Dell XPS 9320 Plus Review: Is This Premium Ultrabook Worth It?

The Dell XPS 9320 Plus represents one of the most refined ultrabooks in the sub-14-inch category, blending premium craftsmanship with enterprise-grade performance. Designed for professionals and power users who demand portability without sacrificing processing power, this refreshed 2022 model addresses common criticisms of its predecessor while introducing subtle refinements. With a focus on thin-bezel displays, lightweight aluminum construction, and Intel’s 12th Gen P-series processors, the XPS 9320 Plus targets users who need a daily driver capable of handling demanding workloads—whether it’s multitasking with heavy applications, video editing, or extended remote work sessions. For those upgrading from older ultrabooks or transitioning from bulky laptops, this model promises a balance of performance and elegance that few competitors can match. Crafted from machined aluminum and carbon fiber, the XPS 9320 Plus maintains Dell’s signature build quality with a minimalist aesthetic that feels both luxurious and understated. The palm rest is textured for grip, while the lid features a subtle diamond-cut pattern that resists fingerprints better than glossy finishes. At just 2.59 pounds and 0.55 inches thick, it’s among the lightest 13.4-inch laptops available, making it ideal for commuters or frequent travelers. The keyboard offers a satisfying 1.5mm travel depth with backlighting, though the keycaps are slightly smaller than traditional full-size layouts. The hinge mechanism remains one of the smoothest in the industry, allowing the screen to open with a single finger even when placed on uneven surfaces. Port selection is minimal but strategic: two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports with Power Delivery, a microSD card reader, a headphone jack, and a wedge-shaped lock slot—no HDMI or USB-A, which may frustrate users with legacy peripherals. Powered by Intel’s Core i5-1240P processor, the XPS 9320 Plus delivers strong multi-core performance thanks to its 12 cores (4 performance and 8 efficiency cores) and a 4.4GHz turbo boost. Benchmark scores place it ahead of many AMD Ryzen 5 equivalents in single-threaded tasks while remaining competitive in sustained workloads. The 16GB LPDDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, though it’s soldered to the motherboard, limiting future upgrades. Storage comes in the form of a 512GB NVMe SSD, which offers fast read/write speeds for file transfers and app launches but may feel cramped for users storing large media libraries. The 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920x1200) non-touch display uses an IPS panel with 500 nits brightness and 100% sRGB coverage, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details for creative work. Audio is handled by two downward-firing speakers tuned by Waves Nx, which provide surprisingly clear mids and highs for a laptop of this size, though bass remains weak. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring stable wireless performance even in crowded networks. Compared to the MacBook Air M1, the XPS 9320 Plus offers more ports and a higher-resolution display but falls short in battery efficiency and ecosystem integration. Value is where the XPS 9320 Plus shines for its target audience. While not a budget option, its premium materials, solid performance, and compact form factor justify the price for professionals who prioritize portability and build quality over raw specs. Buyers upgrading from older Dell XPS models or Windows ultrabooks will notice immediate improvements in processing power and display clarity. However, those seeking a dedicated GPU for gaming or content creation should look elsewhere, as the integrated Iris Xe graphics handle only light workloads. The lack of user-upgradable RAM and storage may deter power users, but for most professionals, the trade-offs are reasonable. Dell’s renewed program adds another layer of appeal, offering near-new quality at a significant discount without the risks of used marketplaces. Ultimately, the Dell XPS 9320 Plus is a refined ultrabook that excels in its niche. It’s not the fastest or most feature-packed laptop available, but it delivers a near-perfect balance of performance, portability, and premium design. Ideal for business travelers, remote workers, and students who need a reliable daily driver, this model earns a strong recommendation—provided buyers are comfortable with its trade-offs.