The 2026 Dell XPS 14 and 16 are highly regarded for their premium build, stunning OLED displays, and excellent battery life, marking a successful return to form for the series. While they deliver strong performance, users should be aware that they come at a high price and feature a polarizing zero-lattice keyboard that some find difficult to use. Overall, they are excellent choices for users prioritizing design and portability, provided the premium cost and keyboard design are acceptable.
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Video reviews
Pros
- Excellent build quality and design
- Impressive battery life and efficiency from Intel Panther Lake chips
- Gorgeous OLED display options on higher-end configurations
- Re-introduction of a physical function row keys
- Strong overall performance for a thin-and-light laptop
Cons
- High price point compared to rivals with similar performance
- Zero-lattice keyboard design is polarizing and prone to typing errors for some users
- Port selection is limited (lack of legacy ports like USB-A or MicroSD)
- Heavier than some competing ultrabooks
- Missing features like a physical camera shutter or fingerprint reader
⚠ Red flags
- Consistently criticized keyboard layout may impact productivity for touch typists
- Premium pricing makes it difficult to recommend based on performance-per-dollar ratios alone
Safety signals
Facts
Better options
Why switch: Offers similar portability at a significantly lower price point.
Competes with the XPS 16's size and performance at a potentially better value.
Alternative prosumer ultrathins that may offer better value or specific feature sets like better thermal sustainability.
Based on 7 sources
Dell’s new XPS 14 is better in almost every way | The VergeDell XPS 14 2026 review: Fully reborn with Intel Panther Lake X7 - Notebookcheck ReviewThe Dell XPS 14 is almost a MacBook killer, but its keyboard and price leave you wanting moreDell XPS 14 Laptop Review - ReviewedDell XPS 14 (2026) Review: The Return of the King | 91mobiles.comDell XPS 14 (Base Model, 2026) Review: Not a complete successDell XPS 16 (2026) review: A beautiful laptop with compromises | PCWorldBuyer reports
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