Dell's latest XPS 13 (finally) squeezes a tiny webcam above the screen

Dell XPS 13
Dell XPS 13 (Image credit: Windows Central)

Dell's XPS line has represented an excellent range of laptops for years now. But despite their popularity, there was one little downside that plagued each and every iteration: the nose-cam that lived underneath the screen. At CES 2019, Dell has finally managed to address this lingering issue in its latest XPS 13 by moving the webcam to the top of the screen.

In other words, say goodbye to unflattering shots of your face.

The move was made possible by what Dell is calling its smallest HD webcam ever. The unit measures just 2.25mm, which allowed Dell to squeeze it into the tiny space allowed by its InfinityEdge bezels. In previous iterations, it was these very same slim bezels that forced Dell's hand in tucking the webcam below the display.

Aside from the new webcam position, the refreshed XPS 13 also sports another first. It's the first laptop in Dell's lineup to include support for Dolby Vision HDR. The 13.3-inch display, which comes in both 1080p and 4K flavors, will now be able to show even more vivid colors and deeper blacks with Dolby Vision content.

Dell XPS 13 Webcam

On the inside, the new XPS 13 includes a selection of 8th Gen Intel Core processors, with your choice of the Core i3-8145U, Core i5-8265U, or Core i7-8565U. That's in addition to up to 16GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage. Dell has also included Killer wireless networking, Bluetooth 4.2, and an optional fingerprint sensor in the power button for Windows Hello authentication.

The refreshed XPS 13 will be available from Dell today starting at $900. Initially, only 4K options in Silver/Black and Rose Gold/White colors will be available. Later in January, you'll be able to pick up the 4K model in a new Frost/White color, along with the 1080p non-touch model in Silver/Black, Rose Gold/White, and Frost/White. After January, you can grab the 1080p model with a touch screen in Silver/Black.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl