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Dell XPS 13 vs Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i vs ThinkPad X9 15 (2025)

Dell XPS 13, Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra, or ThinkPad X9 15? We compare specs, performance, and value to crown the best premium laptop for 2025.

EM

Ethan Mercer

Editor-in-Chief

Choosing a premium laptop in 2025 means navigating a minefield of similar specs and marketing promises. The Dell XPS 13, Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition, and Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition all target professionals who demand performance and portability, but they take different approaches to get there.

The XPS 13 ($1,299) is Dell's iconic ultrabook, now with 14-hour battery life and a featherweight 2.8-pound chassis. The Yoga Slim 7i ($1,399) counters with a stunning 2880x1800 display and just-released status. The ThinkPad X9 15 ($1,999) brings serious firepower with a Core i9 and 32GB RAM, but at a price premium and larger footprint.

We've analyzed expert reviews from Ars Technica, CNET, Laptop Mag, and others to determine which laptop delivers the best combination of performance, portability, and value. The winner might surprise you.

Quick Navigation

  1. 1

    DellDeals LikelyNewer model likely available — look for deals on this one

  2. 2

    LenovoNew ReleaseJust Released — Great time to buy the latest model

  3. 3

    LenovoDeals LikelyNewer model likely available — look for deals on this one

1

XPS 13

DellDeals LikelyNewer model likely available — look for deals on this one

Dell XPS 13
9.2
Combined Score / 10
Ethan
9.2
Critics
9.2
$1299.99Best Price
2

Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition

LenovoNew ReleaseJust Released — Great time to buy the latest model

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition
9.0
Combined Score / 10
Ethan
9.0
Critics
9.0
$1299.99Best Price
3

ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition

LenovoDeals LikelyNewer model likely available — look for deals on this one

Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition
8.8
Combined Score / 10
Ethan
8.8
Critics
8.8
$1699.99Best Price

How We Review

Every product on this list was evaluated by aggregating expert reviews from trusted, independent sources. We don't accept pay-for-placement — our rankings are based entirely on review consensus, real-world testing data, and measurable performance.

Products are scored on a 10-point scale using a weighted formula that factors in expert ratings, price-to-value ratio, and recency. Newer products with strong reviews get a meaningful boost because we believe our readers deserve current recommendations.

Sources analyzed for this article: 3 products across multiple expert reviews.

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