Dell XPS 15 9500: Buy this laptop instead of a MacBook Pro 16

Dell’s completely redesigned XPS 15 9500 arrives just in time to kick the MacBook Pro 16 into its grave.

- GORDON MAH UNG

Timing is everything in the PC business, and the Dell XPS 15 9500, an overdue refresh to the company’s high-end workhorse, arrives just in time for it to be truly considered the “MacBook Pro killer” it’s always aspired to be.

Yes, we know “MacBook Pro killer” is overused Internet clickbait. But with Apple’s decision to throw in the towel on x86-based laptops, anyone buying a Mac today is basically volunteering to stand on the deck of the Titanic and wave as the last lifeboats pull away (go.pcworld.com/lfbt).

Some laptop refreshes can be fairly minor. For the XPS 15 9500 ($2,254 at Dell. com;go.pcworld.com/22dl), it’s a complete redesign of a laptop that’s changed little since 2015, when it first adopted its “InfinityEdge” bezels.

On this model, gone is the 16:9 display aspect ratio that was prevalent for some years—fine for watching YouTube, not so great for productivity. In its place is a 16:10 aspect ratio, 15.6-inch panel running 4K+ with HDR400 and Dolby Vision support. The result is a stunning all-screen look that is likely to set the style for other laptop makers to emulate.

The left side of the XPS 15 9500 features (from left to right) a Noble lock port and two Thunderbolt 3 ports.