Are there any alternatives?

I’m not aware of any laptop as small, thin, and light as the XPS 15 9520 while still offering a 45-watt CPU and a discrete GPU. And lately, 16-inch laptops seem to have become more popular than 15-inch options, just like 14-inch laptops seem to be arriving more quickly than new 13-inch models. So, finding a strong alternative to the XPS 15 9520 in the 15-inch class is difficult.

　　If you don’t mind jumping up 0.6 inches in screen size, then a 16-inch laptop like the new HP Envy 16 is a good option. Similarly configured but with a lower-res IPS 120Hz display, it’s a few hundred dollars less. It’s not as thin or as light, but the HP Envy 15 was one of our favorite laptops when we reviewed it a couple of years ago, and the newest model seems to uphold the same traditions.

　　If your budget allows it, you could consider the Apple MacBook 16-inch. It’s equally well built, incredibly fast with its Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max, and it easily offers the best battery life you’ll find in a larger laptop. If you’re not married to Windows 11, the MacBook Pro 16 makes a solid choice.

　　

How long will it last?

The XPS 15 9520 is as well-built as a laptop can be, with attention paid to the fine details and solidity that few laptops can match. It will last for years of productive service, and it’s user-upgradeable as well — increase the RAM up to 64GB and add a second SSD for RAID performance or extra storage. Of course, we’d love to see a longer warranty than a single year, but that’s just how it is with even premium laptops.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you’re looking for a 15-inch laptop that successfully walks a fine line between portability and performance, you won’t find a better option.