Dell XPS 16 review

Trade in Dell XPS 16

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If you assumed that the new Dell XPS 16 is merely an upsized version of the Dell XPS 13 Plus, you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. The laptop inherits the compact, minimalist design of its smaller counterpart, minus the “Plus” branding. Whether this is a positive or negative aspect depends on your perception of the XPS 13 Plus design. It’s worth noting that the Dell XPS 16 replaces the highly regarded Dell XPS 15 OLED, a laptop that received acclaim for its performance and features.

While sharing the same design as the XPS 13 Plus is a common thread across the Dell XPS lineup, the standout feature of the XPS 16 is the inclusion of an Intel Core Ultra CPU with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This NPU is designed to accelerate AI-driven tasks on the laptop, potentially enhancing the performance of applications like Microsoft Copilot and other AI programs compared to Windows 11 laptops with processors lacking an NPU.

During a hands-on experience with the Dell XPS 16, I found it to be intriguing. While personal preferences on the XPS 13 Plus design may vary, the XPS 16 introduces a 16.3-inch InfinityEdge display and offers configurations with up to an RTX 4070 graphics card. This makes it appealing for both gamers and creative professionals.

DELL XPS 16 HANDS-ON REVIEW: SPECS

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The Dell XPS 16 is set to be released in the first quarter of 2024, starting at $1,899. The base configuration includes a 16.3-inch FHD+ (1,920 x 1,200) display, an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Users have the option to customize and upgrade components, but this will result in a higher price.

In addition to the XPS 16, Dell is introducing the Dell XPS 13 and Dell XPS 14, with starting prices of $1,299 and $1,699, respectively. The smaller laptops are also expected to be available in the first quarter of 2024.

All of the new Dell XPS laptops feature Platinum or Graphite color options with tone-on-tone finishes.

DELL XPS 16 HANDS-ON REVIEW: DESIGN AND DISPLAY

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The design of the new Dell XPS lineup, including the XPS 16, resembles the XPS 13 Plus, characterized by its sleek and minimalist aesthetic. Crafted with machined (CNC) aluminum and Gorilla Glass 3, these laptops offer a combination of sturdiness and lightness. Despite its 16-inch size, the OLED model felt lightweight at 4.8 pounds during hands-on testing. The laptops exhibit a premium look and feel, featuring a smooth texture and a rigid yet flexible lid. The design choice to make all XPS laptops resemble the XPS 13 Plus has been maintained, continuing the eye-catching aesthetic.

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While the XPS lineup, including the XPS 16, boasts an appealing design, a notable drawback persists: the absence of a lip on the lid. This design choice makes opening the notebook a potentially challenging task. However, aside from this issue, the overall design is satisfactory. The 16.3-inch OLED InfinityEdge display is a notable feature, with Dell claiming up to 500 nits of brightness and full coverage of the sRGB color gamut. While these claims require verification in a testing lab, the display appeared bright and colorful during hands-on evaluation, which also applied to non-OLED models.

DELL XPS 16 HANDS-ON REVIEW: KEYBOARD AND TOUCHPAD

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The XPS lineup, including the XPS 16, maintains the controversial design choice of capacitive function keys and touchpad from the XPS 13 Plus. This design, criticized by some users, features a capacitive function row without physical keys, reminiscent of the Touch Bar on older MacBooks. An improvement over the XPS 13 Plus, the icons on the function row now turn off after 10 seconds of inactivity, addressing concerns about constant brightness. The “zero-lattice keyboard” with keys going edge to edge may pose challenges on smaller models but was more manageable on the 16-inch model due to increased space on the keyboard deck. The typing experience, with keys offering a satisfying amount of travel distance and resistance, requires further evaluation over extended use.

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It’s worth noting that the new XPS laptops feature a dedicated Microsoft Copilot key, a notable addition to the Windows keyboard after 30 years. While the Copilot key did not function on the demo unit, its inclusion may prove beneficial for those regularly using Copilot. The glass touchpad presents a unique design with no visible lines denoting its boundaries, creating a completely flat surface under the keys. However, the absence of clear borders can lead to occasional swiping errors. Nevertheless, the touchpad offers a smooth feel, and the Piezo technology providing a clicking sensation is a noteworthy feature.

DELL XPS 16 HANDS-ON REVIEW: AI FEATURES

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Similar to the MSI Prestige 16 AI EVO, the Dell XPS 16 boasts support for AI Model acceleration, thanks to the dedicated AI Neural Processing Unit (NPU) integrated into the Intel Core Ultra processor. This feature is expected to enhance the performance of programs like Copilot and Stable Diffusion. Intel claims to have collaborated with over 100 AI-ready applications to facilitate workflow acceleration by leveraging the NPU. While the potential of on-device AI for everyday users remains uncertain, it’s unclear how the XPS line will distinguish itself from other AI-friendly laptops.

DELL XPS 16 HANDS-ON REVIEW: OUTLOOK

Dell is embracing a bold strategy with the new XPS line, opting to redesign its flagship laptop series to mirror the distinctive design of the Dell XPS 13 Plus, a move that may provoke varied reactions from users. The company deserves credit for taking an unexpected approach and overhauling the entire lineup. Despite reservations about the capacitive touch keys and touchpad, the Dell XPS 16 appears poised to be a well-rounded and robust laptop. Its eye-catching design and respectable starting configuration suggest ample power for both work and entertainment. The final verdict will come after a comprehensive review, so stay tuned for further insights!

Source: Tom’s Guide