Dell XPS 17 (9710) Review: The Big-Screen Laptop That Sets the Benchmark

The Dell XPS 17 9710 stands as Dell’s statement that size can still mean sophistication and usability in a Windows-powered workstation. It treads the line between a portable productivity machine and a large-format creative rig, offering a premium chassis, a vivid high-resolution display, and strong performance that can handle demanding tasks. This in-depth look examines every facet of the XPS 17 to determine whether its big-screen ambitions pay off in real-world use, and whether it’s worth the premium price for professionals, creators, and power users who crave screen real estate without sacrificing build quality or comfort.

Dell XPS 17 design and build

From the moment you lay eyes on the Dell XPS 17, its presence signals that this is a flagship device in Dell’s Windows lineup. The chassis is sculpted from premium materials that exude durability and refinement, a hallmark of the XPS family. The exterior is finished in a sleek, dark tone with a metal lid that carries the familiar Dell insignia, delivering a sense of prestige that’s consistent with the XPS ethos. The lid opens with a premium, satisfying click, and the overall rigidity of the lid and base communicates confidence when you carry the laptop through a busy workday or a short flight to a conference.

Inside, the XPS 17 continues the premium impression with a carbon fiber palm rest that offers a cool touch and a reassuring softness under the wrists. The surrounding color treatment remains understated yet luxurious, aligning with the brand’s design language across its higher-end notebooks. While the device’s footprint is substantial—typical of a 17-inch laptop—the build remains surprisingly tidy in appearance, and the device’s weight is manageable for a machine of this size. It sits around a mid-to-upper range in weight for 17-inch laptops, a reflection of the robust construction rather than a lack of portability.

One of the design elements that stands out is the very subtle bezel surrounding the display. Dell leverages nearly edge-to-edge glass to maximize the actual screen area while preserving a compact overall footprint for a device that still weighs in at a reasonable level for its class. The top bezel is slightly thicker than the other borders, a practical compromise because it accommodates the integrated webcam. The overall effect is modern and almost seamless, with minimal visual distractions when you’re immersed in a project or a movie.

Port selection on the XPS 17 is thoughtful for a modern creator-focused notebook. The machine includes four Thunderbolt 4 ports, which offer flexible and fast connectivity for external GPUs, high-speed storage, and external displays. An SD card slot is included for easy media transfer and quick indexing of photo or video assets, a feature many creators appreciate, especially those who frequently work with camera footage or RAW images. A standard headphone jack remains available, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of audio devices without requiring adapters for common studio-grade gear. Dell also ships an adapter that provides USB-A and HDMI connectivity, which can be convenient for older peripherals that haven’t yet migrated to USB-C.

One practical for many users is the lack of a built-in USB-A dongle dependency beyond the included adapter, helping to reduce clutter once you settle into a regular workflow. The XPS 17’s design also emphasizes thin, almost frameless bezels around the display, contributing to a modern aesthetic that’s consistent with Dell’s premium line. The top bezel houses the webcam, a necessary concession for achieving the ultra-slim side bezels that define the XPS 17’s look, while the other sides keep the panel clean and focused on the screen.

In terms of ergonomics, the keyboard layout is comfortable and familiar to anyone who has typed on a Dell laptop before. The travel is adequate, and the spacing between keys is generous enough to support long typing sessions without producing fatigue or mistakes. The device does omit a dedicated number pad, which some might expect in a 17-inch chassis, but the decision helps keep the overall footprint lean and the speakers unobstructed. The touchpad is sizeable and precise, providing smooth tracking and reliable click mechanisms for everyday navigation, online work, and design tasks.

If you’re curious about how the XPS 17 manages heat and noise in prolonged workloads, you’ll find that the internal thermal design prioritizes sustained performance over silent operation. When pushed, the fans can become quite audible, a typical trade-off for high-performance systems that aspire to maintain higher clock speeds for extended periods. While this may be noticeable under heavy workloads like livestream editing or 3D rendering, it doesn’t degrade the core performance or responsiveness during ordinary tasks such as document editing, web browsing, or light multimedia work.

The overall package—premium materials, robust chassis, thoughtful port layout, and an understated but powerful aesthetic—positions the XPS 17 as a premium choice for users who want a large-screen Windows laptop that still feels refined in everyday use. The design philosophy centers on a balance between size and practicality, ensuring that the device remains portable enough for regular travel while delivering the space and power demanded by professionals who rely on screen real estate for multitasking, creative workflows, and productivity tasks that require expansive windows and more on-screen content.

Dell XPS 17 display options, color, and viewing experience

The XPS 17 is offered with two distinct display configurations to suit different user priorities. One option is a 1920 x 1200 non-touch panel, which emphasizes readability, battery efficiency, and a clean, crisp presentation ideal for heavy document work and coding sessions. The other option is a 3840 x 2400 touch-enabled display, which delivers an exceptionally sharp image with a high pixel density that makes text, interfaces, and media appear exceptionally detailed. The review unit features the latter, a 4K experience that showcases the XPS 17’s potential when high-resolution visuals matter most.

Text appears incredibly crisp at 4K on a 17-inch screen, making long-form reading and multi-document comparison comfortable. The color presentation on this panel is bright and vivid, contributing to a visually engaging work environment for photo and video editors, graphic designers, and content creators who rely on accurate color representation and detailed imagery. The display supports Dolby Vision, a feature that enhances HDR content by delivering richer contrast and more lifelike color gradations. For many users, that means an enhanced viewing experience when watching movies, editing high-dynamic-range video projects, or reviewing color-critical media.

Brightness performance is strong, with a rated 500 nits, which translates to ample visibility in bright rooms or daylight-filled offices. In practice, most daily tasks—the typical blend of spreadsheets, emails, coding windows, and reference materials—were comfortable with brightness around 75% in a variety of lighting conditions. While the screen isn’t OLED or Micro-LED, the black levels and contrast remain solid for a non-OLED panel, helping text readability and media playback stay visually satisfying even in darker scenes or more dramatic video.

The 4K display not only shines with clarity but also scales well for content creation workloads. Pixel-dense rendering benefits photo retouching, video editing, and 3D modeling tasks, where precise pixels and fine details can make a tangible difference in outcomes. The touchscreen option adds another level of interactivity, allowing intuitive gestures and touch-based editing workflows that some creators prefer, particularly when paired with a capable stylus or pen for precise input on design or illustration tasks.

While the 4K display is a standout feature for enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and clarity, the alternative 1080p-to-WQHD options can offer longer battery life and reduced power draw, which translates into more time between charges for on-the-go professionals who travel frequently or operate in environments without reliable power outlets. For users whose work revolves around long writing sessions, email, and research, the non-touch or lower-resolution option can be a pragmatic choice, letting them keep the screen steady and colors consistent without sacrificing performance.

In terms of color accuracy and calibration, the XPS line typically targets a balanced, consumer-friendly color profile that’s suitable for a wide range of tasks. While the review unit’s exact color calibration isn’t enumerated in exhaustive detail, the display’s vividness and HDR capabilities suggest it’s well-positioned for content creators who require reliable color output and vibrant media playback. For editors who demand precise color fidelity, additional calibration steps or professional color workflows could be considered to ensure alignment with specific industry standards.

The keyboard-to-display relationship remains integral to the user experience on the XPS 17, with the large display area enabling more spacious layouts, expanded tool palettes, and more comfortable reading of long documents or design timelines during creative sessions. The combination of a bright, detailed 4K panel and an expansive screen real estate makes the XPS 17 a compelling option for those who need to see more content at once while maintaining readability and color clarity.

Dell XPS 17 audio and speakers

Audio performance is a critical part of a premium portable workstation, and the Dell XPS 17 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. The device features a well-balanced speaker system that aims to provide a satisfying stereo experience for both entertainment and work-related audio tasks. The setup includes two tweeters and two woofers, designed to deliver a more robust sound profile than typical laptop speakers, with a clear emphasis on midrange clarity and controlled bass that remains intelligible at moderate to high volumes.

In practical use, the speakers produce a punchy presentation that works well for watching videos, participating in video meetings, and listening to music while working. While they don’t replace the separation and depth of a high-quality external speaker system or premium headphones, they deliver a level of audible detail that makes casual media consumption and daily collaboration more enjoyable. The blend of tweeters and woofers helps ensure that dialogues stay intelligible and the overall sound remains well-balanced across different content types, from spoken-word podcasts to cinematic action sequences.

Video and conference calls benefit from the clarity and presence of the built-in speakers, especially when combined with the device’s microphone system in well-lit environments. The hardware and tuning are designed to minimize distortions at typical office or home office volumes, preserving intelligibility during long conference calls where participants need consistent voice pickup and minimal echo or ambient noise intrusion. For those who place a premium on audio quality in a portable form factor, the XPS 17 offers a credible on-device listening experience that reduces the need for immediate external speakers in many scenarios.

If you’re a creator who relies on on-the-go editing or who uses the laptop in shared spaces, the XPS 17’s audio setup is more than adequate for most tasks. It can handle baseline soundtrack monitoring, review sessions, and general multimedia work without immediately forcing you to connect wired or wireless headphones. For more critical audio work, or for those who require studio-grade monitoring, external speakers or headphones will be a natural upgrade, but the built-in system delivers a satisfying baseline that keeps content review practical and enjoyable on the move.

Dell XPS 17 performance and graphics

The Dell XPS 17 is configured to deliver substantial performance for productivity, content creation, and multimedia workloads, with a clear emphasis on high-end tasks that benefit from abundant RAM and a capable GPU. The base configuration pairs an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. The review model, however, represents a far more capable setup: an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor paired with 32GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. This configuration targets power users who may perform heavy multitasking, render large projects, or engage in GPU-accelerated workflows.

Across typical workloads, the XPS 17 handles day-to-day productivity with ease. Opening many browser windows, documents, and design apps in parallel is a scenario where the machine remains responsive and quick to switch tasks. The CPU remains capable of sustaining important work tasks without becoming a bottleneck, and the 32GB of RAM ensures that large projects with multiple apps in memory do not force frequent swaps to disk, which can degrade performance.

When it comes to content creation and media editing, the RTX 3060 graphics card provides meaningful benefits for GPU-accelerated tasks. Video editing, color grading, and motion graphics workflows benefit from the GPU’s computing power, enabling smoother playback and more rapid rendering in supported software environments. While the RTX 3060 sits below the higher-end RTX 3080 configurations offered in some high-end laptops, it still delivers robust graphics performance that can handle many professional-grade tasks and occasional gaming at modest settings.

In terms of gaming viability, the XPS 17 can accommodate a range of titles at reasonable settings, especially at 1080p or 1440p. However, Dell’s marketing for the XPS 17 emphasizes productivity and content creation rather than gaming as its primary use case. For those who require a portable gaming workstation, other laptops purpose-built for extreme gaming or those with higher-end GPUs might be a more suitable match, particularly if you aim to push frame rates higher at 4K resolution. That said, the RTX 3060 on a 17-inch screen provides a satisfying balance of speed and visual fidelity for casual gaming, creative tasks, and workflow modernization without stepping into the most extreme hardware tiers.

Benchmarks help illustrate the XPS 17’s performance capabilities. In GeekBench 5, the system delivered a result of approximately 1301 points in single-core performance and around 6095 points in multi-core performance. CineBench R23 results showed about 1245 points for single-core test and 6359 points for multi-core. These numbers place the XPS 17 in a strong position among Windows laptops with similar configurations, indicating robust multi-threaded performance that benefits multi-tasking and content creation workloads, while still offering solid single-core speed for general productivity tasks.

Thermal management is a practical concern for any high-performance laptop, and the XPS 17’s design aims to balance sustained performance with manageability. The fans engage with noticeable effort during heavy workloads, particularly when the system is tasked with demanding processes like multi-application editing sessions or render-heavy tasks. While the audible fan noise can be loud under load, it does not impede the device’s overall usability during regular tasks such as word processing or browser-based work. For users who frequently perform long, resource-intensive tasks, the XPS 17’s cooling system is capable, though the loudness under load may influence where you choose to work or how you position the laptop during extended sessions.

In practice, the XPS 17 excels as a productivity and creator machine. The combination of a large, high-resolution display, a powerful CPU, a substantial amount of RAM, and a capable GPU makes it well-suited to tasks that benefit from screen real estate and computing headroom. These include video editing, 3D rendering, large-scale data analysis, and design workflows that demand both CPU and GPU resources. While the machine’s size and weight might deter frequent travel for some users, its performance envelope remains highly appealing for professionals who regularly handle complex projects on the go or from a fixed workspace.

Dell XPS 17 battery life and endurance

Battery performance on the XPS 17 reflects the realities of a 17-inch 4K-class laptop with a powerful GPU. In everyday productivity scenarios—an assortment of office tasks, web browsing, and light media consumption—the device can cover roughly six hours of use, depending on the workload and display brightness. Real-world tests indicate that practical endurance hovers in the neighborhood of that figure, with the battery gradually draining as tasks demand more power draws or more demanding media tasks.

When you push the XPS 17 into heavier workloads—such as video editing, gaming at higher settings, or sustained multi-tasking with multiple high-demand applications—the battery life understandably shortens. In these scenarios, you can expect considerably less runtime, likely well below the six-hour mark, as power-draw increases to meet performance demands. This is a natural consequence of pairing a high-resolution 4K display with a mid-to-high-end GPU in a relatively thin chassis that prioritizes performance over endurance.

Charging performance is efficient given the device’s capabilities, though the exact charging speed can vary depending on the charger and battery state at the start of a session. Users who frequently travel or need to work remotely in environments without reliable outlets should plan for a full charging cycle and consider carrying a dedicated charger that matches the device’s charging requirements to minimize downtime. The 17-inch form factor necessitates a larger battery, and while it supports extended sessions, the trade-off is a shorter endurance window when you’re actively editing or gaming compared to smaller, lower-resolution configurations.

In daily use, you’ll experience a practical balance: a big screen delivers productivity and creative advantages, while battery life remains a consideration for those who rely on lengthy sessions away from power. For professionals who prioritize screen real estate and workload capacity, the XPS 17’s endurance is generally adequate for standard workdays, meetings, and lighter creative tasks, with the understanding that battery life will vary depending on brightness settings, workload intensity, and the particular software being used.

Dell XPS 17 software, features, and user experience

The Dell XPS 17 ships primarily with Windows 10 out of the box but is fully compatible with Windows 11, offering an easy upgrade path for users who want the latest Windows experience and associated feature enhancements. The software experience on the XPS 17 remains relatively clean, with limited bloatware in the typical Dell fashion, focusing on provide-value features rather than overwhelming the user with unnecessary preinstalled programs. The presence of common security software, such as McAfee, and occasional promotional prompts for third-party services has historically been part of the Windows PC ecosystem, though the core experience remains straightforward and user-friendly, with a clean Windows 10/11 installation that leaves a lot of the system’s deployable space for user-installed applications and files.

When transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11, some users may encounter minor quirks or feature interactions—especially as the operating system evolves and drivers are updated. In one observed scenario during testing, a sudden audio issue surfaced after updating to Windows 11. However, Dell or Windows updates typically address such problems promptly, and a subsequent update resolved the issue, restoring full audio functionality. This pattern—small initial issues followed by targeted updates—reflects the broader ecosystem’s approach to keeping a modern, secure, and stable platform across devices.

Overall, the software experience on the XPS 17 is consistent with Dell’s premium approach: practical, minimally intrusive, and designed to support the user’s workflow without unnecessary distractions. The laptop includes a curated, compact set of utilities aimed at improving productivity, with a focus on reliability and performance rather than overly aggressive promotional content. For creators, professionals, and power users who prefer a clean baseline experience, the XPS 17 offers a solid platform to install and run professional software for video editing, 3D modeling, graphic design, and software development, while retaining the flexibility that Windows enables for diverse workflows.

Dell XPS 17 build quality, keyboard, trackpad, and input experience

The keyboard on the Dell XPS 17 is designed for extended typing sessions, with a comfortable key travel and a layout that encourages rapid typing with minimal fatigue. The keys offer sufficient travel to provide tactile feedback that helps with accuracy, and the spacing ensures a low error rate during long writing tasks. The top-right portion of the keyboard area houses a fingerprint sensor, which can serve as an alternative to Windows Hello for quick logins. While facial recognition is a popular option, some users may find the fingerprint sensor a preferable or more reliable method of authentication in certain lighting or usage scenarios.

The absence of a dedicated numeric keypad on a machine of this size is a trade-off that some users accept in exchange for more space for speakers and a more comfortable trackpad area. In practice, the navigation and editing workflows benefit from the compact design of the keyboard while still maintaining enough physical real estate to type comfortably and maintain precise control.

The touchpad on the XPS 17 is generously sized, providing ample surface area for accurate gesture control and precise cursor movement. It is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, enabling efficient navigation across Windows interfaces, creative software, and web-based workflows. While the touchpad’s performance is solid and dependable, it doesn’t quite reach the premium feel of a MacBook’s trackpad; however, for most users, it is more than adequate and contributes positively to the overall input experience.

For users who require precise input with a stylus or digital pen for design tasks, the XPS 17’s display is compatible with touch input on the 4K panel, enabling nuanced interaction with design and editing software. The combination of a large screen, responsive input devices, and a comfortable keyboard setup makes the XPS 17 a strong candidate for professionals who spend significant time drafting documents, editing media, or refining creative assets.

Dell XPS 17 connectivity, ports, and expandability

Connectivity supports a wide range of use cases, thanks to the Thunderbolt 4 ports, SD card reader, and standard audio jack. The USB-C-based TB4 implementation provides high bandwidth for external GPUs, fast external storage, and multiple high-resolution displays. The presence of an SD card slot is a practical addition for photographers and videographers who routinely move media from cameras or card readers to the laptop for editing and review. The inclusion of a USB-A and HDMI adapter helps bridge legacy peripherals, providing a bridge for older devices that are still widely used in many professional environments.

The port arrangement is designed to be practical for a creator’s workflow. Four TB4 ports offer versatility, while the SD card slot addresses the needs of content creators who frequently transfer large media files. It’s a thoughtful balance between modern USB-C connectivity and the practical requirements of older hardware. The HDMI support through the included adapter means you don’t necessarily need a dedicated docking solution to drive external displays at high resolutions, which can be a meaningful convenience for travelers and those who work in different environments.

For those who expect a portable workstation to provide robust connectivity for an external display setup, the XPS 17 delivers. The ability to drive multiple 4K displays or a single large monitor through TB4, combined with ample storage options, makes the XPS 17 a capable hub for a workstation environment. The emphasis remains on delivering performance with a flexible and straightforward approach to expansion, allowing users to tailor the device to their particular professional needs, whether that means connecting a color-calibrated external monitor for editing or an external GPU for intense rendering tasks.

Dell XPS 17 value, configurations, and market positioning

The Dell XPS 17 is positioned as a premium option in the Windows laptop market, targeting professionals who require a large screen, strong performance, and a refined design. The base configuration provides a more accessible entry point, but the true performance and feature set shine through the higher-end variants, such as the review unit with an 11th-gen Core i7, 32GB of RAM, and an RTX 3060 GPU. This combination delivers a powerful platform for professional workloads, creative tasks, and serious multitasking, justifying the premium price for users who prioritize efficiency, display quality, and expansion potential.

In terms of pricing strategy, Dell’s XPS 17 competes with other high-end premium laptops that emphasize a large screen and premium build. The market for 17-inch Windows laptops often emphasizes productivity and content creation more than gaming, and the XPS 17 aligns with that expectation. Competing models, such as gaming-focused or ultra-high-end workstations, bring different strengths and trade-offs, including more gaming-oriented GPU configurations or specialized portability features. The XPS 17’s value proposition rests on its ability to deliver a balanced package: a big, high-resolution display; a premium chassis; a capable CPU and GPU for demanding creative tasks; and a versatile port set that supports modern workflows and legacy peripherals alike.

For professionals who require a stable and powerful workstation in a portable shell, the XPS 17 offers a compelling option. The combination of a large, vibrant display, a strong processor, generous RAM, fast storage, and a capable GPU makes it well-suited to media production, software development, data analysis, and other demanding tasks that benefit from a spacious screen and robust performance. The device’s weight and size are factors to consider for frequent travelers who must carry the notebook between meetings, offices, and client sites. However, for many users who work primarily from a single desk or a dedicated studio space, the XPS 17 presents a premium, future-facing solution that can handle a wide range of professional tasks with ease.

The ultimate decision on value comes down to your specific use cases. If your work involves heavy multimedia editing, large-scale design projects, or frequent multitasking across many windows, the XPS 17’s combination of display quality, performance headroom, and expandability can justify the investment. If your needs lean more toward portability, endurance under travel, or gaming supremacy, you may find more favorable options in other segments or brands that emphasize mobility or higher-end gaming GPUs at or near similar price points. The XPS 17 sits firmly in the premium niche, offering a distinct blend of big-screen capability and professional-grade performance that aligns well with a particular audience.

Should you buy the Dell XPS 17 9710?

Yes, for a specific audience. If you prioritize screen real estate, a premium build, and strong performance for content creation, design, or software development, the Dell XPS 17 9710 stands out as a compelling option in the premium Windows laptop segment. The 17-inch form factor, when paired with a high-resolution 4K display and a robust CPU/GPU configuration, yields a workstation-like experience in a portable package. It’s particularly appealing for professionals who spend significant time with multiple applications, large design files, or video and audio editing tasks that benefit from expansive screen space and the ability to view multiple windows side by side without constant window toggling.

However, there are trade-offs to consider. The XPS 17 is a sizable and relatively heavy machine, which can be a drawback for frequent travelers or for users who prioritize ultra-lightweight portability. Battery life, while adequate for typical productivity tasks, is not exceptional in the context of a 17-inch, 4K-equipped machine; intensive tasks like gaming or editing can lead to noticeably shorter endurance. The price point is also higher than many mainstream laptops, reflecting the premium materials, display quality, and performance headroom that the device provides. For shoppers who emphasize portability and longer battery life as primary criteria, other devices may be better suited to those needs.

If your primary requirement is a robust, large-screen Windows laptop for professional-grade content creation, the XPS 17 9710 offers a balanced feature set with a focus on build quality, display performance, and overall system responsiveness. It delivers the kinds of capabilities that creatives and professionals value: a bright, highly detailed 4K panel, a capable CPU/GPU pairing, and a generous amount of RAM for multitasking. For those who are ready to invest in a desktop-grade portable experience and are comfortable carrying a larger, heavier notebook, the XPS 17 is a strong candidate that can serve as a primary workstation outside the office or studio.

Conclusion

The Dell XPS 17 9710 embodies the premium Windows laptop ideal for users who want a large, immersive display, a refined chassis, and strong performance across demanding workflows. Its design emphasizes a modern aesthetic and physical durability, with a host of connectivity options that support contemporary creator and professional workflows. The 17-inch screen—whether you opt for the 4K option or the more power-efficient 1920 x 1200 variant—delivers a visually rich experience that benefits color-sensitive media work and multitasking, while the configured CPU, RAM, and GPU provide a capable foundation for content creation, software development, and productivity tasks.

The keyboard and touchpad deliver a comfortable input experience for long work sessions, and the overall system remains responsive under heavy multitasking and media workloads. The XPS 17’s performance is solid enough to handle CPU-intensive tasks, GPU-accelerated workflows, and typical productivity scenarios with ease, particularly in its higher-end configuration. The balance of performance, display quality, engineering, and expandability makes the XPS 17 a noteworthy option for those who require a large-screen Windows laptop designed for professionals and creators.

That said, potential buyers should consider the trade-offs inherent to the 17-inch class. Portability remains a factor, as does battery endurance under heavy workloads, and the premium pricing reflects the premium feature set. If your workflow demands screen real estate, color-accurate editing capabilities, and high-performance multitasking, the XPS 17 9710 earns strong consideration. If you prioritize mobility, longer battery life in a lighter chassis, or a gaming-first approach, you may want to explore other options in the Windows landscape that align more closely with those priorities.

In the end, the Dell XPS 17 9710 offers an impressive blend of size, performance, and premium build quality. For professionals who can leverage its expansive display and robust internal hardware, it represents a compelling portable workstation that can deliver the flexibility and precision needed to tackle complex tasks across photography, video, 3D design, software development, and beyond. The XPS 17 remains a standout choice in a crowded field, one that demonstrates Dell’s continued commitment to delivering a big-screen Windows laptop that doesn’t compromise on the luxury and practicality that power users expect.