Dell XPS 14 & 16 (2026)
The 2026 Dell XPS family marks a full revival of the iconic XPS brand, returning after Dell briefly attempted to replace it with “Dell Premium.” The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 feature sleeker, lighter designs, upgraded Intel Panther Lake processors, OLED display options, and dramatically improved battery life, making them some of the strongest Windows laptops of the year.
Jumoka Cobbs 
Dell XPS 14 & 16 (2026) Review Score
8 out of 8 reviewers highly recommend this product
8
Reviews
90.0
Highest
80.0
Lowest
Screen
14",16"
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 325 Intel Core Ultra X7 358H
RAM
16GB,32GB,64GB
Storage
512GB,1TB,2TB,4TB
Battery
70Whr
Resolution
Non-Touch, 2K
Display
OLED
Graphics
Intel Graphics
Refresh Rate
120Hz
Review Sources:
| Publication | Score (100) | Review Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engadget | Mar 17, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The XPS 16 has nearly everything you want from a premium 16-inch productivity laptop and it's a worthy flagbearer for one of the most iconic notebook lines of all time." | |||
| Tom's Guide | Feb 10, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The Dell XPS 14 (2026) is a welcome return for the iconic laptop brand. This model features a more practical design, a gorgeous OLED panel option, strong Panther Lake performance, and epic battery life. While it has a smaller screen and lacks an SD c" | |||
| PCMag | Feb 24, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Dell’s revived XPS 14 ultraportable laptop dazzles with sublime build quality, a crisp and colorful OLED screen, and fiery productivity and graphics performance. XPS is back and ready to tussle with the top laptops of 2026." | |||
| CNET | Feb 25, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"With the XPS 14, a classic returns with a product worthy of its name and gives Dell a MacBook Pro alternative for Windows users. Like the MacBook Pro, however, the XPS 14 is expensive but not overpriced (the RAM shortage certainly isn't helping with " | |||
| Xda-developers | Feb 24, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Dell is back with an old name in a new chassis with the XPS 14, powered by Intel's Panther Lake. The overall experience is very similar no matter which price point you go for, and I feel the more affordable Core Ultra 7 355 model is the one to go for" | |||
| PCWorld | Feb 23, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The Dell XPS 14 brings the company's flagship laptop back into competition with speedy Intel Core Series 3 chips and a redesign that's more practical, yet still premium." | |||
| Notebookcheck | Mar 20, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Like the new XPS 14, the 2026 XPS 16 addresses some of the top concerns about the 2025 model for an overall better user experience. The system is now much lighter and more travel-friendly with a cleaner visual aesthetic and no frustrating touch-sensi" | |||
| Tom's Hardware | Feb 17, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Dell is headed in the right direction with the XPS 14, and I can recommend it again. It offers a lightweight design, nice speakers, and a solid webcam — and it brings back a physical function row. I wish the keyboard had more feedback, and you'll nee" | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
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🤓 Nerd Verdict
Updated: March 24, 2026
The Dell XPS (2026) is a solid choice for those looking for a lightweight, well-designed laptop with a strong performance profile and decent battery life. However, the steep price tag and some functional issues may make it less appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
✅ Strengths
- Attractive, lightweight design and build quality, as noted by multiple sources including Tom's Hardware and Tom's Guide.
- Strong battery life, particularly on the 1920 x 1200p model, as highlighted by both Tom's Hardware and The Verge.
- Physical function row and tactile touchpad borders, addressing a common criticism from previous models, as observed by several reviewers.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- High entry-level price, starting at $1,699.99 (14-inch), which may not justify the cost for many users, as pointed out by both Tom's Hardware and Toms' Guide.
- Low-travel, lattice-free keyboard can be error-prone, as noted by both Tom's Hardware and The Verge.
- Limited configuration options, with even entry-level models being quite expensive, as mentioned by The Verge and CNET.
💡 Bottom Line
While the Dell XPS (2026) offers a premium experience with strong performance and battery life, its high price tag may make it less attractive to budget-conscious consumers. It’s ideal for professionals or power users who prioritize design and performance over cost, but those looking for more affordable options might want to explore other ultrabooks or laptops in the same price range.
