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Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16: A Surprise Return at CES 2026
As CES 2026 kicks off, the tech community is buzzing with excitement, particularly at the announcement of the return of Dell’s iconic XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops. Following a year of significant restructuring in its laptop range, Dell has decided to rethink its approach, bringing back these beloved models that many professionals and tech enthusiasts have been missing.
Last year, Dell revamped its lineup, consolidating its offerings under a grid scheme that included Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max laptops. Each segment had different models ranging from base to premium versions, which sparked considerable debate among users. Whether it was the backlash or the performance of these rebranded models that drove the decision, Dell’s choice to restore the XPS brand is indeed noteworthy.
Redesign and Features
The new Dell XPS series boasts a significant redesign aimed at addressing previous complaints regarding functionality and aesthetics. Notably, these laptops are equipped with the new Intel Core Ultra 300 series processors, marking a shift in their performance capabilities. However, Dell has made the controversial choice to eliminate discrete graphics options for the XPS 14 and 16. This decision heavily relies on the performance of Intel’s state-of-the-art chips.
As it stands, the early feedback on the design improvements is promising; the laptops feel lighter and sturdier than their predecessors. The transition from the traditional Dell logo to an updated XPS logo adds a modern flair, making the device feel less like a standard office laptop and more like a premium ultrabook.
Specifications at a Glance
- Processor: Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H
- Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics
- Memory: Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600
- Storage: Up to 4TB PCIe 5.0
- Display: XPS 14 – 14-inch 2.8K OLED; XPS 16 – 16-inch 3.2K OLED
- Webcam: 8MP / 4K HDR with Windows Hello
- Battery: 70WHr
With launch prices starting at $2,049.99 for the XPS 14 and $2,199.99 for the XPS 16, consumers can expect solid performance packaged in a sleek design. The laptops will be available in the U.S. on January 6, 2026, with more configurations and global availability following soon.
Performance Insights
While comprehensive performance benchmarks are yet to be conducted, initial impressions suggest that the absence of discrete graphics could deter some users, especially when compared to last year’s models equipped with Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics. Nevertheless, many are eager to see how the Intel Panther Lake architecture will perform under real-world conditions.
Overall, the redesign, including the return of physical function keys and a more intuitively designed trackpad, indicates that Dell is taking user feedback seriously. These enhancements could also positively influence performance, especially in creative and productivity tasks.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the XPS 14 and XPS 16 marks a significant milestone for Dell and its loyal customers. As tech enthusiasts eagerly await thorough reviews and performance data, initial observations suggest that these laptops could be the go-to choice for 2026.
For more detailed information about the XPS lineup and all the latest tech announcements from CES, visit TechRadar’s CES 2026 news page.
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