The Dell XPS 15 9520 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 are two high-performance laptops designed for professionals and power users who require a portable device that can handle demanding tasks. These laptops are often referred to as "laptops to replace your desktop," as they offer impressive processing power, ample storage, and advanced features that rival those of traditional desktop computers.

Design and Display

The Dell XPS 15 9520 boasts a sleek and compact design, with a weight of just 4.3 pounds and a thickness of 0.71 inches. The laptop's aluminum chassis is both durable and stylish, while the infinity-edge display provides an immersive viewing experience. The XPS 15 features a 15.6-inch OLED touchscreen with a resolution of up to 3840 x 2160 pixels, offering vibrant colors and excellent contrast.

In contrast, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 has a more rugged design, with a weight of 4.06 pounds and a thickness of 0.78 inches. The laptop's carbon fiber chassis is designed for durability and mobility, while the display offers a range of options, including a 15.6-inch UHD touchscreen with a resolution of up to 3840 x 2160 pixels.

Performance

Both laptops are powered by Intel Core processors, with the Dell XPS 15 9520 offering up to a 12th Gen Core i9-12900H processor and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 featuring up to a 12th Gen Core i9-12950HX processor. The XPS 15 also offers up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, while the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 can be configured with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM as well.

In terms of graphics, the Dell XPS 15 9520 features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 offers an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU. The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5's more powerful GPU makes it a better option for graphics-intensive tasks like video editing and 3D modeling.

Storage and Connectivity

Both laptops offer a range of storage options, including SSDs with capacities of up to 2TB. The Dell XPS 15 9520 features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SD card slot, and an audio jack, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 offers two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an SD card slot, and an audio jack.

Battery Life

The Dell XPS 15 9520 has a battery life of up to 14 hours, depending on usage, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 offers a battery life of up to 10 hours. However, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5's more powerful processor and GPU may reduce its overall battery life in practice.

Conclusion

The Dell XPS 15 9520 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 are both high-performance laptops designed for professionals and power users who require a portable device that can handle demanding tasks. As "laptops to replace your desktop," they offer impressive processing power, ample storage, and advanced features that rival those of traditional desktop computers.

While the Dell XPS 15 9520 offers a more compact design and longer battery life, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 provides a more powerful GPU and a wider range of connectivity options. Ultimately, the choice between these two laptops will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize graphics performance and connectivity, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 may be the better option. However, if you prefer a more compact design and longer battery life, the XPS 15 9520 is worth considering.

Recommendation

Based on our comparison, we recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 for professionals who require a powerful laptop for graphics-intensive tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. However, for those who prioritize a more compact design and longer battery life, the Dell XPS 15 9520 is a great alternative.

Rating

Dell XPS 15 9520: 4.5/5Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5: 4.7/5

Note: The ratings are based on our comparison of the two laptops and may vary depending on individual preferences and needs.