Framework Laptop 13 (2025) vs Dell XPS 13 9350: Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Quick Verdict
The Framework Laptop 13 is far more repairable and upgradeable with configurable ports, while the XPS 13 is more polished with better battery life and a more compact build. Choose the Framework for longevity; choose the XPS for refinement and endurance.
Key Differences
- Faster overall: Dell XPS 13 9350 (Geekbench multi 14,100 vs 12,200).
- Longer battery: Dell XPS 13 9350 (15.2h vs 11.4h web).
- Lighter: Dell XPS 13 9350 (1.19 kg vs 1.3 kg).
- Cheaper: Dell XPS 13 9350 (saves about $300 CAD).
Laptop 13 (2025) vs XPS 13 9350: Full Breakdown
Performance: the Dell XPS 13 9350 is the stronger performer, posting a multi-core Geekbench score of 14,100 against 12,200 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) — roughly 16% faster in CPU-heavy work like exports and compiling. In our 1080p gaming suite, the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) averaged 24 FPS versus 18 FPS. The Dell XPS 13 9350 is the better pick if you game or edit video.
Battery and portability: the Dell XPS 13 9350 lasts longer away from a charger, running 15.2 hours in our web-browsing test versus 11.4 hours. The Dell XPS 13 9350 is also easier to carry at 1.19 kg versus 1.3 kg, which matters if you commute or travel.
Price and value: the Dell XPS 13 9350 is the cheaper option in Canada, about $300 less than the Framework Laptop 13 (2025). Weighed against our test scores (7.7 vs 8.0 overall), the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) offers the better value for the money, while the Dell XPS 13 9350 is the stronger laptop outright if budget is not the deciding factor.
For the complete testing data, read our full Framework Laptop 13 (2025) review and Dell XPS 13 9350 review.
Where these laptops rank
Both the Laptop 13 (2025) and the XPS 13 9350 feature in these BestLaptop.ca rankings:
Winner by Use Case
Specs & Scores Comparison
| Spec | Laptop 13 (2025) | XPS 13 9350 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.7 | 8.0 ✓ |
| Price (CAD) | $1,799 | $1,499 ✓ |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 860M (integrated) | Qualcomm Adreno (integrated) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 | 16GB LPDDR5x |
| Storage | 512GB | 512GB |
| Display | 13.5" IPS | 13.4" IPS |
| Brightness | 478 nits | 478 nits |
| Battery (web) | 11.4 h | 15.2 h ✓ |
| Weight | 1.3 kg | 1.19 kg ✓ |
| Geekbench multi | 12,200 | 14,100 ✓ |
| Gaming (1080p) | 24 fps ✓ | 18 fps |
| OS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited (onsite available) |
Which Should You Buy?
The Framework Laptop 13 is far more repairable and upgradeable with configurable ports, while the XPS 13 is more polished with better battery life and a more compact build. Choose the Framework for longevity; choose the XPS for refinement and endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Laptop 13 (2025) or the XPS 13 9350?
The Framework Laptop 13 is far more repairable and upgradeable with configurable ports, while the XPS 13 is more polished with better battery life and a more compact build. Choose the Framework for longevity; choose the XPS for refinement and endurance.
Which is better for upgradeability?
The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the better choice for upgradeability.
Which is better for ports?
The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the better choice for ports.
Which is better for battery life?
The Dell XPS 13 9350 is the better choice for battery life.
Which is better for portability?
The Dell XPS 13 9350 is the better choice for portability.
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