The 2024 Dell XPS 13 9340 is a compact, premium Windows laptop whose minimalist design and promising battery life come with real compromises: a capacitive function row, a hard-to-see touchpad boundary, and only two USB-C ports. One reviewer also encountered intermittent touchpad and sleep/wake problems. Those reports are worth weighing, but they do not establish a fault affecting every unit.
There is an important model-identity wrinkle: MobileSyrup’s review calls its test laptop an “XPS 13 9305” and describes an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Series 2 processor, while Dell’s official XPS 13 9340 page lists Core Ultra 5 125H, Core Ultra 7 155H, and Core Ultra 7 165H options. The available information does not establish that these are the same configuration, so this review keeps the reviewer’s experience separate from Dell’s official 9340 specifications. MobileSyrup review · Dell XPS 13 9340 product page
Is the Dell XPS 13 worth the money?
It can be a compelling high-end small laptop if you value portability, a distinctive design, and a sharp display more than conventional controls or a generous selection of built-in ports. The unusual keyboard deck is not just visual: the function row is capacitive rather than made of physical keys, and the touchpad’s seamless surface makes its edges less obvious. If you write all day, frequently drag files, or expect to connect several accessories without a hub, those details may outweigh the sleek look.
The price evidence is historical, not a current buying quote. In its March 2025 article, MobileSyrup listed CAD $1,715.99 for a Core Ultra 5 configuration with 16 GB of memory and CAD $1,929.99 for its tested model. Dell’s US product page now marks the 9340 unavailable directly from Dell; that does not establish whether it can be found through other sellers or in Canada. Check the exact model, processor, memory, storage, display, and seller before comparing a live offer.
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- PREMIUM ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN – The Dell XPS 13 9350 designed for users who value performance, mobility, and premium craftsmanship. With its ultra-slim, lightweight design and refined finish, it delivers a high-end portable experience for work and daily use. Built for all-day productivity, up to 26 hours battery life keeps you powered without interruption
- INTUITIVE CONTROL & PREMIUM INTERACTION – Engineered for modern workflows, it features a precision haptic glass touchpad with smooth, responsive feedback and a streamlined touch function row for effortless control between media and function keys. Combined with its minimalist design, it delivers a clean, premium, and distraction-free experience for everyday productivity. Backlit keyboard ensures comfortable typing in low-light environments
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by Intel Ultra 7 256V Processor (8 cores, up to 4.8 GHz) and Intel Arc Graphics, this PC delivers efficient performance for multitasking, data analysis, and content creation. Equipped with 16GB DDR5 and 1TB PCIe SSD, it ensures swift application loading and ample storage for professional workloads
- IMMERSIVE DISPLAY - Features a 13.4-inch WUXGA (1920x1200) display with narrow borders, 500-nit brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and reduced eye strain. Supports up to 2 external displays via Thunderbolt 4, with up to 4K@60Hz output. The FHD RGB camera with dual-array microphones delivers clear video calls
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY - With 2x Thunderbolt 4, you can easily connect external displays, storage devices and essential peripherals. Stay fast and reliable on the go with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, perfect for video calls, cloud work, and wireless devices without lag
What is the XPS 13 9340, and which configuration is being reviewed?
Dell’s US product page identifies the 2024 XPS 13 as model 9340. It lists three processor choices: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, Core Ultra 7 155H, and Core Ultra 7 165H, with integrated Intel Arc graphics. Available memory is listed as 8, 16, 32, or 64 GB onboard, and SSD capacity ranges from 512 GB to 4 TB. These are Dell’s listed 9340 configurations; they should not be used to silently “correct” MobileSyrup’s conflicting test-device label and processor description.
The 9340’s listed display options differ in resolution, touch support, refresh rate, and panel type:
Rank #2
- ULTIMATE AI MOBILITY - Meet the first XPS CoPilot+ PC - the Snapdragon-powered XPS 13 with revolutionary on-device AI for lightning-fast performance. Enjoy desktop-class power without needing a charger, thanks to its industry-leading 27-hour battery life. Our thinnest, lightest XPS yet delivers instant AI acceleration, making professional-grade content creation possible anywhere
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by a Snapdragon X Elite (12 Core Dual-Core Boost up to 4GHz, NPU up to 45 TOPS) X1E-80-100 Processor for superior efficiency and speed, 32GB of 8448MT/s DDR5 RAM for seamless multitasking, and a 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for fast storage and reduced load times, ensuring smooth and responsive performance for all your tasks
- CRISP DISPLAY & PRIVACY - Features a FHD IR webcam for crystal-clear video calls and enhanced security, while the 13.4" 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED 400nits Anti-reflective touchscreen display with Qualcomm Adreno graphics delivers crisp visuals, supported by the ability to connect 2 external monitors via Type-C ports at 4K (3840x2160) @60Hz (without docking station)
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Features a backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader for enhanced productivity. Equipped with 2 x USB4 40Gbps USB Type-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery for versatile connectivity. Includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for fast, reliable wireless performance
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Preinstalled with Windows 11 Pro 64-bit and AI-powered Copilot, including enterprise features such as BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V virtualization, and Group Policy management. It enhances productivity with intelligent assistance for tasks such as document creation, data analysis, email drafting, and virtual meetings
| Display option | Resolution and touch | Refresh rate | Listed brightness |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHD+ LCD | 1920 × 1200, non-touch | 30–120 Hz | 500 nits |
| QHD+ LCD | 2560 × 1600, touch | 30–120 Hz | 500 nits |
| 3K+ OLED | 2880 × 1800, touch | 48–60 Hz | 400 nits |
Dell also lists a 55 Wh integrated battery, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, a 1080p RGB camera, a 360p IR camera, and two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort. These are official product-page specifications for the 9340, not confirmation of the exact configuration MobileSyrup tested. Dell’s XPS 13 9340 specifications
What stands out about the design and controls?
A polished, distinctive keyboard deck
MobileSyrup reviewer Jonathan Lamont praised the futuristic keyboard deck, nearly bezel-free appearance, matte display finish, and the placement of the fingerprint reader in the power button. The design is one of the XPS 13’s clearest strengths if you want a laptop that looks different from a conventional clamshell.
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- 13.4 inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) Anti-Glare 30-120Hz 500-nits InfinityEdge Eye Safe Non-Touch Display
- Snapdragon X Elite, X1E-80-100 (12 cores up to 3.4 GHz Dual-Core Boost up to 4.0 GHz, NPU Upto 45 TOPS)
- 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD
- Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Two USB4 40 Gbps USB Type-C ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery
- Windows 11 PRO | Fingerprint Reader
The function row takes adjustment
The capacitive function row can show media and display controls or standard function keys, but it does not provide haptic feedback. Lamont found the delete key a recurring annoyance while writing, a practical issue for anyone who relies on a predictable key layout. Dell’s manual says to hold Fn to cycle between the function-row sets; Fn+Esc locks the selected mode. Dell XPS 13 9340 owner’s manual
The hidden touchpad can complicate precision
The touchpad blends into the keyboard deck, so its boundaries are not readily visible. Lamont said that made dragging and dropping less predictable. If you often move files or make precise selections, consider whether you are comfortable locating the touchpad edges by feel rather than sight.
Rank #4
- ULTIMATE AI MOBILITY - Meet the first XPS CoPilot+ PC - the Snapdragon-powered XPS 13 with revolutionary on-device AI for lightning-fast performance. Enjoy desktop-class power without needing a charger, thanks to its industry-leading 27-hour battery life. Our thinnest, lightest XPS yet delivers instant AI acceleration, making professional-grade content creation possible anywhere
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by a Snapdragon X Elite (12 Core Dual-Core Boost up to 4GHz, NPU up to 45 TOPS) X1E-80-100 Processor for superior efficiency and speed, 32GB of 8448MT/s LPDDR5x RAM for seamless multitasking, and a 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for fast storage and reduced load times, ensuring smooth and responsive performance for all your tasks
- CRISP DISPLAY & PRIVACY - Features a FHD RGB webcam for crystal-clear video calls, while the 13.4" FHD+ (1920x1200) 500nits Anti-reflective display with Qualcomm Adreno graphics delivers crisp visuals, supported by the ability to connect 2 external monitors via Type-C ports at 4K (3840x2160) @60Hz (without docking station)
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Features a backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader for enhanced productivity. Equipped with 2 x USB4 40Gbps USB Type-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery for versatile connectivity. Includes Wi-Fi 7(802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4 for fast, reliable wireless performance
- COPILOT+ PC AI POWERHOUSE - The dedicated NPU delivers 45 TOPS for local AI processing without relying on the cloud. Enables Recall (instant content retrieval), Cocreate (AI image tools), Windows Studio Effects (auto-framing/background blur for video calls), and Live Captions (real-time translation). Redefines productivity and creativity with seamless, offline AI acceleration
How good is the display?
Panel choice matters: Dell offers two 30–120 Hz LCDs and a 48–60 Hz OLED, with different resolutions and brightness ratings. In PCWorld’s 2024 review of a 1920 × 1200 base-display unit, the reviewer measured peak brightness at 547 nits and 99% sRGB coverage. Those are measurements of that review unit, not guaranteed results for every display option. PCWorld’s XPS 13 review
MobileSyrup liked the matte finish on its review unit. When shopping, verify the specific panel rather than assuming every XPS 13 has the same resolution, refresh behavior, touch support, finish, or color performance.
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Best Value
- STUNNING 3K OLED TOUCH DISPLAY – Experience incredible detail and vibrant color on the 13.4-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED InfinityEdge touchscreen. With deep blacks, sharp contrast, and touch functionality, it's ideal for productivity, streaming, and creative work.
- SNAPDRAGON X ELITE X1E-80-100 PROCESSOR – Features a 12-core Qualcomm Oryon CPU with boost speeds up to 4.0GHz, 42MB total cache, integrated Qualcomm Adreno graphics, and a dedicated 45 TOPS NPU for accelerated AI workloads, multitasking, content creation, and everyday productivity.
- COPILOT+ AI PC EXPERIENCE – Built with a dedicated NPU capable of up to 45 TOPS, enabling advanced AI-powered features, faster on-device processing, enhanced video conferencing effects, and next-generation Windows Copilot+ experiences.
- FAST MEMORY & STORAGE – Equipped with 16GB LPDDR5X memory for seamless multitasking and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD that provides fast boot times, quick application launches, and ample room for files, photos, and software.
- PREMIUM ULTRAPORTABLE DESIGN – Crafted from premium materials in Graphite, the XPS 13 combines a compact, lightweight form factor with modern connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth, making it an excellent companion for work, travel, and everyday use.
How long does the battery last?
The available accounts are encouraging, but they describe different tests and should not be treated as equivalent. Lamont reported that, with the dynamic 120 Hz display enabled, one day’s use from about 9 a.m. left 40% charge at roughly 10 a.m. the next day; it fell to 22% near 11 a.m. In a separate observation, locking the display to 60 Hz used 40% of the battery over an eight-hour workday. These are the reviewer’s personal-use observations, not standardized runtime figures.
PCWorld measured over 14 hours of average runtime in nonstop video playback at about 250 nits on its Core Ultra 7 155H test unit. That controlled playback test is not directly comparable to MobileSyrup’s workday use, and it applies to PCWorld’s specific configuration and conditions. PCWorld’s test details · MobileSyrup’s battery observations
Are two USB-C ports enough?
The 9340 has two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, each listed with Power Delivery and DisplayPort. That keeps the laptop’s sides uncluttered but can make charging and connecting several devices at once awkward. PCWorld says its review unit included a USB-A/HDMI dongle and notes that a dock is useful when charging while using multiple peripherals. A USB-C Thunderbolt 4 hub or dock with HDMI and USB-A is an optional way to cover those needs; choose ports to match your own equipment rather than treating an accessory as essential. PCWorld’s review and port discussion
What reliability problems did the reviewer encounter?
Lamont reported intermittent false clicks from the touchpad, Wi-Fi that sometimes failed to recover after sleep, and sleep/wake incidents that involved a black screen or a restart. He speculated that one issue might be related to Windows because he had seen similar behavior on other laptops, but did not establish a cause. This is one reviewer’s account of one unit; it is not evidence that the problems affect every XPS 13 or that Dell has diagnosed a systemic defect. MobileSyrup’s account of the issues
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Is it suitable for demanding work?
The XPS 13 is best understood as a compact productivity laptop, not a machine whose thin chassis guarantees sustained high performance. PCWorld reports that its Core Ultra 7 155H unit throttled in sustained workloads. RTINGS describes the 9340 as suited to general productivity and notes cooling limits for heavier work. These assessments concern the reviewed configurations and do not provide a head-to-head result for every processor option. If your work keeps the CPU heavily loaded for long stretches, prioritize sustained-workload testing for the exact configuration you are considering. PCWorld review · RTINGS review
Quick Recap
Who should buy the Dell XPS 13?
- A good fit: buyers who want a compact, premium-looking Windows laptop and are comfortable adapting to a capacitive function row and hidden touchpad edges.
- Think carefully: writers who depend on familiar tactile keys, users who need several wired peripherals, and anyone sensitive to imprecise touchpad gestures.
- Look elsewhere or compare closely: people doing sustained CPU-heavy work, or buyers who need a confirmed current price and availability before choosing. Compare the exact processor, memory, storage, panel, and port selection rather than the XPS 13 name alone.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
