Dell XPS 16 9640 vs Framework Laptop 13 (2025): Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Quick Verdict
The Dell XPS 16 9640 scores 7.8 versus 7.7 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the cheaper option at $1,799. Choose based on the use cases below: the XPS 16 9640 leads overall, while the Laptop 13 (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Key Differences
- Faster overall: Dell XPS 16 9640 (Geekbench multi 13,400 vs 12,200).
- Longer battery: Framework Laptop 13 (2025) (11.4h vs 9h web).
- Lighter: Framework Laptop 13 (2025) (1.3 kg vs 2.1 kg).
- Display: OLED (Dell XPS 16 9640) vs IPS (Framework Laptop 13 (2025)).
- Cheaper: Framework Laptop 13 (2025) (saves about $1,400 CAD).
XPS 16 9640 vs Laptop 13 (2025): Full Breakdown
Performance: the Dell XPS 16 9640 is the stronger performer, posting a multi-core Geekbench score of 13,400 against 12,200 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) — roughly 10% faster in CPU-heavy work like exports and compiling. In our 1080p gaming suite, the Dell XPS 16 9640 averaged 78 FPS versus 24 FPS. The Dell XPS 16 9640 is the better pick if you game or edit video.
Battery and portability: the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) lasts longer away from a charger, running 11.4 hours in our web-browsing test versus 9 hours. The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is also easier to carry at 1.3 kg versus 2.1 kg, which matters if you commute or travel.
Display: the Dell XPS 16 9640 uses a 16.3-inch OLED panel (3840 x 2400, 90Hz), while the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) has a 13.5-inch IPS panel (2256 x 1504, 60Hz). The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) measured brighter at 478 nits, and covered 80% of DCI-P3 — relevant for outdoor use and colour work.
Price and value: the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the cheaper option in Canada, about $1,400 less than the Dell XPS 16 9640. Weighed against our test scores (7.8 vs 7.7 overall), the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) offers the better value for the money, while the Dell XPS 16 9640 is the stronger laptop outright if budget is not the deciding factor.
For the complete testing data, read our full Dell XPS 16 9640 review and Framework Laptop 13 (2025) review.
Where these laptops rank
Both the XPS 16 9640 and the Laptop 13 (2025) feature in these BestLaptop.ca rankings:
Winner by Use Case
Specs & Scores Comparison
| Spec | XPS 16 9640 | Laptop 13 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.8 ✓ | 7.7 |
| Price (CAD) | $3,199 | $1,799 ✓ |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (60W) | AMD Radeon 860M (integrated) |
| RAM | 32GB LPDDR5x ✓ | 16GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 1000GB ✓ | 512GB |
| Display | 16.3" OLED | 13.5" IPS |
| Brightness | 408 nits | 478 nits ✓ |
| Battery (web) | 9 h | 11.4 h ✓ |
| Weight | 2.1 kg | 1.3 kg ✓ |
| Geekbench multi | 13,400 ✓ | 12,200 |
| Gaming (1080p) | 78 fps ✓ | 24 fps |
| OS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (onsite available) | 1-year limited |
Which Should You Buy?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 scores 7.8 versus 7.7 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the cheaper option at $1,799. Choose based on the use cases below: the XPS 16 9640 leads overall, while the Laptop 13 (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the XPS 16 9640 or the Laptop 13 (2025)?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 scores 7.8 versus 7.7 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the cheaper option at $1,799. Choose based on the use cases below: the XPS 16 9640 leads overall, while the Laptop 13 (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Which is better for school?
The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the better choice for school.
Which is better for business?
The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the better choice for business.
Which is better for gaming?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 is the better choice for gaming.
Which is better for multimedia?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 is the better choice for multimedia.
Which is better for programming?
The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the better choice for programming.
Which is better for travel?
The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the better choice for travel.
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