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Dell XPS 16 (2026) Two-minute review
Dell’s XPS line makes a triumphant return with the launch of the Dell XPS 16 (2026). This iteration boasts a stunningly clean aesthetic, characterized by its stylized CNC black aluminum chassis and super-thin bezels. The keyboard’s quality challenges the benchmarks set by other manufacturers over the past decade, elevating the overall user experience to something truly exceptional.
Steering clear of ostentation, the design features tidy lines and materials that harmonize beautifully. It’s hard not to be impressed by the display, especially with the review unit’s 3K touch OLED screen rated at 3,200 x 2,000 pixels at 120Hz.
(Image credit: Future)
Performance-wise, the Dell XPS 16 does not disappoint. It incorporates Intel’s Panther Lake architecture with the Core Ultra X7 358H processor and Intel’s Arc B390 discrete GPU, which together yield a keen balance of battery life and performance. The laptop handles gaming effectively, supporting popular titles such as Total War: Warhammer 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 with ease, all while providing battery life sufficient to last through a full workday.
While the experience is largely exceptional, the laptop isn’t without its drawbacks. Specifically, it offers just three USB-C ports (all Thunderbolt 4), which may deter some users, especially given its premium price point compared to competitors like Apple’s MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5). Nevertheless, Dell has truly crafted a standout product in the XPS 16, proving to be the best laptop the reviewer has ever encountered.
Dell XPS 16 (2026) review: Price & release date
- Available globally
- Premium pricing without the B390
- Non-upgradable RAM, so buy your spec now
Currently, the starting price for the Dell XPS 16 (2026) is approximately $2,029.99 in the U.S., reaching up to $2,769.99 depending on configuration. Similar offerings exist in both the UK and Australia, though with variations that allow users to select different screens and reduce memory and SSD capacity. The base chassis remains consistent globally, and a 14-inch edition is also available for those seeking a more compact option. Note that due to the design, the memory is soldered onto the motherboard, making it crucial to select your specifications carefully at purchase.
The SSD can be swapped out later, albeit with some inconvenience, should buyers require additional storage down the line.
Dell XPS 16 (2026) review: Specs
Base | Review | |
|---|---|---|
Price | $2,029.99 / £2,449.99 / AU$4,129.40 | $2,769.99 / £2,849 / AU$4,728.99 |
CPU | Intel Core Ultra X7 355 | Intel Core Ultra X7 358H (1.9 GHz, 16 Cores) |
GPU | Intel Graphics (integrated) | Intel Arc B390 (discrete) |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 32GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD | 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD |
Display | 16-inch Non-touch LCD 2K (1920 x 1200), 16:10, 120Hz | 16-inch Touch OLED 3K (3200 x 2000), 16:10, 120Hz |
Ports and Connectivity | 3x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type C, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 | 3x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type C, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 |
Battery | 70Wh | 70Whr |
Dimensions | 311 x 214 x 15mm (12.2 x 8.4 x 0.6in) | 353 x 237 x 15mm (13.9 x 9.4 x 0.6in) |
Weight | 2.16lbs (0.98kg) | 3.65lbs (1.65kg) |
Dell XPS 16 (2026): Design
- Exceptionally premium
- Can’t upgrade memory, but you kinda don’t need to
- Lack of ports could be a deal breaker
The design of the XPS 16 is striking and sophisticated, featuring an anodized CNC-machined black aluminum chassis paired with a high pixel density 3K OLED touchscreen. It’s a visually stunning piece that appeals to professionals and minimalists alike. However, users should be mindful that the chassis is a fingerprint magnet, necessitating a microfiber cloth for maintenance.
The keyboard is equally impressive, providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Although it diverges slightly from traditional QWERTY layouts, it remains user-friendly.
(Image credit: Future)
Each port is a Thunderbolt 4, allowing for significant power delivery and data transfer rates, making it ideally suited for dual 4K displays hooked through a single USB-C connection. However, the lack of additional ports may disappoint some users. Moreover, the non-upgradable RAM (LPDDR5X) could pose concerns for future-proofing, yet the high-speed memory achieves an impressive 9,600 MT/s.
Dell XPS 16 (2026) review: Performance
- Surprisingly potent at gaming
- Solid CPU performance too
- SSD could be better
In terms of its gaming capabilities, the Intel Arc B390 graphics card stands out, proving to deliver exceptional performance across multiple titles. Benchmark tests boast impressive results in 3DMark and gaming scenarios, with the laptop sustaining high frame rates in demanding titles, close to desktop-level performance.
However, while storage options are currently capped at 1TB for high-end models, this might feel limiting given the pricing structure. Despite this, both the CPU performance and multi-core benchmarks indicate substantial processing capabilities, owing largely to the new Panther Lake architecture.
Dell XPS 16 (2026): Benchmarks
3DMark: Night Raid: 43,862; Fire Strike: 13,179; Solar Bay: 27,600
Cinebench R24: 124 (single-core); 881 (multi-core)
GeekBench 6.5: 2,867 (single-core); 16,927 (multi-core)
BlackMagicDisk: Read: 4,686.6 MB/s; Write: 3,890.9 MB/s
CrossMark: Overall: 2,211 Productivity: 1,945 Creativity: 2,660 Responsiveness: 1,866
Total War: Warhammer III: 1080p, Medium: 101.5fps
Total War: Warhammer III: 1200p, Ultra: 58.6fps
Battery Life (TechRadar movie test): 17 hours 16 minutes
The laptop consistently outperformed expectations in benchmarks, particularly excelling in CPU-heavy tasks without causing substantial thermal throttling. Thanks to the efficient architecture, the Panther Lake chip pushes high scores across multiple performance metrics.
Dell XPS 16 (2026): Battery life
- Rapid fast charging
- A 17-hour battery life
A standout feature of the XPS 16 is its remarkable battery life. During testing, the laptop achieved an impressive 17 hours and 16 minutes, surpassing many competitors, including ARM-based machines. This efficiency can largely be attributed to Intel’s updated architecture and core configuration.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Dell XPS 16 (2026)?
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Value | Despite initial perceptions of overpricing, a deeper look reveals the rationale behind Dell’s selections and their corresponding pricing. | 3.5 / 5 |
Design | An exemplary design featuring an outstanding display with limited ports, but flexibility is offered with the option of a 14-inch model. | 4.5 / 5 |
Performance | Exceeding expectations, the combination of Intel’s new architecture and the Arc B390 GPU is formidable across tasks. | 5 / 5 |
Battery Life | Offers commendable life; it can rival even some ARM laptops while lasting well beyond standard work hours. | 5 / 5 |
Final Score | The XPS 16 offers a near-complete package, albeit with minor areas for improvement, such as an extra USB-C port and an anti-fingerprint coating. | 4.5 / 5 |
Buy it if…
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How I tested the Dell XPS 16
- Tested at home and in the office
- Benchmarked and used across gaming and productivity tasks
- 11 years of testing laptops, and 4 weeks with the XPS 16
For an extensive review process, I integrated the XPS 16 as my primary device for an entire month. It supported various workflows, including agency tasks, freelance journalism, and even recreational activities like streaming and novel writing. Thorough benchmarking tests were conducted to capture performance data, which involved various synthetic and practical scenarios, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
Dell XPS 16 (2026): Price Comparison
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