In a notable reversal of its 2025 branding strategy, Dell has officially resurrected its iconic XPS line at CES 2026. The move signals a return to the company's premium consumer and gaming roots, accompanied by a comprehensive hardware redesign that addresses several key criticisms of recent models. The new Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 lead the charge, promising a blend of premium materials, significant performance upgrades from Intel's latest processors, and a welcome return to a more traditional keyboard layout.
Key Specifications: Dell XPS 14 & XPS 16 (2026)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processors | Intel Core Ultra 300 Series (Panther Lake) |
| Graphics | Intel Arc Integrated (12 Xe Cores) |
| RAM | 16GB (8-core CPUs), 32GB or 64GB (16-core CPUs) |
| Display Options | Tandem OLED Touch (14": 2880x1800, 16": 3200x2000) or 2K LCD (1920x1200) |
| Refresh Rate | OLED: 20-120 Hz VRR / LCD: 1-120 Hz VRR |
| Thickness | 14.62 mm (OLED) |
| Weight | XPS 14: ~1.36 kg (3 lbs) / XPS 16: ~1.63 kg (3.6 lbs) |
| Battery Claim | Up to 27 hours general use, 40+ hours video playback |
| Starting Price | XPS 14: USD 2,049.99 / XPS 16: USD 2,199.99 |
| Release Date (US) | January 6, 2026 |
A Branding U-Turn and a Complete Physical Overhaul
After a brief and poorly received attempt to retire the storied XPS name last year, Dell has decisively brought it back from the dead. Jeff Clarke, Dell Technologies' vice chairman and chief operating officer, framed the revival as a "renewed focus" on the company's core strengths. The commitment is physically embodied in the new devices, which feature a unibody CNC aluminum and Gorilla Glass construction for enhanced rigidity. In a symbolic shift, the XPS logo now occupies the front lid, displacing the standard Dell logo—a clear statement of the line's renewed prestige and identity.
Major Design Changes from Previous Generation
- Keyboard: Replaced capacitive touch function row with physical keys.
- Trackpad: Added faint tactile boundary lines to the haptic touchpad.
- Branding: XPS logo moved to front lid, replacing Dell logo.
- Chassis: New unibody CNC aluminum and Gorilla Glass construction.
- Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Webcam: New thinner 8MP module.
Farewell to the Touch Bar, Hello to Physical Keys
Perhaps the most celebrated change is the abandonment of the capacitive touch function row, a feature that debuted with the XPS 13 Plus in 2022 and proved divisive among users. The new XPS 14 and 16 models reintroduce a full, traditional row of physical function keys. While the lattice-free, edge-to-edge keyboard design remains, the haptic touchpad now features subtle etched boundary lines on the wrist rest's glass surface, solving the previous model's issue of an invisible activation zone. Early hands-on impressions suggest these tactile guides make the expansive touchpad far more intuitive to use.
Powered by Intel's Next-Gen Panther Lake Chips
Performance is driven by Intel's third-generation Core Ultra 300 series processors, codenamed Panther Lake. Configurations will range from 8-core Ultra 5 and Ultra 7 chips to high-end 16-core Core Ultra X7 and X9 variants. In a significant strategic shift, discrete GPU options have been removed entirely. Dell is betting that the integrated Intel Arc graphics, particularly the 12 Xe-core configurations, paired with a redesigned thermal system, will deliver over 50% faster graphics performance in a chassis that is both thinner and lighter. The XPS 14 weighs approximately 1.36 kg (3 pounds), while the XPS 16 comes in at around 1.63 kg (3.6 pounds).
Display Innovation and Staggering Battery Claims
The display options showcase Dell's continued innovation. Users can choose between bright tandem OLED touchscreens or a new LCD option with a groundbreaking 1-120 Hz variable refresh rate. This 1 Hz minimum is a first for the model and is designed to drastically conserve power when displaying static content. The most eye-catching claim, however, is battery life. Dell states the new XPS laptops can achieve up to 27 hours of general use or over 40 hours of local video playback. If validated, this would position them ahead of many current ARM-based laptops, including MacBooks, in endurance.
Pricing, Availability, and a Tease for the Future
The Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 go on sale in the United States on January 6, 2026. Initial configurations start at USD 2,049.99 for the XPS 14 and USD 2,199.99 for the XPS 16, with more affordable configurations promised for February. Dell also teased a new XPS 13, slated for later in 2026, which it promises will be the thinnest, lightest, and most accessible XPS ever, potentially reviving the line's more budget-friendly heritage. With the simultaneous return of the Precision branding for workstations, Dell's CES 2026 presentation marks a strategic retreat to familiar, trusted brands, coupled with hardware refinements that directly respond to user feedback.