Dell XPS 15 9500 Review: Long-Awaited Redesign

Editor note: This English review is an original adaptation by Notebook Center Editorial Team based on the source review from Notebook-Center.ru.

Overview

Dell refreshed the XPS 15 line with the XPS 15 9500, adding a redesigned chassis, a 16:10 display format, and updated internal hardware. This configuration combines an Intel Core i7-10750H with GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q graphics, so it is suitable for everyday work, media tasks, and heavier creative software. The model also stands out with a bright matte screen, quiet cooling in light use, and a large battery.

Technical Specifications

Design and Build

The laptop uses a metal-and-carbon-fiber construction: an aluminum lid, carbon-fiber keyboard deck, and metal side elements. The body is thin and relatively light for a 15.6-inch performance notebook, with very slim display bezels and solid hinge stability. Build quality is described as tight, with no major flex in the top or bottom panels.

Display and Multimedia

The 15.6-inch IPS panel has a 1920x1200 resolution and a 16:10 ratio, giving more vertical workspace than standard 16:9 screens. The source review reports very high brightness (close to 600 cd/m2), 1200:1 contrast, no PWM, and full sRGB coverage, which supports both comfortable long sessions and color-sensitive work. Speakers are loud and generally balanced, while the 720p webcam is usable for calls but modest in image quality.

Keyboard, Touchpad, and Input

The keyboard offers clear feedback and includes backlighting, with a layout focused on typing comfort rather than a numeric keypad. The touchpad is notably large, smooth, and responsive, with Microsoft Precision gesture support. The fingerprint reader is integrated into the power button at the top-right of the keyboard area.

Performance, Ports, and Battery Behavior

With the Core i7-10750H, 16 GB RAM, fast 1 TB SSD, and GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q graphics, the system is positioned for office work, creative applications, and moderate gaming. Port selection centers on USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, plus SD card and audio jack, while legacy ports like HDMI and USB-A are absent. The 86 Wh battery is a key advantage: the source notes around 13 hours of web browsing at 50% brightness and about 10 hours of streaming video, with charging around 2 hours. Under sustained load, surface temperatures increase and fan noise can rise in heavy scenarios.

Verdict

Dell XPS 15 9500 is a strong update for users who want a premium 15.6-inch laptop with a taller display, good input devices, and balanced performance for work and content creation. Its main strengths are screen quality, build quality, and battery life. The main compromises are a fingerprint-prone palm rest area, limited legacy connectivity, and some heat/noise increase under high load.