Remember that whole "New Coke" saga? Dell certainly does. Back in the day, facing sales slumps, they tried a bold rebranding of their laptops, only to be met with a lukewarm reception. It wasn't long before they brought back the beloved XPS brand, and it seems they learned a valuable lesson.
The "Dell Premium" line, which was supposed to replace the classic XPS, felt a bit like that "New Coke" – all style, not enough substance, and frankly, a bit too heavy. We're talking granite-level heft that would make your shoulders weep. Thankfully, the new XPS 14, alongside its larger sibling the XPS 16 (and a smaller XPS 13 on the horizon), is a course correction. It’s shed that unnecessary weight, bringing it back to a more sensible figure.
Under the hood, the XPS 14 is packing Intel's latest Panther Lake processors, and the performance is robust. Coupled with impressive battery life, this isn't just a return; it's a strong statement. For Windows users looking for a solid alternative to the MacBook Pro, the XPS 14 is definitely in the running.
Now, let's talk specs and price. The XPS 14 starts at a respectable $1,350, but like a good meal, the cost can climb quickly depending on your choices. The base model, for $1,600, gets you an Intel Core Ultra 5 325 chip, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 1920x1200 non-touch IPS display. It's a price point that puts it right up against the 14-inch MacBook Pro, which starts at $1,599.
Dell sent over two higher-end models for me to test, both featuring more powerful Panther Lake chips. We're talking about the Core Ultra 7 355 and the Core Ultra X7 358H. The X7 358H is the beefier of the two, boasting 16 cores (4 performance, 8 efficiency, 4 low-power efficiency) compared to the 355's 8 cores (4 performance, 4 low-power efficiency). The real kicker, though, is the integrated graphics. The Ultra 7 355 has Intel Graphics with 4 Xe3 cores, while the Ultra X7 358H packs Intel's Arc B390 graphics with a whopping 12 Xe3 cores. In simple terms: the Ultra 7 is for everyday tasks, the Ultra X7 is for when you want to game or get creative.
Beyond the CPU, there's another significant difference: RAM. The OLED model came equipped with a generous 32GB of 9,600MHz RAM, while the standard IPS model had 16GB of 7,467MHz RAM. This difference, along with the more powerful CPU and GPU in the OLED model, showed up in benchmarks. The OLED XPS 14 with the Core Ultra X7 358H pulled ahead significantly, especially in multi-core tests and graphics performance. It's not quite matching the M5 MacBook Pro in every single test, but the integrated Arc B390 GPU is showing some serious muscle, even managing to beat the MacBook Pro in one 3DMark test.
For gaming, the XPS 14 with the integrated graphics is surprisingly capable. I saw frame rates well over 60fps in games like Guardians of the Galaxy at 1080p high settings. While dedicated GPUs would offer more power, they often come with added bulk, cost, and reduced battery life. Even in more demanding titles, with some settings tweaked and Intel's XeSS frame generation, the XPS 14 delivered a visually pleasing experience while staying remarkably quiet and cool.
This efficiency extends to battery life. Despite the power and the option of a power-hungry OLED screen, both models performed admirably. The IPS model lasted over 21 hours, and the OLED model nearly 15 hours. While the MacBook Pro still edges them out slightly, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X-powered laptops are the current battery champions, the XPS 14 offers solid endurance for a day's work (or play).
One of the most welcome changes is the return of physical function keys. Gone are the touch-sensitive icons that often felt more stylish than functional. The tactile feedback of a real key press is reassuring, and knowing you have a reliable Esc key is a small but significant comfort. The keyboard itself, while adopting the 'no grid' design of the 14 Premium, feels more refined and stable. The touchpad also gets a subtle upgrade with etched lines, making its boundaries clearer without sacrificing its sleek look.
Crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, the XPS 14 feels as solid as it looks, but without the "tank-like" feel of its predecessor. At under 3.2 pounds, it's a much more manageable weight for a 14-inch laptop, even lighter than the 14-inch MacBook Pro. The display bezels are incredibly thin, contributing to a compact form factor that's smaller than the MacBook Pro.
Dell offers the XPS 14 in a "Graphite" color, a matte black that's a touch lighter than Apple's Space Black. While the overall aesthetic is similar to the MacBook Pro, the XPS 14 has sharper corners and lacks the subtle notch below the trackpad for lifting the lid. Opening the XPS 14 is still easy with one finger, though. It doesn't quite achieve the seamless, unibody feel of the MacBook Pro, with visible seams around the keyboard deck. These seams, while minor, can be a magnet for dust and debris.
The OLED display, an additional $150, is a worthwhile upgrade. The 2.8K resolution offers sharper visuals, and the deep blacks and superior contrast are hallmarks of OLED technology. Color reproduction is also excellent, covering a wider range of color gamuts than the IPS panel. While the IPS panel is brighter, the OLED's contrast makes it highly visible even in bright environments. The only real trade-off is slightly reduced battery life, but nearly 15 hours is still excellent.
Sound quality is impressive across both models, with a four-speaker setup delivering clear dialogue and noticeable bass for music. The 8MP webcam is also a strong point, capable of 4K photos and 1440p video, neatly tucked into the slim bezel without a notch. It supports Windows Hello facial recognition, though the lack of a fingerprint scanner is a minor oversight for a premium device.
Port selection is a bit sparse: three Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack. If you need USB-A or HDMI, you'll need adapters, which Dell doesn't include.
So, is the XPS 14 worth it? Dell has certainly addressed many of the shortcomings of the 14 Premium. It's stylish, feels robust, and is reasonably portable. The price tag is premium, and in a direct comparison with the M5 MacBook Pro at the same $1,950 price point for the OLED model, the MacBook Pro still wins on overall efficiency, performance, and battery life. However, the XPS 14 is a strong contender, offering a compelling package for creators and power users who prefer the Windows ecosystem. It's a successful comeback, even if the MacBook Pro still holds the crown for the ultimate creator's laptop.
Q&A
Q1: How does the Dell XPS 14 improve upon the previous Dell 14 Premium?
A: The XPS 14 significantly reduces weight, dropping from 3.8 lbs to 3.2 lbs. It also brings back physical function keys, offers a more stable keyboard feel, and adds etched lines to the touchpad for better boundary recognition.
Q2: What are the key differences between the OLED and IPS display options on the XPS 14?
A: The OLED display offers higher resolution, superior contrast, and better color accuracy, covering more color gamuts. It also supports touch input. The IPS display is brighter and has a wider variable refresh rate range, but lacks the deep blacks and vibrant colors of OLED. The OLED option also comes with more RAM.
