Key Takeaways
1. The 2026 XPS 16 is a major update, being thinner and more attractive without discrete graphics options.
2. The new model has a smaller cooling system, resulting in some temperature variations compared to previous models.
3. Under stress tests, the 2026 model showed higher surface and core temperatures than the 2025 Dell 16 Premium.
4. The CPU in the 2026 model is slightly cooler under stress tests, but overall surface temperatures are higher.
5. The 2026 model features quieter fan noise compared to its predecessor, despite operating at higher temperatures.
the 2026 XPS 16 is the most significant update to this series since the original redesign that stirred some debate in 2024. This new model is notably thinner, sleeker, and more attractive, primarily because it does not have discrete graphics options. This change reduces the number of necessary components, including the previously heavy vapor chamber cooler. As a result, the smaller cooling system has caused some temperature variations compared to the previous models.
Performance Comparisons
We compared the temperature maps and performance metrics of the 2025 Dell 16 Premium, which features a Core Ultra 7 255H and discrete GeForce RTX 5070 graphics, with the 2026 Dell XPS 16 that runs on Core Ultra 5 325 Panther Lake. Under similar stress tests, the newer model occasionally runs warmer in both surface and core temperatures. For instance, during gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077, the surface temperature hot spots on the 2026 model reached 43 C on the keyboard deck and bottom cover, while the 2025 Dell 16 Premium, with its more robust graphics, only hit 37 C. The core temperature of the 2026 model peaked at 89 C, compared to just 75 C for the older model.
CPU Stress Testing
When we stressed the CPU using Prime95, the processor in the 2026 model managed to reach 86 C, which is about 7 C cooler than the processor in the 2025 model. However, it’s worth noting that the surface temperatures for the newer design were still higher on average, despite the core temperatures being slightly lower in this specific test scenario.
In addition to the temperature differences, the 2026 model has quieter fan noise compared to its predecessor. So, although the new XPS 16 may typically operate at higher temperatures, it is not as noisy when under stress.