality.
The market has said it clearly: The period of the affordable top rate laptop has already begunand manufacturers like Dell, with all their experience building high-caliber equipment under the XPS line, have everything to beat Apple at their own game. If the MacBook Neo woke up the market, the XPS 13 arrived ready to answer the challenge.
Keep reading:
• MacBook Neo: What Apple’s first affordable laptop is like, ideal for everyday use
• Qualcomm declares war on the MacBook Neo with the Snapdragon C, the chip that Dwelling Windows needed
• The MacBook Neo was a huge success, and now Apple has to deal with the consequences
