Key Takeaways
1. The 2022 XPS 13 received mixed reactions due to its dramatic design changes, which made it feel less sturdy and more prone to damage.
2. The 2026 XPS 14 features a redesigned exterior that improves usability and durability while maintaining an attractive look.
3. The keyboard and clickpad on the XPS 14 have been updated to appear more conventional, enhancing the overall structure’s robustness.
4. The 2026 model boasts an upgraded 8 MP webcam, significantly improving video quality compared to previous models.
5. Despite the improvements in the 2026 XPS 14, the lack of a physical webcam shutter remains a downside for users.
When Dell launched the updated XPS 13 in 2022, the alterations to the chassis were dramatic enough that they seemingly turned away loyal XPS fans. The introduction of touch-sensitive keys, a zero-lattice keyboard, an “invisible” haptic clickpad, and a sleeker profile resulted in the 2022 XPS 13 feeling less sturdy, harder to handle, and more susceptible to damage compared to its predecessors.
A Fresh Start for the XPS 14
In 2026, the new XPS 14 features a completely redesigned exterior that retains the appealing aesthetics of the 2022 model while significantly enhancing usability and durability. The keyboard and clickpad have been updated to look more conventional, and the front edge is now straighter, contributing to a more robust structure. Even more crucial are the internal upgrades; the motherboard is now positioned upside down compared to most laptops, meaning that the fan, SSD, and battery can only be accessed by removing the keyboard deck or C cover.
Enhanced Webcam and Competitive Features
The webcam quality has been boosted to 8 MP, whereas earlier XPS 13 and 14 models were stuck at 1080p or lower resolutions. Competing devices like the HP EliteBook X G1i and Lenovo Yoga have been offering 5 MP webcams or higher for a while, so Dell has finally made some progress here. However, the absence of a physical shutter remains a downside for the Dell.
These updates might seem small on paper, but they really make a noticeable difference in real life, making us strongly recommend the 2026 model over the earlier generations of the XPS 14 or XPS 13 series. In contrast, the criticism of the designs from 2022 to 2025 has arguably made the reliable designs from 2021 or earlier more appealing to long-time XPS enthusiasts.