The performance of our Dell XPS 9560 in the mainstream configuration with the Intel i5-7300HQ and hybrid storage solution is very similar to the previous XPS 15 9550 in the areas of case, input devices, and connectivity. We still like the chassis with its combination of sophisticated materials that also provide good stability. The only drawback is still the sensitivity to dirt and grease around the palm rests and the touchpad, which are not easy to clean due to the soft-touch surfaces. The XPS is still one of the most compact 15-inch multimedia laptops thanks to the InfinityEdge display. The biggest problem of this solution is still the unfavorable position of the webcam at the lower display frame.

The accessibility of the internal components is exemplary. Even inexperienced users can easily replace the storage solution, RAM, or the battery with the right screwdriver. However, it is unfortunate that the Thunderbolt 3 port is only attached via two PCIe lanes. We will try to check the impact on external graphics cards in an upcoming review.

The matte Full HD display is a good overall package and suits the other components of the Dell XPS 15 9560. You can enjoy the high luminance and the good contrast by default, but correct colors require the use of the calibrated profile (linked above). The optional 4K display provides sharper pictures and the previous model also manage a wider color gamut, which might be interesting for some users.

The upgrade to the GeForce GTX 1050 is the highlight when we have a look at the performance. Depending on the application, we can see performance advantages of more than 50% over the previous model. The i5-7300HQ of our test model can close the gap to the i7-6700HQ of the predecessor when you only use one core, but is still much slower in multi-core scenarios. However, the i5 is sufficient for everyday applications as well as gaming. You should not skip a full-fledged PCIe-SSD in combination with a larger battery though. The hybrid solution on our test model (SSD cache + HDD) cannot compete with an SSD-only solution in terms of subjective performance impression. The HDD also creates a constant murmur.

Full HD or 4K display, Intel i5 or i7 – all models have their advantages. However, you should always get a model with a faster PCIe-SSD and the larger 97-Wh battery.

Speaking of audible: We can sometimes hear electronic noises, but our ears had to be very close to the device. This should not be an inconvenience though. The maximum fan noise during gaming, for example, is a bigger issue and can be annoying for noise-sensitive users. The speakers on the other hand deliver a good sound.

Battery runtimes of around 5.5 hours (Wi-Fi test) can compensate some periods without a socket, but we expect a bit more. The configuration with the Full HD display in combination with the large 97-Wh battery (SSD-only) should provide the best results. We are currently waiting for the test model of the high-end spec with the 4K display, 512 GB SSD, and Intel i7-7700HQ, and we will also try to get an SKU with FHD, SSD, and i7-7700HQ for another review. We will also further investigate the predecessor issues with overheating VRMs (voltage regulator modules) with the 7700HQ. Our current test model with the i5-7300HQ did not suffer from any significant performance drops in long-term tests with Cinebench or The Witcher 3.