At a Glance
- Dell resurrects the XPS name at CES 2026 after a one-year hiatus
- New XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops are up to 1.5 pounds lighter than last year’s Premium models
- XPS 13 will join the lineup later this year as a thinner, cheaper option
- Why it matters: Dell’s premium laptops return with better portability, longer battery life, and easier repairs
Dell has reversed last year’s controversial rebrand by restoring the XPS badge to its flagship laptops, unveiling the XPS 14 and XPS 16 at CES 2026.
Lighter Builds, Longer Life
The new machines drop the heft that plagued the 2025 Dell Premium series. The XPS 14 now weighs 3 pounds, down from 3.8, while the XPS 16 trims its chassis to 3.65-3.75 pounds-a full 1.4-pound reduction from the 5-plus-pound Premium model.
Both models feature:
- 2K IPS LCD or 2.8K OLED (XPS 14)
- 3.2K OLED option (XPS 16)
- Variable refresh rates: 1-120 Hz (IPS) or 20-120 Hz (OLED)
Dell claims up to 27 hours of streaming or 43 hours of local video playback on the IPS panel.
Familiar Design Tweaks
The lattice-free keyboard returns, but Dell now etches thin lines beside the haptic touchpad so users can feel its edges. A full row of physical function keys replaces last year’s unpopular touch-sensitive strip.
Inside, Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips power the lineup-from Core Ultra 5 325 to Core Ultra X9 388H. Graphics remain integrated only, though the updated Intel Arc GPU with 12 Xe cores promises 50% faster graphics versus the previous generation.
| Specification | XPS 14 | XPS 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3 lb | 3.65-3.75 lb |
| Display | 2K IPS / 2.8K OLED | 3.2K OLED |
| Refresh | 1-120 Hz IPS or 20-120 Hz OLED | 20-120 Hz |
| Graphics | Intel Arc (12 Xe cores) | Intel Arc (12 Xe cores) |
Battery capacity grows thanks to new 900ED cells that store more power without adding bulk. Dell also touts easier repairs-removable keyboards and modular USB ports-and boasts that the XPS 14 is smaller than the 13-inch MacBook Air, while the XPS 16 is the “world’s smallest 16-inch laptop.”
Pricing & Availability
The first wave hits shelves January 6:
- XPS 14 at $2,050
- XPS 16 at $2,200
Lower-cost configurations arrive in February, followed by the XPS 13 later this year.
Key Takeaways
- Dell revives the XPS brand only a year after retiring it
- New models are markedly lighter and regain physical function keys
- Battery life reaches up to 43 hours of local video playback
- XPS 13 will complete the refreshed lineup as the thinnest, most affordable option
After a brief identity crisis, Dell’s premium laptops are back under the XPS banner-trimmer, longer-lasting, and ready to reclaim their place in the high-end market.
