Dell XPS 13 7390 Review: A Clear Step Forward

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

Overview

The Dell XPS 13 7390 is a 13.4-inch convertible built for users who want a premium travel-friendly laptop with a modern screen shape and current connectivity. In this configuration, it combines an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, 8 GB of LPDDR4 memory, a 256 GB SSD, and a touchscreen IPS display with a 1920x1200 resolution. The main appeal is easy to see: the chassis stays thin and light, the screen is very bright for this class, and the 360-degree hinge adds flexibility for work, browsing, and media use.

At the same time, this model also asks for some compromises. Memory cannot be upgraded, the port selection is minimal, and the keyboard design may divide opinion. Buyers who value mobility, screen quality, and premium materials will likely see the strengths first, while users who need broad connectivity or future upgrades should note the limitations early.

Technical Specifications

Design and Build

Dell uses brushed aluminum for the outer surfaces and a carbon-fiber composite palm rest, giving the XPS 13 7390 a premium feel without making it bulky. The black and gray color scheme is conservative, but it fits the business-like style of the XPS line. Very slim display borders help the device look compact, and the 360-degree hinge lets it switch between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes in seconds.

There are a few practical notes worth keeping in mind. The palm rest can collect fingerprints, and the textured surface may also trap dust and small debris. Build quality is strong in some areas, especially the lid, but the source review also notes some flex in the keyboard deck and some twisting or creaking in the base. Upgrade options are essentially absent because the memory, SSD, and wireless module are described as soldered to the motherboard.

Display, Audio, and Webcam

The 13.4-inch IPS display is one of the strongest parts of this laptop. Its 16:10 aspect ratio gives extra vertical space, which is useful for documents and web pages, and the reported brightness reaches 550 cd/m2. Contrast is also strong at 1410:1, and the screen covers 100% of the sRGB color space according to the source. That combination makes the panel attractive for users who care about image quality, outdoor usability, and general visual comfort.

The glossy surface can still reflect light, but the high brightness helps preserve readability. Viewing angles are wide, touch support is included, and the panel is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The source also mentions PWM at a high 2500 Hz frequency and a 29 ms response time, so this is not a gaming-first screen. Audio from the stereo speakers is described as loud and reasonably balanced, while the 720p webcam is acceptable for video calls but not especially sharp or bright.

Keyboard and Input

Dell equips this model with a MagLev island-style keyboard without a number pad. The keys are fairly large, but key travel is short and the feedback is pronounced. This creates a typing feel that some users may like and others may not. The source compares it to the butterfly-style feel known from older MacBook keyboards, which means buyers sensitive to keyboard feel should pay attention here.

The arrow keys are a weaker point because they are narrow and less comfortable in daily use. On the positive side, the keyboard includes two-level backlighting for low-light work. The Precision touchpad is large and smooth, with easy finger glide and reliable movement. A fingerprint scanner is built into the power button, which adds a practical login option for everyday use.

Performance and Everyday Use

This Dell XPS 13 7390 configuration uses the quad-core Intel Core i5-1035G1 from the Ice Lake generation. The processor supports eight threads and runs between 1.0 GHz and 3.6 GHz, with 3.2 GHz noted when all four cores are active. In practical terms, the hardware is aimed at everyday office work, browsing, communication, and general multitasking rather than demanding creative workloads or serious gaming.

Intel UHD Graphics G1 is integrated graphics, and the source describes it as the slowest Ice Lake graphics option, even though it still improves on Intel UHD Graphics 620. That means it is suitable for casual games and normal daily tasks, but not for modern heavy games or intensive graphics workloads. The 8 GB of RAM is enough for many common tasks, yet it also sets a limit for heavier long-term use, especially since the memory cannot be expanded later.

Ports, Wireless, and Battery

Physical connectivity is minimal but modern. The laptop offers two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one on each side, along with a microSD card reader and a combined audio jack. Wireless support includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, which helps the system feel current for its generation. The tradeoff is clear: users get advanced USB-C-class connectivity, but there is no USB Type-A port for older accessories.

The 51 Wh battery delivers about nine hours of browser work at a display brightness of 150 cd/m2 according to the source review. More demanding tasks or higher brightness will reduce runtime, and gaming or other heavy loads can cut battery life to around two hours. Heat is most noticeable in the upper half of the base and around the center of the keyboard under load, while the palm rest stays cooler. Noise remains low at idle, but the system becomes louder once it is pushed.

Verdict

The Dell XPS 13 7390 stands out as a compact premium convertible with a very bright 16:10 display, modern wireless support, dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, and a flexible hinge design. It is a practical fit for mobile professionals and general users who want strong screen quality and a refined chassis in a small footprint.

The main compromises are also easy to define: limited upgrade potential, a selective keyboard feel, rising heat and noise under load, and no USB Type-A port. For buyers who prioritize mobility and display quality over expandability and legacy connectivity, this XPS remains an attractive option.