Dell Revives XPS Line at CES 2026: A New Era of Premium Laptops
January 5, 2026
After a strategic shift away from the XPS brand last year, Dell has made a bold return to its roots, reigniting the XPS line with a fresh, redesigned lineup announced at CES 2026. This move underscores Dell’s renewed focus on delivering high-end consumer and gaming laptops, emphasizing premium materials, enhanced usability, and sleek aesthetics.
A Bold Redesign Focused on Quality and Durability
The new Dell XPS models are constructed with premium materials such as CNC aluminum and Gorilla Glass, showcasing a unibody design that enhances both rigidity and durability. One of the most visible changes is the relocation of the XPS logo to the front lid — a departure from the traditional Dell branding on the lid, signaling a confident rebranding effort.
The overhaul also addresses long-standing usability issues. The virtual function keys, previously implemented with touchbars and backlit labels, have been replaced with traditional physical keys, providing a tactile experience. Additionally, the touchpad is now more visible, marked subtly by lines around it, rather than hidden behind a glass chin.
Enhanced Performance and Display Options
The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 are equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra 300 series processors and Intel Arc integrated graphics, eliminating discrete GPU options. Dell claims these models deliver over 50% faster graphics performance compared to previous generations.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Dell XPS 14 | Dell XPS 16 | | -------------- | ------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | | Processor | Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H | Up to Intel Core Ultra X9 388H | | Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics / Intel Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics / Intel Graphics | | Memory | Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600 | Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600 | | Storage | Up to 4TB PCIe 5.0 | Up to 4TB PCIe 5.0 | | Display | 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch display | 16-inch 3.2K OLED touch display | | Battery | 70WHr | 70WHr | | Weight | Approx. 3.0 lbs / 1.36 kg | Approx. 3.6 lbs / 1.65 kg |
The models feature thinner chassis at just 14.6mm and measure approximately 3 to 3.6 pounds, emphasizing portability. Dell also highlights a redesigned thermal system to boost airflow, ensuring the laptops stay cooler and quieter during intensive tasks.
Impressive Battery Life and Display Technologies
Dell claims that the XPS 14 and 16 can deliver up to 27 hours of usage on a single charge, with more than 40 hours of local video playback, which, if accurate, surpasses many ARM-based laptops and even some MacBooks.
Display choices include OLED panels and 2K LCDs, with brightness levels reaching 500 nits and full coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, along with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification.
Launch Details and Availability
The new Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 will hit the US market starting January 6, with base prices of $1,649.99 and $1,849.99 respectively. These models mark a significant evolution for the XPS line, promising more power, better design, and longer battery life.
The Dell XPS 13 will be launching later this year, continuing the brand’s evolution.
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About the Author:
John (He/Him) is the Components Editor at TechRadar, a programmer, gamer, and Brooklyn College alum based in Brooklyn, NY. Recognized as a CES 2020 Media Trailblazer, he specializes in industry news, hardware reviews, PC gaming, and the social impact of technology. Find him online on Bluesky @johnloeffler.bsky.social.