The Dell XPS 15 (2024) reaffirms its status as a cornerstone of premium mobile workstations, delivering exceptional balance between portability and power for creative professionals and discerning users. Introduced in early 2024 as part of Dell's updated XPS lineup, this 15-inch model integrates Intel's Core Ultra Series 1 processors and NVIDIA's RTX 40-series graphics, catering to demands in video editing, 3D rendering, and light gaming. By November 2025, the XPS 15 has evolved through BIOS updates that enhance AI capabilities via Intel's NPU and improve display calibration, solidifying its appeal amid a shifting market where Dell has phased it toward larger XPS 14 and 16 siblings. Starting at around $1,299 for base configurations, it offers competitive pricing against rivals like the Apple MacBook Pro 14 and HP Spectre x360 16. This article provides a detailed analysis of the Dell XPS 15 (2024), including its development context, design features, performance benchmarks, complete technical specifications, and recent refinements. It equips prospective buyers with the insights needed to evaluate this versatile ultrabook in today's diverse computing landscape.
Development and Launch: Refining Dell's Signature Excellence
Dell's XPS series has long epitomized premium design since its inception in 2007, and the 2024 XPS 15 continues this tradition with a focus on Intel's Meteor Lake architecture. Development commenced in mid-2023, aligning with Dell's collaboration with Intel to integrate Core Ultra chips featuring a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI workloads. The team emphasized seamless integration of discrete GPUs in a slim chassis, addressing feedback from the 2023 model regarding thermal efficiency and display options. Engineers refined the CNC-machined aluminum body for 20% better rigidity while maintaining the iconic InfinityEdge bezels.
The XPS 15 debuted at CES 2024 on January 7, showcasing configurations with up to RTX 4070 graphics and 4K OLED panels. Pre-orders opened immediately via Dell.com, with shipments starting February 2024. Availability expanded to retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, with strong demand from creative agencies and educational institutions. Reviews from PCMag and Laptop Mag awarded it 4.5/5 stars, highlighting its creator-friendly specs but noting the phase-out announcement in June 2024, as Dell shifts to XPS 14 and 16 models. By late 2024, sales reached an estimated 800,000 units, buoyed by back-to-school promotions and bundle deals with Adobe Creative Cloud.
In 2025, BIOS version 1.25.0 introduced NPU optimizations for 15% faster AI tasks in apps like Adobe Sensei and DaVinci Resolve, alongside improved sleep mode stability. Dell provides a one-year limited warranty, extendable to four years with ProSupport Plus, including accidental damage coverage and next-day onsite service. The laptop's sustainability stands out: it uses 90% recycled magnesium in the chassis, post-consumer recycled plastic in speakers, and energy-efficient components certified under ENERGY STAR, contributing to Dell's 2025 circular economy goals.
Compared to the 2023 XPS 15, the 2024 iteration gains 25% better multi-core efficiency from Core Ultra chips and optional RTX 40-series GPUs, while retaining the same premium build. As Dell phases out the 15-inch form factor, the XPS 15 (2024) remains a swan song for this size, bridging legacy design with forward-looking AI features.
Design and Build Quality: Precision Craftsmanship
The Dell XPS 15 (2024) measures 13.57 x 9.06 x 0.71 inches and weighs 4.23 pounds, embodying Dell's commitment to slim, durable construction. The CNC-machined aluminum chassis in Platinum (silver) or Graphite finishes features a seamless, bezel-less appearance with InfinityEdge edges, achieving a 91% screen-to-body ratio. The minimalist aesthetic—matte surfaces and subtle Dell logo—exudes professional elegance, with a vapor chamber cooling system integrated into the base for silent operation.
Opening the lid reveals a spacious keyboard with backlit chiclet keys offering 1.3mm travel and a numeric keypad in higher configs. The haptic glass touchpad, sized at 4.3 x 3.1 inches, supports multi-finger gestures with precise cursor control. Ventilation is subtle, with side and rear vents drawing air through the keyboard deck, maintaining cool palm rests even under load.
Ports are thoughtfully placed: two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports on the left for 40Gbps data, 100W charging, and dual 4K display output; an SD card reader (UHS-II) and 3.5mm headphone jack on the right. The 1080p FHD IR webcam with Windows Hello facial recognition includes temporal noise reduction for sharp video calls, complete with a privacy shutter. Audio emanates from quad-speakers tuned by Waves MaxxAudio Pro, delivering immersive sound with Dolby Atmos support.
Build integrity is top-tier, passing MIL-STD-810H tests for altitude, vibration, and humidity. The 180-degree hinge enables flat-lay for presentations, and the seamless trackpad integrates haptic feedback for clickless navigation. At 4.23 pounds, it slips into slim briefcases, though the 100W USB-C charger adds minor bulk. In 2025, Dell released optional leather sleeves with Thunderbolt passthrough, enhancing on-the-go protection.
The design philosophy—form following function—prioritizes repairability, with user-accessible SSD swaps and modular displays, earning a 9/10 iFixit score.
Performance Across Workloads: Creator-Centric Power
The XPS 15 (2024) excels in creative benchmarks, with the Core Ultra 7 155H scoring 15,000 in Cinebench R23 multi-core—ideal for 4K video timelines in Premiere Pro. The RTX 4060 config renders Blender scenes 40% faster than integrated graphics, while 32GB RAM handles 20+ Chrome tabs and Photoshop layers without stutter. The 1TB SSD achieves 6,900 MB/s reads, booting Windows in 8 seconds.
Gaming, though secondary, impresses: Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p medium RT hits 70 FPS with DLSS 3. Baldur's Gate 3 runs 85 FPS on high, the NPU accelerating AI upscaling. The 120Hz OLED option delivers vibrant colors with 100% DCI-P3 coverage.
Thermal management via vapor chamber keeps CPU/GPU under 80°C, fan noise at 35dB—whisper-quiet. Dell Optimizer software profiles include Optimized (balanced), Cool (fan priority), and Performance (full TDP). Real-world tests show Lightroom edits 2x faster than on M2 MacBook Air.
2025's BIOS 1.25.0 optimizes NPU for 20% quicker AI in Copilot+ features. It outperforms the 2023 model by 18% in sustained tasks, suiting creators over gamers.
Complete Technical Specifications: Balanced Excellence
Key configurations as of 2025:
Processor: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (16 cores: 6P + 8E + 2LPE, up to 5.1GHz, 24MB cache). Base: Core Ultra 7 155H. Integrated Arc Graphics.
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop (8GB GDDR6, 60W TGP). Options: RTX 4060 (8GB, 60W), integrated Arc.
Memory: Up to 64GB LPDDR5X-7467 (soldered, dual-channel).
Storage: Up to 4TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (single M.2 slot). Base 512GB.
Display: 15.6-inch options: FHD+ IPS 1920x1200 60Hz, 500 nits, 100% sRGB; UHD+ OLED 3840x2400 120Hz, 400 nits, 100% DCI-P3, touch.
Audio: Quad-speaker Waves MaxxAudio Pro, Dolby Atmos, dual-array mics with AI noise cancel.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 (Intel BE200), Bluetooth 5.4. Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), SD card reader, 3.5mm jack.
Cooling: Vapor chamber, dual fans. Temps: 80°C GPU max.
Battery/Power: 86Wh, 100W USB-C adapter. Life: 12 hours productivity, 6 hours video.
Keyboard: Backlit chiclet, 1.3mm travel. Touchpad: Haptic glass 4.3x3.1 inches.
Webcam: 1080p FHD IR. Software: Windows 11 Home/Pro, Dell Optimizer.
Dimensions/Weight: 13.57 x 9.06 x 0.71 inches, 4.23 pounds. Chassis: CNC aluminum, MIL-STD-810H.
These specs cater to pros.
Display and Audio: Visual and Sonic Precision
The UHD+ OLED option covers 100% DCI-P3 for color-accurate editing, with 120Hz smoothness. 400 nits handles bright rooms, Dolby Vision enhances HDR.
Quad speakers deliver 90dB with clear highs, AI mics excel in calls.
2025 Optimizer adds calibration.
Battery and Portability: All-Day Companion
86Wh battery lasts 12 hours browsing, 6 hours video. 100W charges 80% in 60 minutes.
4.23 pounds suits travel, slim profile fits anywhere.
Software and Updates: Intelligent Tools
Dell Optimizer manages power/AI. 2025 BIOS 1.25.0 boosts NPU.
Market Position and Outlook
From $1,299, it competes with MacBook Pro. Phased out, but supported through 2028.
In summary, the Dell XPS 15 (2024) excels as a creator's tool, blending power and poise.