Dell is staging an XPS comeback, strategically rebooting the line with a focus on premium design and enhanced user experience. After briefly retiring the XPS brand in early 2025, Dell has recognized the value of this iconic name and is reintroducing it with the launch of the redesigned XPS 14 and XPS 16 models. The company openly acknowledged its branding missteps and is committed to re-establishing XPS as its flagship premium consumer brand.
The new XPS laptops boast striking designs crafted from premium materials like CNC aluminum and durable Gorilla Glass. Dell has integrated structural sidewalls into the base for enhanced rigidity and long-lasting durability. A minimalist design reduces visual clutter, and for the first time, the XPS logo appears on the front cover, a detail requested by reviewers and fans for years.
Dell has rebuilt the XPS laptops from the ground up, focusing on refined interfaces, optimized performance, and exceptional battery life. The company is bringing back the traditional function row for tactile feedback and has optimized key travel and feedback for a faster typing experience. Subtle etching surrounds the active area of the seamless glass touchpad. The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 are thinner than their predecessors, measuring just 14.6mm. The XPS 14 weighs 3 pounds, while the XPS 16 weighs 3.5 pounds.
The laptops feature InfinityEdge displays with options for tandem OLED technology, delivering enhanced brightness, efficiency, lifespan, and color stability. These panels offer vibrant colors and ultra-high resolution for lifelike visuals. The display options include a 14-inch 2880x1800 OLED touch display and a 16-inch 3200x2000 OLED touch display. LCD models offer variable refresh rates from 1 to 120Hz to prolong battery life.
The XPS 14 and XPS 16 utilize Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with built-in Intel Arc graphics. These processors deliver faster AI performance and smooth video playback. Dell has completely redesigned the thermal system with larger, thinner fans for better airflow and cooler performance. Dell is the first to integrate 900ED battery cells, which are smaller and lighter while delivering more power. The laptops also include a thinner 8MP/4K camera.
Dell is launching limited configurations of the XPS 14 and XPS 16 on January 6, 2026. The XPS 14 starts at $2,049.99, and the XPS 16 starts at $2,199.99. More entry-level configurations will launch in February 2026. The laptops will initially be available in Graphite, with a Shimmer color option coming later in the year. An XPS 14 version with Ubuntu 24.04 will also be available later in 2026.
Dell is also planning to release a thinner and more affordable XPS 13 later in 2026. The new XPS 13 aims to make Dell's premium laptops more accessible.
