Dell XPS 15 9500 vs Asus ROG Strix G15 G513 (2024)
When choosing a new laptop for gaming or productivity, it’s essential to compare top models like the Dell XPS 15 and ASUS ROG Strix G15. Both laptops offer powerful performance and sleek designs, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between the Dell XPS 15 and ASUS ROG Strix G15 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
The Dell XPS 15 and ASUS ROG Strix G15 showcase divergent design philosophies. The XPS 15 exudes an air of sophistication with its premium aluminum chassis and ultra-slim bezels surrounding the InfinityEdge display. Dell’s attention to detail is evident in the carbon fiber keyboard deck, giving it a luxurious feel and a unique aesthetic.
On the other hand, the ASUS ROG Strix G15 leans towards a more aggressive gaming aesthetic. With sharp lines, bold RGB lighting, and an angular design, it proudly announces its gaming pedigree. The laptop is larger and heavier than the XPS 15, emphasizing its focus on performance and cooling.
Both laptops have their own merits in terms of build quality. The XPS 15’s aluminum chassis imparts durability and a premium feel, while the ROG Strix G15’s plastic construction keeps it relatively lightweight for a gaming laptop. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your preference for a sleek and professional look or a bold and eye-catching gaming design.
Display
The display is a critical factor in choosing a laptop, especially for professionals and gamers who demand exceptional visual experiences. The Dell XPS 15 boasts a stunning 15.6-inch InfinityEdge 4K OLED display. The OLED technology delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for content creators and media enthusiasts. The slim bezels contribute to an immersive viewing experience, and the 16:9 aspect ratio is standard for most multimedia content.
In contrast, the ASUS ROG Strix G15 opts for a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS-level display with a higher refresh rate, often reaching up to 144Hz. This choice caters to gamers who prioritize smooth and responsive gameplay over ultra-high resolution. The display supports Adaptive Sync technology, reducing screen tearing and enhancing the overall gaming experience. While it may lack the pixel density of the XPS 15’s 4K OLED panel, the ROG Strix G15 compensates with its gaming-centric features.
Performance
Under the hood, both laptops pack a punch with powerful hardware configurations. The Dell XPS 15 offers a variety of processor options, including Intel’s 10th or 11th Gen Core i5, i7, or i9 processors. The GPU options range from the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti to the more potent GTX 1650 Ti or the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti. With up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and PCIe NVMe SSDs, the XPS 15 ensures smooth multitasking and speedy data access.
In the gaming corner, the ASUS ROG Strix G15 is armed with AMD’s Ryzen 5, 7, or 9 processors, paired with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 Ti graphics cards. The Ryzen CPUs are known for their excellent multi-core performance, making them well-suited for demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering. The ROG Strix G15 also supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM and features a dual storage configuration with SSDs and HDDs, offering a balance between speed and ample storage space.
When it comes to gaming, the ASUS ROG Strix G15 has a clear advantage with its higher refresh rate display and gaming-focused GPU options. However, the Dell XPS 15 holds its own in tasks that require a robust CPU and excels in content creation thanks to its high-resolution OLED display.
Cooling and Thermals
Efficient cooling is crucial for maintaining consistent performance during extended gaming sessions or resource-intensive tasks. The Dell XPS 15 employs a dual-fan cooling solution with multiple heat pipes to dissipate heat effectively. Dell’s proprietary thermal management system, along with the vapor chamber cooling, ensures optimal performance while keeping the laptop relatively quiet.
On the gaming front, the ASUS ROG Strix G15 features a comprehensive cooling system with large intake and exhaust vents, multiple heat pipes, and strategically placed fans. ASUS’ Intelligent Cooling technology adjusts fan speeds based on the workload, optimizing thermal performance. The ROG Strix G15’s cooling design is tailored for prolonged gaming sessions, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining consistent frame rates.
Input and Connectivity
Both laptops provide a range of connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with various peripherals and devices. The Dell XPS 15 features Thunderbolt 3 ports, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 allows for high-speed data transfer and the connection of external GPUs for enhanced graphics performance.
The ASUS ROG Strix G15, being a gaming laptop, places a strong emphasis on connectivity tailored for gaming peripherals. It includes multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. The inclusion of an Ethernet port is particularly beneficial for gamers who prefer a wired connection for low-latency online gaming.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Typing comfort and precision are crucial aspects of any laptop, and the Dell XPS 15 excels in this department. The keyboard offers well-spaced keys with a satisfying tactile feedback, ensuring a pleasant typing experience. The large precision trackpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, contributing to the overall usability of the laptop.
In the gaming-centric ASUS ROG Strix G15, the keyboard is designed with gamers in mind. It features a full-size keyboard with customizable RGB lighting, N-key rollover, and a 4-zone RGB backlight. The keys have a good amount of travel, providing a tactile feel necessary for gaming inputs. The precision trackpad is also responsive, although gamers may prefer an external gaming mouse for precise control.
Audio
Audio quality is often overlooked but can significantly impact the overall multimedia and gaming experience. The Dell XPS 15 boasts stereo speakers tuned by Waves MaxxAudio Pro, delivering clear and immersive sound. The placement of the speakers on the sides of the laptop enhances the stereo effect, providing a well-balanced audio experience.
In the ASUS ROG Strix G15, audio takes center stage with the collaboration of ASUS and audio specialists Dolby Atmos. The laptop features powerful speakers that deliver rich and detailed sound, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize audio quality. The placement of the speakers on the sides of the laptop enhances the spatial audio experience, immersing users in the gaming environment.
Battery Life
Laptop users often value portability and long battery life, and in this aspect, the Dell XPS 15 stands out. Equipped with a 86Whr battery, the XPS 15 offers impressive battery life, especially considering its high-resolution display. Users can expect around 8 to 10 hours of usage under normal workloads, making it an excellent choice for professionals on the go.
The ASUS ROG Strix G15, being a gaming laptop, tends to have a more power-hungry configuration. While it includes a decent 90Whr battery, the high-performance components and gaming-centric features can impact battery life. Gamers can typically expect around 4 to 6 hours of battery life, depending on the intensity of the gaming sessions.
Software and User Experience
The Dell XPS 15 comes with a clean and minimalistic Windows 10 installation, free from bloatware that can often clutter the user experience. Dell’s attention to detail extends to the pre-installed software, with utilities that enhance system management and performance. Users benefit from a streamlined experience, allowing them to customize the laptop according to their preferences.
In contrast, the ASUS ROG Strix G15 embraces its gaming identity with a host of pre-installed gaming-centric software. ASUS’ Armoury Crate software provides users with control over system performance, RGB lighting, and cooling settings. While this software can enhance the gaming experience, some users may find it overwhelming, especially if they prefer a cleaner and more straightforward operating system.
Price and Value for Money
The pricing of the Dell XPS 15 and ASUS ROG Strix G15 can vary based on the chosen configurations and available discounts. Generally, the XPS 15 is positioned as a premium laptop, reflecting its high-end build quality, display, and overall performance. The premium components, such as the 4K OLED display and slim aluminum chassis, contribute to a higher price point.
On the gaming front, the ASUS ROG Strix G15 is competitively priced, offering powerful hardware and gaming-centric features at a more accessible price compared to the XPS 15. Gamers looking for value for money and robust gaming performance may find the ROG Strix G15 to be an attractive option.
Conclusion
In the showdown between the Dell XPS 15 and the ASUS ROG Strix G15, the choice ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a sleek and professional design, a stunning 4K OLED display, and long battery life for productivity tasks, the Dell XPS 15 is an excellent choice. Content creators, business professionals, and those seeking a premium computing experience will find the XPS 15 to be a worthy investment.
On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a laptop that screams gaming prowess, with a high-refresh-rate display, powerful graphics, and gaming-centric features, the ASUS ROG Strix G15 is a compelling option. The aggressive design, customizable RGB lighting, and robust cooling system make it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts who want a device optimized for their favorite pastime.
In conclusion, both the Dell XPS 15 and ASUS ROG Strix G15 excel in their respective domains, catering to different user preferences. As technology continues to advance, these laptops represent the cutting edge of performance and design in their categories, providing users with a range of options to suit their specific needs.