Dell XPS laptops regularly end up at the top of many buyer’s lists for their plethora of valuable features, but some people might prefer the versatility of a 2-in-1 over a standard laptop experience. Enter the Dell XPS 13 9365, a 2-in-1 version of Dell’s highly-acclaimed laptop line. With stunning HD graphics and a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, this laptop lands in our top 3 list for the best 2 in 1 laptops and the best laptop.
Why We Like It – Dell XPS 13 9365
Dell XPS laptops are a fan-favorite laptop, so it should come as no surprise that the 2-in-1 brother, the Dell XPS 13 9365, is a fantastic convertible laptop. With a beautiful Infinity Edge touch display and super-fast processing power, this 2-in-1 is an excellent option for traveling students and business people.
- Full HD InfinityEdge touch screen
- Dynamic Power Mode for boosts of productivity
- Sturdy yet elegant chassis design
- No USB A ports
- Subpar battery life when using the laptop to its fullest potential
Related: For those who don’t like this unit, check our Dell XPS 13 7390 review
Power/Performance
While the performance on the Dell XPS 13 9365 cannot match that of a standard laptop, this 2-in-1 does a stellar job of performing quickly and beautifully. The solid state drive does a fabulous job at keeping things speedy, and the addition of Dynamic Power Mode for short bursts of extra power makes everything even faster. As a 2-in-1, it’s not very surprising that the Dell XPS 13 9365 can’t handle much more than casual games, though it is disappointing considering other 2-in-1s like the Lenovo Yoga C940 play games much better. The display on the Dell XPS 13 9365 is nothing short of stunning, with Full HD graphics that can be truly appreciated thanks to the InfinityEdge screen. The audio quality from the laptop’s speakers is surprisingly good for a laptop; the sound is far superior to that on the similar Acer Spin 5.
Battery
Reviewers are all over the place when it comes to the battery life of the Dell XPS 13 9365. Similar to the Dell XPS 15 2 in 1, Dell purports that this laptop can last over 10 hours on a single charge, and some reviewers were able to get almost 12. Unfortunately, several other reviewers found this laptop could maybe reach a third of that number, depending on your settings. It is frustrating that a computer with such a nice-looking display cannot be fully appreciated if you want to get a full workday out of the Dell XPS 13 9365Dell XPS 13 9365.
Related: Discover what the Dell XPS 13 9370 review offers
Ports/Expandability
Unlike most of the competition, Dell forewent all USB A ports on the Dell XPS 13 9365: this laptop has 2 USB C ports, an audio jack, and a microSD card reader. As of right now, this demonstrates a rather frustrating lack of connectivity options, as many devices still rely on USB A connections. That being said, most tech is moving in the direction of USB C, so it makes sense that Dell would go the route of the MacBook here. For the more artistically inclined as well as those who prefer taking notes by hand, Dell does sell a Wacom-powered active pen, though it’s unfortunate it doesn’t have it’s own housing on the unit like we’ve seen in other 2-in-1s.
Build Quality
The Dell XPS 13 9365 is a fantastic looking device: from the extended screen space to the slim yet durable body, this laptop will look good on anyone’s desk or lap. The chassis is lightweight and ultra thin, plus Dell’s decision to go fanless means noise won’t be an issue. Considering Dell’s dedication to making this device light and compact, it’s no wonder that none of the available models utilize a standard hard drive rather than a solid state drive. If you plan on traveling a lot with the Dell XPS 13 9365–which it was arguably made for–then you should have no worries about it being able to hold up to standard bumps and scrapes. Dell even utilized Corning Gorilla Glass on the touchscreen, so it’s extra-protected from scratches and cracks.
Value
For $2000, there’s no doubt you could get a more powerful system than the Dell XPS 13 9365, but because the system is a few years old now, there are no doubt plenty of deals and free shipping options available to keep the price down. If you’re looking for the absolute best in performance, you’d be better off buying a full-fledged laptop over most 2-in1’s, but if you want a beautiful laptop with fantastic portability, this one might be right for you.
Dell XPS 13 9365 Wrap Up
The Dell XPS 13 9365 is a fantastic 2-in-1 so long as you are using it for something like work, school, or light entertainment. Movies and TV shows will look fantastic on the edge-to-edge screen, and the lightweight yet durable body makes it easy to travel with this laptop. If you need a short boost of power, the included Dynamic Power Mode can give you just that. That being said, the battery life here doesn’t always support the heights this laptop can reach, and the lack of any USB A ports is rather frustrating.
