Dell XPS 13 9360 review

Where the XPS 13 9360 stands

The Dell XPS 13 9360 is a 2016 premium ultrabook — one of the most iconic thin-and-light designs of its era. At roughly $1,087, it sits well above the ultrabook-category median of $373, reflecting the XPS brand premium and the enduring desirability of the form factor. The GPU score of 12.4 is above the category average, offering modest graphics headroom. The weakness is reliability: a score of 17 is 67% below the category median, which is a significant concern for a ten-year-old machine at this price. The value proposition depends heavily on whether the buyer values the XPS design and build enough to justify the premium.

A modest graphics edge in a premium chassis

The XPS 13 9360's GPU score of 12.4 is 224% above the ultrabook-class median of 3.8, placing it in the office graphics tier. This is enough for smooth media playback, light photo editing, and older games at minimum settings (Overwatch, Grand Theft Auto V, and Rainbow Six Siege are within reach). Visual Studio Code runs without issue. The graphics advantage is modest rather than transformative — this is not a gaming ultrabook — but it does give the 9360 more versatility than typical integrated-only competitors.

The reliability question at a premium price

The primary concern is value relative to condition. A reliability score of 17 is 67% below the ultrabook-class median of 51. For a ten-year-old machine priced at $1,087, this means the buyer is paying a significant premium for a device with below-average durability. The XPS 13's superb build quality, iconic infinity-edge display, and compact form factor are real assets, but buyers should carefully weigh whether the design premium justifies the reliability risk at this price level. More modern ultrabooks with better reliability scores are available for less.

Price trajectory

The XPS 13 9360 has depreciated at roughly 7.2% per year from an estimated $1,400 launch price to today's $1,087. The projected price two years out is approximately $936, a further 14% decline. The slow depreciation rate reflects the XPS brand's value retention, but the machine will continue losing value as newer, more capable ultrabooks enter the refurbished market.

How it compares

No direct alternatives appear in the immediate comparison set at this price level. Within the ultrabook category, the XPS 13 9360 competes on brand and design rather than on raw value — at $1,087, buyers can find newer, more reliable ultrabooks with better performance specifications. The 9360's appeal is specific to buyers who value the XPS design language, the infinity-edge display, and the iconic form factor enough to accept the reliability compromise and the premium price.

Bottom line

The XPS 13 9360 is fairly priced for its class, but the value proposition is narrow. At $1,087, it offers a premium design, a modest graphics edge, and the enduring appeal of the XPS brand. The reliability score of 17 — 67% below the category median — is the honest caveat, and at this price level, buyers should carefully consider whether newer, more reliable ultrabooks represent better value. For enthusiasts who specifically want the 9360 for its design and form factor, the price reflects market demand. For buyers seeking the best value in a thin-and-light ultrabook, there are more practical options.