Dell is bringing the XPS name back (after killing it last year) to the forefront at CES 2026 with the launch of the new XPS 14 and XPS 16, two premium laptops meant to reset expectations after a brief detour in branding.
According to Dell, these systems are designed around efficiency and on-device AI rather than chasing raw performance at all costs. The technical angle is clear. Dell is aligning its most recognizable consumer laptops with Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 platform, also known as Panther Lake, and betting that smarter power management and modern displays matter more.
From a design standpoint, both laptops stay close to what long-time XPS users expect. The aluminum chassis are rigid with clean lines and a footprint that favors portability. Thickness sits around the 14 to 14.6 mm mark depending on configuration, which keeps both systems firmly in thin-and-light territory. Dell continues to rely almost entirely on USB-C, with three Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack. This remains a pragmatic choice for a premium Windows laptop, even if it means most users will still carry a small hub. Wireless connectivity moves forward with Wi-Fi 7 support, which will matter more over the next few years than on day one.
Dell XPS 14 (2026)
The XPS 14 is the more travel-friendly of the two. Dell lists starting weights around 3.0 to 3.05 pounds depending on whether you choose the LCD or OLED panel. In everyday terms, that means it is easy to carry without feeling fragile. The display options are where the XPS 14 quietly stands out. The LCD panel supports a variable refresh rate that can drop as low as 1 Hz and scale up to 120 Hz. This is not a gaming feature. It is about letting the screen slow down when you are reading or typing, then speed up when motion appears, which helps prolong battery life.
Dell pairs this approach with a 70 Wh battery and claims up to 27 hours of Netflix streaming on the 2K display in its internal tests. As always, this figure reflects controlled conditions, not mixed real-world workloads, but the engineering logic is sound. Variable refresh rate displays and efficient silicon tend to pay off during light use. The move to Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 also brings an updated NPU (for AI). Dell lists AI performance figures in the 47 to 50 TOPS range depending on configuration. In practice, this is about enabling local AI tasks such as video call enhancements or future Windows features without constant cloud access, not about headline-grabbing demos.
Dell XPS 16 (2026)
The XPS 16 applies the same philosophy to a larger format. Starting weights range from roughly 3.65 to 3.75 pounds depending on display choice, which is competitive for a 16-inch system. The larger display naturally favors multitasking and creative work, and Dell again offers both LCD and OLED options with variable refresh rates up to 120 Hz. Minimum refresh rates differ by panel type, but the intent remains the same. Save power when possible, deliver smooth motion when needed.
One practical upgrade shared with the XPS 14 is the 8 MP 4K HDR webcam. On paper, camera specs rarely excite laptop buyers, but in daily use this matters. Better sensors and processing translate into cleaner video calls and more reliable Windows Hello authentication, which is now a core part of the laptop experience. Thermal behavior and sustained performance will ultimately depend on real-world testing.
In terms of competitiveness, the XPS 14 and XPS 16 sit squarely in the premium Windows. Early data shows some variation in starting prices depending on configuration and region, with figures starting at $2049 (XPS 14) and $2,199.99 (XPS 16). These XPS models are not trying to undercut rivals by pricing. They are positioned for users who prioritize build quality, display behavior, and long-term usability this design offers.
Ubergizmo has covered earlier generations of the XPS line, noting how Dell gradually shifted its focus from raw specifications to balanced design and efficiency. The 2026 XPS 14 and XPS 16 continue that trajectory with more emphasis on power management and local AI acceleration.
If Dell’s battery life claims hold up even partially in real-world use, and if Intel’s new platform delivers on efficiency, the XPS 14 and XPS 16 could once again set a reference point for what a premium Windows laptop should be.
What about the Dell XPS 13?
Dell also briefly addressed the future of the XPS 13 during its CES 2026 discussions, but without a formal announcement. The company confirmed that a new XPS 13 is in development and planned for later in 2026, positioning it as a separate product from the newly launched XPS 14 and XPS 16.
What Dell has shared so far is deliberately limited. The upcoming XPS 13 is expected to be Dell’s thinnest and lightest XPS laptop to date, and it will move back to a more traditional chiclet-style keyboard.
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