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The late-2017 Dell XPS 13 9360 became meaningfully faster at workloads that use multiple processor cores, thanks to an optional four-core, eight-thread Intel Core i7-8550U. Its compact chassis and InfinityEdge design stayed largely the same, and lightly threaded tasks improved far less. The result was a stronger ultraportable for work such as video conversion and large spreadsheets, not a wholesale redesign or a substitute for a graphics workstation.
What changed in the 2017 XPS 13?
Dell kept the XPS 13 9360’s compact chassis and InfinityEdge display. The notable late-2017 update was the move from 7th-generation dual-core processors to an 8th-generation Kaby Lake-R option, the Core i7-8550U. HotHardware’s November 8, 2017 review identifies its unit as a 9360 and quotes PCWorld reviewer Gordon Mah Ung’s summary of the refresh: “The real change here is inside, and it’s all about performance.”
The i7-8550U has four cores and eight threads, with a listed 1.8 GHz base clock and boost speeds up to 4 GHz. More cores can raise throughput when an application divides work among threads; they do not make every application twice as fast.
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The review configurations were not identical
Benchmark results depend on the specific laptop tested. HotHardware reviewed a QHD+ touchscreen unit with 16 GB of memory and a 512 GB SSD. Laptop Mag’s comparisons used 1080p non-touch systems with 8 GB of memory and 256 GB PCIe SSDs. PCWorld also tested a 1080p configuration, with 8 GB of memory and a 256 GB Toshiba M.2 NVMe SSD. Their figures describe those review systems and methods, not every XPS 13 9360.
#1 Best Overall
- 13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080) Infinityedge Touch Display
- Intel 7th Gen Kaby Lake i5 7200U Dual-Core;
- 8GB of 2133 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM, 128 GB M.2 SATA SSD;
- Built-in Webcam,USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt 3 via USB Type_C, Card Reader: SD family, Network: None, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1;
- Windows 10 Home (64-bit)
| Review unit | Display | Memory and storage | Processor |
|---|---|---|---|
| HotHardware, late-2017 review | 13.3-inch QHD+ 3200 × 1800 IGZO IPS touchscreen, listed at 400 nits | 16 GB onboard LPDDR3-2133; 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD | Core i7-8550U |
| PCWorld, 2017 review | 1920 × 1080 matte, non-touch | 8 GB soldered LPDDR3; 256 GB Toshiba M.2 NVMe SSD | Core i7-8550U |
| Laptop Mag, 2017 comparison systems | 1920 × 1080, non-touch on both comparison laptops | 8 GB memory; 256 GB PCIe SSD on both | 8th-generation XPS 13 versus 7th-generation dual-core XPS 13 |
How much faster was it?
The largest gains appeared in tests that could keep multiple cores busy. Laptop Mag compared 8th- and 7th-generation XPS 13 systems with matching 1080p non-touch displays, 8 GB of memory and 256 GB PCIe SSDs. These historical results show why workload matters:
| Test | 8th-generation result | 7th-generation result | What it shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 4 multi-core | 14,158 | 8,735 | 62% higher score for the newer system |
| HandBrake: convert a 12-minute 4K movie to 1080p | 19 minutes 35 seconds | 31 minutes 36 seconds | Laptop Mag described the newer system as 62% faster |
| Excel 2016 macro matching 65,000 names | 1 minute 8 seconds | 2 minutes 30 seconds | Laptop Mag described the newer system as 120% faster |
| OpenOffice Calc single-threaded macro | 3 minutes 9 seconds | 20 seconds slower | About a 10% improvement, much smaller than in multithreaded work |
In other words, the quad-core processor matters most for sustained work that can be parallelized, such as the cited video conversion and spreadsheet tasks. For lighter or single-threaded use, the change is less dramatic. A separate PCWorld review also found stronger multi-threaded Cinebench performance, while noting that larger quad-core XPS 15 models remained ahead in intensive HandBrake work. The 9360’s integrated graphics make it a mainstream productivity laptop, not a demanding-gaming or workstation replacement.
Rank #2
- Specification: Compatible Model: PW23Y. Capacity: 60Wh. Voltage: 7.6V. Cells: 4 cells. HAIYUNWU PW23Y battery is compatible with Dell XPS series. Note: please confirm the battery model and specification before purchasing
- HAIYUNWU laptop battery compatible with Dell XPS 13 9360 series, 13-9360-D1505, 13-9360-D1505G, 13-9360-D1605G, 13-9360-D1605T, 13-9360-D1609, 13-9360-D1609G, 13-9360-D1705, 13-9360-D1705G, 13-9360-D1805T, 13-9360-D1805G. Compatible with Dell XPS 13 2017 Series
- HAIYUNWU laptop battery compatible with dell Part Numbers: PW23Y 0PW23Y TP1GT 0TP1GT RNP72 0RNP72 P54G002. Note: Not compatible with 52Wh JD25G of XPS 13 9350 and XPS 13 9343
- Safety and Reliability: Our batteries are made with high-quality materials and circuit boards to ensure fast charging and low energy consumption. Our batteries have overcharge and overdischarge protection circuits, as well as overheat and short-circuit protection functions, to ensure stable power supply.
- What you get: 1 * PW23Y laptop battery, 2 * screwdrivers and 1 * instruction.
Storage benchmark context
HotHardware measured nearly 1.82 GB/s peak read and more than 491 MB/s peak write in its ATTO SSD benchmark. That is a result for the review unit’s storage configuration, not a guaranteed speed for every 9360 or replacement drive.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBattery life depends on the display and test
Laptop Mag’s continuous Wi-Fi browsing test at 150 nits ran for 14 hours 52 minutes on its 8th-generation system and 13 hours 58 minutes on the 7th-generation comparison system—a 54-minute difference, or 6.1%. PCWorld reported more than 12 hours in its video-playback test of an 8th-generation unit. These are different tests and configurations, so they should not be treated as directly interchangeable or as a runtime guarantee for a used laptop.
Rank #3
- Battery type: Lithium Polymer. Voltage:7.6V Capacity:60Wh Cell:4 Cells recharge cycles: 500. The battery is durable and has overcurrent protection, anti-overcharge, anti-overdischarge and temperature control functions.
- Replacement for Part Number: PW23Y TP1GT RNP72 0RNP72 0TP1GT P54G002 0PW23Y
- Compatible Laptop Models:For Dell XPS 13 9360 XPS 13 2017 Series. , NOT fit for Dell XPS 13 9350 and xps 13 9343.
- Compatible Laptop Models: Dell XPS 13-9360-D1605G Series. Dell XPS 13-9360-D1605T Series. Dell XPS 13-9360-D1609, Dell XPS 13-9360-D1609G Series. Dell XPS 13-9360-D1705, Dell XPS 13-9360-D1705G Series. Dell XPS 13-9360-D1505 , Dell XPS 13-9360-D1505G Series. Dell XPS 13-9360-D1805T, Dell XPS 13-9360-D1805TG Series.
- Security & Reliability: Our batteries are assembled from top quality material and circuit boards to ensure fast charges and low power consumption, 100% New from Manufacturer, Overcharge and Overdischarge Circuit Protection, Over-temperature and Short-circuit Protection, up to 500 recharge cycles over the life of the battery, meet OEM standard.
The 9360 was offered with distinct display choices. A 1920 × 1080 matte non-touch panel uses fewer pixels and avoids the reflections that can be more noticeable on glossy touch screens. The QHD+ 3200 × 1800 touchscreen is sharper and supports touch, but reviews noted a battery-life cost from driving its higher-resolution display. Actual runtime also varies with brightness, wireless activity, workload, battery condition and configuration.
Design, ports and everyday trade-offs
The XPS 13’s small footprint and InfinityEdge screen remained central strengths of the 9360. PCWorld praised its portability and trackpad, but also pointed out two ergonomic compromises: the webcam sits below the display, creating an upward-looking camera angle, and the keyboard feels somewhat small.
Rank #4
- Ultra-Thin. Ultra-Light. No Compromise: Measuring just 0.5 inch thin and starting at 2.2 lb, the premium XPS 13 combines a sleek, refined design with exceptional portability. With up to 17 hours of streaming battery life, take productivity and entertainment with you wherever you go.
- 2.5K Touch Display: Experience sharp, vibrant visuals on the 13.4-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) touchscreen with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness. The 16:10 display provides more vertical space for productivity, browsing, entertainment, and everyday tasks.
- Next-Generation Intel Core 5 Performance: Power through everyday productivity and multitasking with the Intel Core 5 Processor 320, featuring 6 cores, 6 threads, up to 4.6GHz, and a built-in NPU for efficient AI acceleration. Designed to deliver responsive performance while maintaining power efficiency.
- Fast Storage & Next-Gen Connectivity: Enjoy responsive performance with a 512GB PCIe SSD, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.0. Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support fast data transfer, charging, and external displays, while the included docking station adds versatile ports for seamless device expansion and a more productive setup.
- FHD IR Camera & Smart Security: Look sharp and stay connected with the 2MP FHD camera, delivering 1080p video at up to 30 fps. The IR camera enables convenient Windows Hello facial recognition, while dual-array microphones help provide clear voice pickup for video calls, meetings, and online learning.
Ports on the XPS 13 9360
Dell’s 9360 guide lists these connections:
- One Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port
- Two USB 3.0 ports, one with PowerShare
- One headset port
- One SD-card reader
Dell notes that standard USB and DisplayPort devices connected through Thunderbolt 3 require separate adapters.
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Memory is soldered to the motherboard, so it is not a removable upgrade module. Dell lists supported 9360 configurations with 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB of onboard LPDDR3. Choose enough memory when buying: it cannot be expanded later.
Best Value
- Specifications: Voltage: 7.6 Volt; Capacity: 60 Wh; Cells: 4 cells; Color: Black. Packages includes: 1 x PW23Y Laptop Battery Replacement, 2 x Free Screwdrivers,1 x Instruction for PW23Y Laptop Battery
- Replacement Battery Part Numbers: PW23Y TP1GT RNP72 0RNP72 0TP1GT 0PW23Y (NOTE: NOT fit for 52Wh JD25G of XPS 13 9350 and XPS 13 9343)
- Compatible with Dell XPS 13 9360 Series, XPS 13-9360-D1605G, XPS 13-9360-D1605T, XPS 13-9360-D1609, XPS 13-9360-D1609G, XPS 13-9360-D1705, XPS 13-9360-D1705G, XPS 13-9360-D1505, XPS 13-9360-D1505G, XPS 13-9360-D1805T ,XPS 13-9360-D1805G
- Security & Reliability: It is designed to meet the highest industry standards; making it a reliable choice for your XPS 13 9360 Battery. With built-in Overcharge and Overdischarge Circuit Protection, Over-temperature and Short-circuit Protection
- Long-lasting performance: Fast charging and low power consumption are just some of the perks of our PW23Y Battery. With over 1000 recharge cycles, this battery is built to last
The storage is more serviceable. Dell’s guide documents one M.2 slot supporting SATA and PCIe/NVMe drives, with PCIe/NVMe capacities listed up to 1 TB. PCWorld says the drive can be swapped for a larger one. Compatibility depends on the exact system and replacement drive, so verify the specific 9360 configuration and drive fit before purchasing.
Who should consider this XPS 13?
- A good fit: someone seeking a compact 2017-era laptop for everyday productivity, especially if their work benefits from multiple CPU threads.
- Consider carefully: anyone who needs long runtime from a QHD+ touch configuration, frequent video calls at a natural camera angle, or a larger keyboard.
- Look elsewhere: users who need demanding graphics performance, upgradeable memory, or substantially more sustained processing capacity than a thin 13-inch laptop provides.
HotHardware listed its specific QHD+ i7 review configuration at $1,854.99 when published in 2017. That is historical pricing, not a current used-market valuation.
Quick Recap
Sources
- HotHardware: Dell XPS 13 Kaby Lake-R review
- Laptop Mag: Dell XPS 13 (2017) review
- PCWorld: Dell XPS 13 review
- Dell XPS 13 9360 service manual: technical specifications
- Dell XPS 13 9360 service manual: removing the solid-state drive
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.
