TechRadar’s CES 2026 Coverage: A Look at the Rebirth of Dell’s XPS Brand
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The Resurgence of the XPS Brand
After attempting a major branding overhaul of several of its major PC lines last year, Dell appears to have reversed course and is reviving the XPS brand at CES 2026.
Among the first devices to sport the restored moniker are the new Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16, as well as the anticipated return of the Dell XPS 13, which will launch later this year.
More than Just a Name: Dell’s Redesign of the XPS is a Welcome Change
(Image credit: Dell)
The new lineup showcases a thoughtful redesign, prioritizing premium materials, interfaces, and mobility. The devices feature CNC aluminum and Gorilla Glass, combined with a unibody base that integrates structural side walls to enhance rigidity and durability.
The iconic XPS logo has also seen a notable change, moving to the front lid of the device for the first time, replacing the longstanding Dell logo. This symbolic shift reinforces Dell’s commitment to revitalizing its XPS identity.
Furthermore, the longstanding ‘virtual’ function keys have been replaced by physical keys, a change many users have been eagerly anticipating since the introduction of the Dell 13 Plus a few years back. The touchpad design has also been updated, with subtle lines indicating its location instead of the previously concealed design.
Dive into the Specs: Dell XPS 14 & XPS 16
The new Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 models are equipped with cutting-edge specifications designed to meet the needs of modern users.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Dell XPS 14 | Dell XPS 16 |
|---|---|---|
Processor | Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H | Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H |
Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics, Intel Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics, Intel Graphics |
NPU | Up to 50 TOPS | Up to 50 TOPS |
Memory | Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600 | Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600 |
Storage | Up to 4TB PCIe 5.0 | Up to 4TB PCIe 5.0 |
Display | Up to 14-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED InfinityEdge touch display, 400-nits typical, 500-nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 | Up to 16-inch 3.2K (3200 x 2000) OLED InfinityEdge touch, 400-nits typical, 500-nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 |
Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm Universal Audio jack | 3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm Universal Audio jack |
Battery | 70WHr | 70WHr |
Webcam | 8MP / 4K HDR w/ Windows Hello | 8MP / 4K HDR w/ Windows Hello |
Dimensions (W x D x H) | 12.19 x 8.26 x 0.58 ins | 309.5 x 209.7 x 14.6mm | 13.88 x 9.35 x 0.58 ins | 352.6 x 237.47 x 14.6mm |
Weight | 3.0 lbs | 1.36kg | 3.65 lbs | 1.65kg |
Dell’s new XPS 14 and XPS 16 models will feature Intel Core Ultra 300 series processors, leveraging Intel Arc integrated graphics with 12 Xe cores. While there won’t be options for discrete graphics, Dell has claimed a significant performance improvement, stating these new models achieve over 50% faster graphics than previous generations. A redesigned thermal system enhances airflow in the thinner chassis, contributing to a cooler, quieter performance.
Both models maintain a sleek profile at just 14.6mm thick, with the XPS 14 weighing approximately three pounds and the XPS 16 around 3.6 pounds, according to Dell. Display options include tandem OLED panels or 2K LCDs with standout resolutions.
Perhaps the most impressive feature is the battery life, with claims of up to 27 hours of usage and over 40 hours of local video playback on a single charge—performance that would place the XPS ahead of many competitors, including ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon models and Apple’s MacBooks.
Initial configurations will be available for purchase in the USA starting January 6, priced at $2,049.99 for the XPS 14 and $2,199.99 for the XPS 16, with plans for broader configurations and global availability to follow. The new Dell XPS 13 is scheduled for release later this year.
To learn more about Dell’s exciting announcements at CES 2026, click Here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
