Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra vs Dell XPS 16 2026

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

  • Performance is scored from the laptop's CPU and GPU; few laptops have a published whole-system benchmark.
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra has no published PassMark CPU Mark result, so it scores lower.

Verdict

Key takeaways

  • Dell XPS 16 2026 leads Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra overall by 13 points (74 vs 61 out of 100).
  • Key differences: brightness, where Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra is 500 nits brighter; display resolution, where Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra has 3270 × 2180 vs 3200 × 2000 px; weight, where Dell XPS 16 2026 is 0.35 kg lighter; processor model, where Dell XPS 16 2026 has Intel Core Ultra X7 358H vs Nvidia RTX Spark N1X; only Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra has HDMI port.
Dell XPS 16 2026 leads overall
Dell XPS 16 2026 · 65 overall, #52 of 94
74
Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra · 72 overall, #21 of 94
61
Key differences
  • BrightnessMicrosoft Surface Laptop Ultra 500 nits brighter
  • Display resolutionMicrosoft Surface Laptop Ultra 3270 × 2180 vs 3200 × 2000 px
  • WeightDell XPS 16 2026 0.35 kg lighter
  • Processor modelDell XPS 16 2026 Intel Core Ultra X7 358H vs Nvidia RTX Spark N1X
  • HDMI portMicrosoft Surface Laptop Ultra only

Scores by Category

XPS 16 2026 wins 9 of 14 categories · Surface Laptop Ultra wins 2

CategorySurface Laptop UltraXPS 16 2026Lead
Display
+4
Performance
+50
Battery
+28
Memory
+5
Design & Weight
+16
Processor
+30
Storage
+9
Integrated Graphics
+56
Ports
+47
Connectivity
Tie
Webcam
+46
Security
Tie
Sound
+15
Input
Tie

Physical Comparison

2 kg1.65 kg
Surface Laptop UltraXPS 16 2026

Surface Laptop Ultra is 0.35 kg (21%) heavier than XPS 16 2026.

Value for Money

Launch prices — enter today's prices (same currency for both).

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra

No notable compromises found.

Dell XPS 16 2026

  • RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
  • No HDMI — you'll need a dongle for projectors/TVs.
  • No SD card reader.
  • No USB-A ports — older accessories need an adapter.

Detailed Specifications

Processor

Feature
Surface Laptop Ultra
XPS 16 2026
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature
Surface Laptop Ultra
XPS 16 2026
Integrated graphics model
N/A

Memory

Feature
Surface Laptop Ultra
XPS 16 2026
Memory capacity
N/A
16 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable
N/A
No

Storage

Feature
Surface Laptop Ultra
XPS 16 2026
Storage capacity
N/A
512 GB

Display

Feature
Surface Laptop Ultra
XPS 16 2026
Size
15 in
16 in7% more
Display resolution
3270 × 2180 px
3200 × 2000 px
Refresh rate
120 Hz
120 Hz
Display type
N/A
Brightness
1,000 nits100% more
500 nits

Battery

Feature
Surface Laptop Ultra
XPS 16 2026
Battery capacity
N/A
70 Wh

Ports

Feature
Surface Laptop Ultra
XPS 16 2026
USB Type C
3
3

Design & Weight

Feature
Surface Laptop Ultra
XPS 16 2026
Dimensions
32.88 × 23.87 × 1.8 cm
35.26 × 23.75 × 1.46 cm
Weight
2 kg
1.65 kg18% less

Performance

Feature
Surface Laptop Ultra
XPS 16 2026
PassMark CPU Mark
N/A
33,559
Active cooling
Yes
Yes

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

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