Dell is kicking off the new year of 2022 at the Consumer Electronics Show with a fresh take on its XPS 13 premium laptop set to launch in Spring 2022. Dubbed the Dell XPS 13 Plus and starting at $1,199, this model takes another crack at the tried and true XPS design with some brand-new elements.

Dell's most notable change is to the laptop's row of function keys that sit closest to the screen: it's now a capacitive touch surface instead of hard keys. This includes the "Escape" key, but it allows this row of touch-sensitive keys to double as both media and function keys. However, just simply holding the "Function" key has done pretty well so far for that same purpose.[1]

Figure 1. Release date and specification of Dell XPS 13 Plus

Figure 1 shows the XPS 13 is a perennial Editors’ Choice winner, and Dell will be keeping the classic model on the market alongside this amped-up one. The keyboard deck, for starters, reveals a futuristic-looking rework. Backlit touch buttons replace the function-key row; the wide keycaps run from edge to edge; and the touchpad—not delineated like on most other laptops—blends seamlessly into the wrist rest, hidden entirely from view. This makes an already sleek design look like it came out of a sci-fi props department.

OnePlus has also been tipped to launch a budget-oriented smartwatch in India. The upcoming wearable is said to be released as a OnePlus Nord-branded smartwatch. The report suggests that the smartwatch could be priced under Rs. 10,000 and may most likely be placed between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 8,000. The smartwatch is tipped to compete with the likes of Amazfit, Realme, Xiaomi, and others. [2]

It’s not all style over substance, either: The Plus model actually uses a higher-wattage Intel (12th Generation, "Alder Lake") processor than the existing XPS 13 does, up from 15 to 28 watts. [2]

Dell XPS 13 Plus price and release date

As noted above, the Dell XPS 13 Plus will launch sometime in Spring 2022 for $1,199 to start. For a frame of reference as to what that $1,199 model will include, it will be the lowest end of every hardware specification listed above.

Comparatively, Apple prices the new 14-inch MacBook Pro at $1,999 to start, which is considerably more expensive of course. It's currently unknown how much the more premium specifications will cost, but it would be safe to expect them to come within or surpass the MacBook Pro's base price. [3]

A whole new design

One thing that’s radically different in this XPS 13 Plus compared to the XPS 13 is its looks. Dell has radically redesigned the laptop, replacing the function row on the keyboard with capacitive touch buttons. Similarly, the touchpad is now completely seamless with the chassis, so there’s no cutout or buttons for it. It’s all smooth, and you get haptic feedback to simulate clicks.

References:

1. https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/dell-xps-13-plus-release-date-price?IR=T
2. https://in.pcmag.com/news/147189/techx-awards-the-most-innovative-products-and-technologies-of-ces-2022
3. https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/dell-xps-13-plus-release-date-price?IR=T
4. https://www.xda-developers.com/dell-xps-13-plus/

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Release date and specification of Dell XPS 13 Plus, Anatechmaz, pp. 203