Dell XPS 13 9365 Review: Premium Versatility Meets Refined Performance

The XPS 13 9365 is more than just a sleek laptop—it’s a productivity powerhouse wrapped in elegance. Whether you’re a remote worker, a student, or a creative on the go, this 2-in-1 device offers serious utility in a slim, stylish chassis. Its compact form factor, lightweight body, and Intel i7 performance make it ideal for daily commutes and business travel. With Windows 11 Pro and a host of premium features, it’s designed to enhance your workflow without weighing you down.

Key Features Of The XPS 13 9365

• Processor: Intel Quad Core i7-8500Y (1.5GHz base, up to 4.2GHz Turbo Boost)

• Memory: 16GB DDR4 RAM

• Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD

• Display: 13.3″ FHD (1920×1080) Touchscreen, InfinityEdge, Corning Gorilla Glass

• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 615

• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt™ 3 (USB-C), microSD card reader, headphone jack

• Keyboard: Backlit chiclet keyboard with 1.3mm travel

• Security: Windows Hello fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0

• Audio: Quad speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro, dual noise-canceling microphones

• Build: CNC-machined aluminum, 360° hinge for convertible use

Design And Build Quality

The XPS 13 9365 sets a high bar in laptop craftsmanship with its aluminum exterior and refined aesthetics. The platinum silver finish and carbon fiber palm rest offer a luxury feel, making it perfect for both casual and professional settings. Its weight, just 2.7 pounds, allows for effortless mobility whether you’re heading to a coffee shop or boarding a flight. The 360-degree hinge smoothly converts the laptop into tablet or tent mode with minimal resistance.

Built with durability in mind, this machine meets military-grade standards to survive the wear and tear of daily use. The display is fortified with Corning Gorilla Glass to protect against scratches and cracks. The edge-to-edge keyboard is pleasant to type on, though some may find the arrow keys cramped. The seamless touchpad adds to the minimalist design but requires careful finger placement due to its borderless layout.

Display And Audio Experience

The XPS 13 9365 comes alive with its 13.3-inch Full HD touchscreen and ultra-thin InfinityEdge bezels. With 400 nits of brightness and anti-glare technology, the screen performs well even under direct sunlight. The display covers 72% of the color gamut, making it a suitable choice for photo editing and light creative work. Thanks to Corning Gorilla Glass, the screen remains durable and responsive to both touch and stylus inputs.

Audio on the XPS 13 9365 is impressive for its class, with quad speakers enhanced by Waves MaxxAudio Pro. Whether you’re listening to music or participating in video calls, the sound remains clear and rich. The side-mounted speakers project audio well, especially in tent or presentation mode. Although bass output could be deeper, the overall sound experience is solid and immersive for an ultraportable laptop.

Performance And Productivity

Under the hood, the XPS 13 9365 runs on the Intel Core i7-8500Y, backed by 16GB of RAM and a speedy SSD. This configuration handles multitasking well—whether it’s video calls, Excel sheets, or 20 browser tabs open at once. The PCIe NVMe storage ensures quick boot times and near-instant file access. Although it isn’t built for hardcore gaming, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 615 performs fine for casual play and streaming.

Windows 11 Pro adds a professional edge with built-in security features like BitLocker and TPM 2.0. The fingerprint reader allows for quick and secure logins, ideal for those who value convenience. Thunderbolt 3 ports offer rapid data transfers and dual-display support. However, the absence of traditional USB-A and HDMI means you’ll need to invest in adapters for legacy accessories.

Portability And Usability

At just 2.7 pounds, the XPS 13 9365 is made for professionals who work on the go. Its compact footprint fits neatly into bags and briefcases, while the convertible hinge adapts easily to meetings, travel, or casual browsing. Whether you’re watching movies in tent mode or jotting notes in tablet mode, this laptop delivers a versatile user experience. Its elegant yet robust build makes it suitable for both corporate settings and creative spaces.

Usability is where this device shines, thanks to its tactile backlit keyboard and fluid glass touchpad. The chiclet keys offer satisfying feedback, even during long typing sessions. The fanless design keeps things whisper-quiet, making it great for libraries or meetings. Additional perks like the microSD slot help expand storage without hassle. If you’re often working from different countries, the 100–240V adapter is a handy inclusion.

Verdict: Balancing Elegance And Function

If you’re in the market for a stylish, functional 2-in-1 laptop, the XPS 13 9365 is an excellent contender. It blends beauty and brains, offering solid performance and top-tier design in a portable form factor. While it’s not tailored for gaming or video rendering, it excels in productivity tasks, making it ideal for business users, freelancers, and students. Its fingerprint scanner, Thunderbolt support, and responsive display are all geared toward a fast-paced lifestyle.

There are compromises—namely the webcam placement and lack of certain ports—but they don’t overshadow its many strengths. In Kenya’s dynamic laptop market, the XPS 13 9365 stands out for offering premium features at a competitive value. If your work demands portability, flexibility, and a bit of flair, this Dell machine is a worthwhile investment in 2025.