Dell launches budget XPS 13 laptop to challenge Apple’s MacBook Neo

Dell is targeting students and young professionals with a lower-priced XPS 13, aiming to compete with Apple’s MacBook Neo and strengthen its presence in the affordable premium laptop segment.

Dell has introduced a new budget-friendly version of its XPS 13 laptop as the company looks to compete more aggressively with Apple’s MacBook Neo in the consumer PC market. The new laptop starts at $699, while students aged 16 and above can purchase it for $599 during the back-to-school season.

The launch reflects Dell’s strategy to expand its footprint across multiple price segments and attract students and young professionals seeking premium features at more accessible prices. The company said the new XPS 13 is designed to offer a balance of portability, performance and affordability at a time when demand for value-focused computing devices is growing.

According to Dell, the latest XPS 13 is its thinnest and lightest laptop to date. The company claims the device is around half a pound lighter than Apple’s MacBook Neo and also features a larger display. The move comes amid increasing competition in the entry-level premium laptop category, where manufacturers are seeking to appeal to cost-conscious consumers without compromising on user experience.

Competing in the affordable premium segment

Dell’s latest offering arrives months after Apple launched the MacBook Neo lineup, which starts at $599 and is available to students at a lower price. The device helped Apple strengthen its performance in the education and budget-premium segments, creating fresh competition among PC vendors.

Commenting on the market, Dell Chief Operating Officer Jeff Clarke acknowledged Apple’s role in validating demand for affordable premium laptops. He said students and consumers are looking for better computing options at accessible price points, an area where Dell sees significant opportunity.

The company had earlier indicated at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas that it intended to compete across all major consumer PC price categories. The return of the XPS lineup and the launch of a lower-cost XPS 13 form part of that broader strategy.

Availability and market outlook

Dell said the XPS 13 powered by Intel Core Series 3 processors will be available soon. A version featuring Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, along with the new Storm colour option, is expected to launch later this summer.

The introduction of the laptop also comes as PC makers prepare for potential pressure on shipments in the second half of the year due to rising memory chip costs. By expanding its portfolio with more affordable offerings, Dell is aiming to strengthen its competitive position in a rapidly evolving PC market.