Dell’s XPS 14 returns in 2026 with a bold strategy: dropping discrete graphics while doubling down on Intel’s new Panther Lake processors. This move, born from a brief brand hiatus in 2025, aims to deliver thinness, efficiency, and surprisingly strong performance in a competitive market. Initial tests reveal that the XPS 14 is not just viable, but potentially a top contender, though at a premium price.
Design Refinements: Learning From Past Mistakes
Previous XPS models experimented with aggressive design choices – like replacing function keys with touch-sensitive buttons and an overly minimalist haptic trackpad. The 2026 XPS 14 retains the sleek aesthetic but corrects those usability issues. Function keys are back, and subtle trackpad dividers enhance precision without sacrificing the clean look. The haptic feedback remains, offering a customizable experience, though occasional mis-clicks are still possible.
This laptop prioritizes portability, measuring just 0.58 inches thick (even thinner than the 14-inch MacBook Pro) and weighing only 3 pounds. This makes it a significant achievement for a performance-oriented machine, often sacrificing size for power. The keyboard retains the controversial low-travel switches, which some users will love or hate, but the zero-lattice layout maximizes keycap size. The inclusion of three Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack is standard, but the removal of the microSD slot may disappoint creators.
Display Options: OLED is the Way to Go
Dell offers both LCD and OLED display configurations. The base $1,699 model includes a standard 1920 x 1200 LCD, a downgrade compared to the mini-LED option on the MacBook Pro. The OLED model, starting with the Core Ultra X7, is the superior choice. It features tandem OLED technology for improved efficiency, resulting in longer battery life.
The OLED panel delivers vibrant colors covering 100% of sRGB, AdobeRGB, and Display P3 color spaces with excellent accuracy. Both options include a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. The bezels on the base model are impressively thin, adding to the modern aesthetic. Dell has also included an 8-megapixel 4K webcam, a rarity in laptops, without introducing a distracting notch.
Performance Without Discrete Graphics: A Surprising Win
The biggest change is the absence of discrete graphics. Dell bets on Intel’s Panther Lake chips, specifically the Core Ultra 7 and X7 variants. The X7 358H delivers performance comparable to previous-generation RTX 4050 GPUs – a remarkable feat for integrated graphics. The difference between the Ultra 7 and X7 is substantial, with the latter offering twice the CPU and GPU performance.
While the XPS 14 isn’t the fastest laptop with the X7 chip (other models like the MSI Prestige 14 Flip outperform it), it still holds its own against the M4 Pro MacBook Pro. Gaming performance is impressive: Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 56 FPS at 1920 x 1200 resolution without upscaling, and 70 FPS with Intel’s Xe2 technology. The XPS 14 proves that high-end gaming is now possible without dedicated GPUs.
Battery Life: A Major Advantage
The new XPS 14 achieves over 20 hours of local video playback battery life, a significant improvement over previous generations and other Windows laptops. The OLED display and efficient Intel processor contribute to this longevity. This is a critical win for Dell, as battery life was a major weakness in past XPS models.
Pricing and Verdict
The base $1,599 configuration is overpriced for its display and performance. The $1,999 model with the Core Ultra X7 is more competitive but still pricier than the MacBook Pro. However, for those committed to Windows, the Dell XPS 14 is the best alternative to Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro. The XPS 14 demonstrates that a premium laptop can be both thin, powerful, and long-lasting without relying on outdated hardware choices.
