Redesigned XPS Lineup: Which Creative Laptop Makes More Sense?
The Dell XPS 16 and XPS 14 are premium Windows laptops aimed at creative professionals, combining refined metal designs, high‑end Intel Core Ultra processors, and optional OLED laptop displays with some notable compromises in keyboard ergonomics, port selection, and entry‑level specifications. If you want a powerful large‑screen workstation with a stunning OLED panel, the XPS 16 is the stronger choice. If you value portability and style, but can live with more modest base specs, the XPS 14 fits better. Both command high prices and reward buyers who push configurations beyond the bare minimum, so the decision comes down to whether you need maximum screen real estate and performance or a compact, premium laptop that looks serious in any studio or office.
| Spec | XPS 14 (as tested) | XPS 16 (as reviewed) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 5 325 | Series 3 Intel Core Ultra X7 358H (16 cores, up to 4.8GHz) |
| GPU | Intel Graphics iGPU | Intel Arc Graphics |
| RAM | 16GB (fixed) | 32GB LPDDR5x dual channel at 9600MT/s |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 1TB PCIe 4 SSD |
| Display | 14in 1,920 x 1,200 IPS | 16in 3.2K (3,200 x 2,000) tandem OLED touchscreen |
| Dimensions | 309.5 x 209.7 x 15.2mm | 13.88 x 9.35 x 0.58in |
| Weight | 1.37kg | 3.65lb |
| Entry price | £1,749 for Core Ultra 5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, IPS display | Pricing for the Dell XPS 16 starts at USD 1,900 (approx. RM8,740) for a Core Ultra 7 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD and 2K display |
Dell XPS 16 Review: OLED Powerhouse with a Quirky Keyboard
The Dell XPS 16 is built as a flagship creative workstation, and it largely succeeds. Reviewers praise its thin, CNC‑machined aluminum chassis and Graphite finish, calling it one of the few Windows laptops whose build quality rivals high‑end competitors. It weighs 3.65lb and measures 0.58in thick, yet still packs a Series 3 Intel Core Ultra X7 358H with 16 cores, Intel Arc graphics, 32GB of fast LPDDR5x memory, and a 1TB PCIe 4 SSD. Above that hardware sits a superb 16‑inch 3.2K tandem‑OLED touchscreen, described as “easily one of the highlights of the XPS 16.” According to one review, “this isn’t just a return to form; it’s an evolution,” as Dell refines the XPS formula without losing its premium feel. The catch for many buyers is the Windows laptop keyboard design: a zero‑lattice, flat deck with mushy keys that some users find awkward for long typing sessions.
Dell XPS 14: Premium Laptop Style with Entry-Level Limits
The Dell XPS 14 is the more portable member of the pair, aimed at users who want a premium laptop that can move between meetings, coffee shops, and studio desks. At 309.5 x 209.7 x 15.2mm and 1.37kg, it is compact and relatively light for a metal‑clad 14‑inch machine. The semi‑industrial design in Graphite gives it a serious, business‑like look that stands out from generic ultrabooks. For this reboot, Dell toned down previous eccentricities by removing the touch‑sensitive function bar and no longer pushing the keyboard right to the deck edges, though the zero‑lattice layout still leaves almost no space between keys. The tested configuration uses an Intel Core Ultra 5 325, integrated Intel Graphics, 16GB of fixed RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 1,920 x 1,200 IPS display. While the XPS 14 premium laptop feels extremely well made, reviewers argue that “for the price, the base models are underpowered,” so creatives who multitask heavily or edit large media projects should avoid the lower‑tier specs.
Ports, Pricing and Practical Workflow Trade-Offs
Both XPS models sit firmly in the premium Windows laptop bracket, and their pricing reflects that. The XPS 14 starts at £1,749 for a Core Ultra 5, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD and an IPS display, with higher‑end OLED and X9 options climbing far beyond that. The XPS 16 starts at USD 1,900 (approx. RM8,740) for a Core Ultra 7 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD and 2K display, with OLED and 64GB/4TB builds costing much more. Both can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM and 4TB of storage, which suits multitasking professionals working across multiple creative apps. Shared weaknesses include limited ports: the XPS 14 drops USB‑A entirely, and the XPS 16 “relies too much on Thunderbolt 4,” with only three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus a headphone jack. That means living with dongles for legacy peripherals. In return, you get excellent webcams—up to 1440p on the XPS 14—and high‑quality sound systems, making them reliable for video calls and content review on the go.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the XPS 16 if you are a content creator who wants a powerful 16‑inch OLED laptop display with top‑tier Intel hardware and premium build quality for editing, rendering and multitasking.
- Skip the XPS 16 if you dislike zero‑lattice Windows laptop keyboard design, prefer more travel and spacing between keys, or need plenty of built‑in ports without relying on Thunderbolt 4 dongles.
- Buy the XPS 14 if you want a compact, stylish Dell XPS 14 premium laptop with excellent build quality, a serious design language, and enough power for lighter creative work and daily productivity.
- Skip the XPS 14 if you expect strong performance from the entry‑level Core Ultra 5 and integrated graphics, or need USB‑A ports for older devices without carrying adapters.
- Buy the XPS 16 if you are willing to pay premium prices for one of the best Windows laptops of the year and push the configuration towards higher RAM and storage for professional workflows.
- Skip the XPS 14 if you plan to run heavy media projects or many demanding apps at once and cannot stretch beyond the underpowered base models.
