Key Takeaways
1. Dell is discontinuing all laptop sub-brands except Alienware and renaming the XPS series to “Dell Premium” in 2025.
2. The XPS brand is making a comeback in 2026 with the introduction of Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 models.
3. Design updates include a more traditional look, physical function keys, and distinct edges for the touchpad.
4. New models feature next-gen Intel Panther Lake CPUs, up to 64 GB memory, and up to 4 TB SSD storage, but lack dedicated GPUs.
5. Pricing starts at $2,050 for the XPS 14 and $2,200 for the XPS 16, with availability beginning January 6th in the US and Canada.
Dell kicked off 2025 with a significant announcement: It would be discontinuing all its laptop sub-brands, except for Alienware, putting the Dell name front and center. This meant even the highly regarded Dell XPS series was set to be renamed to “Dell Premium”.
A Comeback for XPS
Fast forward to 2026, and Dell is taking a different direction, bringing the XPS brand back to life. At CES 2026, the company unveiled two fresh models in the series: the Dell XPS 14 DA14260 and the Dell XPS 16 DA16260.
Design Changes and Features
With the return of the XPS name, Dell is also making some design changes to this premium prosumer laptop line, opting for a more traditional look. Among the updates are the reinstatement of physical function keys and distinct edges for the larger haptic touchpad.
Powerful New Hardware
As laptops in 2026, both the Dell XPS 14 and Dell XPS 16 are equipped with next-gen processors. They feature Intel’s Panther Lake CPUs, which come in basic 8-core options (Intel Core Ultra 5 325, Core Ultra 7 355) and more robust H class CPUs (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, Core Ultra X9 388H). The latter models include Intel’s latest ARC Graphics, but don’t offer dedicated GPUs. Users can choose up to 64 GB of soldered LPDDR5X memory, while SSD storage can reach up to 4 TB.
Premium Build and Weight Reductions
These components are housed in cases made from high-quality materials, such as CNC Aluminum and Gorilla Glass on the palm rest. A notable change this year is the reduced weight of the Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16. Compared to the previous Dell 14 Premium and Dell 16 Premium found on Amazon, the weight has decreased from 1.7 kg to 1.4 kg for the 14-inch model and from 2.3 kg to 1.7 kg for the 16-inch model. While the lower weight comes at the cost of the dGPU option, it also affects the battery capacity of the 16-inch model, which now is 70 Wh, down from 99.5 Wh. The microSD card slot has been removed, and screen sizes have been adjusted from 14.5 inches and 16.3 inches to a more standard 14 and 16 inches. Both models offer options for WUXGA IPS screens along with 2.8K (14-inch) and 3.2K (16-inch) OLED screens. All displays support refresh rates of up to 120 Hz, with the IPS screens able to drop to a power-saving 1 Hz.
Pricing and Availability
The new Dell XPS series will be available starting January 6th in the US and Canada, with a starting price of $2,050 for the XPS 14 and $2,200 for the XPS 16 in the USA.
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