TL;DR
Dell reinstated the XPS name at CES 2026 and unveiled the XPS 14 and XPS 16, its thinnest XPS designs to date. The models emphasize battery life, Intel’s new Core Ultra chips, and refreshed design details; an XPS 13 is teased for later in 2026.
What happened
At CES 2026 Dell announced the return of the XPS brand with two new models: the XPS 14 and XPS 16. Both are billed as the company’s thinnest XPS designs so far and include physical function keys, subtle etched boundaries on the haptic trackpad, and all-aluminum constructions. They use Intel’s Panther Lake Core Ultra Series 3 processors, start with 16GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 512GB SSD, and ship with base 1920 × 1200 IPS panels; optional tandem OLEDs are available at higher resolutions. Dell is focusing on battery endurance with 70Wh cells and variable-refresh panels that can drop to 1Hz. The machines omit discrete GPUs, offer three USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, and weigh roughly 3 lbs (14-inch) and 3.65 lbs (16-inch). Select configurations are due January 6, with broader configurations in February; launch pricing begins around $2,049 for the 14 and about $2,199.99 for the 16. Dell also said an Ubuntu 24.04 option for the XPS 14 will arrive later in the year.
Why it matters
- Restoring the XPS name signals Dell responding to customer and media backlash over last year’s rebrand.
- The new models position XPS more directly against thin, premium Windows alternatives and MacBooks.
- Battery-focused hardware and variable refresh behavior could change real-world daily usability and mobility.
- Design choices such as physical function keys and trackpad boundary etching address usability complaints from prior XPS laptops.
Key facts
- New models: XPS 14 and XPS 16, with an XPS 13 teased for later in 2026.
- Launch timing: select configurations available January 6; more configurations in February.
- Launch prices reported at $2,049 for the XPS 14 and $2,199.99 for the XPS 16.
- Processors: Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra Series 3 (starting with Core Ultra 5 325; Core Ultra X9 388H option coming later).
- Memory and storage baseline: 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB SSD.
- Displays: base 1920 × 1200 IPS; optional tandem OLEDs at 2880 × 1800 (14-inch) and 3200 × 2000 (16-inch).
- No discrete graphics options on the XPS 14 or XPS 16.
- Battery and panels: 70Wh battery cells and variable-refresh displays up to 120Hz that can reach 1Hz for static content.
- I/O and weight: three USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, 10W speakers, weights as light as ~1.36 kg (3.0 lb) for 14-inch and ~1.65 kg (3.65 lb) for 16-inch.
- Linux option: Dell plans an XPS 14 configuration running Ubuntu 24.04 later in the year.
What to watch next
- Whether broader configurations and lower-priced SKUs match the teased XPS 13’s goal of a more affordable option — not confirmed in the source.
- Independent performance and thermal testing of the Panther Lake Core Ultra chips in these thin chassis — not confirmed in the source.
- If Dell will add discrete GPU options or higher-performance SKUs beyond the announced CPU roadmap — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- OLED: A display technology where each pixel emits its own light, often delivering higher contrast and deeper blacks than traditional LCD panels.
- LPDDR5X: A low-power, high-bandwidth type of system memory commonly used in thin-and-light laptops and mobile devices.
- Thunderbolt 4: A high-speed connectivity standard over USB-C that supports fast data transfer, external displays, and power delivery.
- Discrete graphics: A separate graphics processor (GPU) module, distinct from integrated graphics on the CPU, often used for demanding visual workloads.
- Variable refresh rate: A display feature that dynamically adjusts the screen’s refresh rate to save power and reduce motion artifacts depending on the content shown.
Reader FAQ
When do the new XPS 14 and XPS 16 become available?
Select configurations launch January 6, with additional entry-level and higher-end configurations arriving in February.
Do the XPS 14 and XPS 16 include discrete GPUs?
No. Both models do not offer discrete graphics according to the announcement.
Will there be a Linux option?
Dell said an XPS 14 configuration running Ubuntu 24.04 will be released later in the year.
Is Dell fully reverting its previous branding changes?
Dell revived the XPS name but the company did not completely reverse all of last year’s branding decisions, according to the report.
TECH GADGETS NEWS Dell is eating humble pie and bringing back the XPS brand The new 14- and 16-inch XPS laptops are Dell’s thinnest, and it’s teasing an even thinner…
Sources
- Dell is eating humble pie and bringing back the XPS brand
- Dell Just Revived the XPS Brand, and I Test-Drove Its Slick …
- CES 2026: Dell XPS is back, and maybe better than ever
- Dell un-retires its iconic XPS brand at CES 2026
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