“Features that fill in the MacBook Neo’s blind spots”: Dell’s new XPS 13 makes Apple’s Neo look dated as I compare the sleek laptops
Dell’s new XPS 13 for 2026 presents a compelling alternative to Apple’s MacBook Neo, offering several features the Neo lacks. Both laptops start at $599, positioning them as strong options for student buyers. However, the XPS 13 differentiates itself with a backlit keyboard, a 2.5K display with 120Hz refresh rate, and quad speakers—features notably absent from the Neo. The XPS 13’s CNC-machined aluminum chassis is lighter than the MacBook Neo while offering faster ports and support for newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards. Additional amenities include facial biometrics.
Powered by Intel’s Wildcat Lake processors, the XPS 13 comes with various hardware configurations designed for different use cases. The MacBook Neo, meanwhile, delivers solid value as a thin, modern laptop within Apple’s ecosystem. For Windows-preferring students, the XPS 13 offers a more feature-rich experience out of the box, though both devices represent the current cutting edge of portable computing. The comparison underscores how intensely Dell and Apple are competing in the student laptop segment, each leveraging their ecosystem advantages and distinct design philosophies.