Dell un-retires its iconic XPS brand at CES 2026: “We’re getting back to our roots” | Daily Reports Online
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After attempting a major branding overhaul of several of its major PC lines last year, Dell appears to have reversed course and is reviving the XPS brand at CES 2026.
Among the first devices to sport the restored moniker are the new Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16, as well as the return of the Dell XPS 13, which will come later this year.
More than just a name: Dell’s redesign of the XPS is a welcome change
The new lineup is thoroughly redesigned, with a focus on premium materials, interfaces, and mobility. The new devices are sporting CNC aluminum and Gorilla Glass in their construction, along with a unibody base with structural side walls integrated into the body to boost rigidity and durability.
And, if only to really drive the point home for consumers, the XPS logo is moving to the front lid of the device for the first time, replacing the Dell logo that’s marked Dell PC and laptops for many years.
The new Dell XPS design makes a number of changes that I’ve been hoping for since the launch of the Dell 13 Plus a few years back.
The ‘virtual’ function keys—effectively a touchbar with small backlit labels—used over the past few generations of the XPS 13, XPS 14, and XPS 16, as well as last year’s 14 Premium and 16 Premium, have been replaced by physical keys.
What’s more, the touchpad isn’t hidden on the glassy chin of the laptop’s key deck as with earlier models, as the new XPS sports subtle lines around the touchpad, letting you know where it is.
Dell XPS 14 &XPS 16 Specs
| Header Cell – Column 0 | 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 |
NPU | Up to 50 TOPS | Up to 50 TOPS |
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 | Up to 14-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED InfinityEdge touch display, 400-nits typical, 500-nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 | Up to 16-inch 3.2K (3200 x 2000) OLED InfinityEdge touch, 400-nits typical, 500-nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 |
Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm Universal Audio jack | 3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm Universal Audio jack |
Battery | 70WHr | 70WHr |
Webcam | 8MP / 4K HDR w/ Windows Hello | 8MP / 4K HDR w/ Windows Hello |
Dimensions (W x D x H) | 12.19 x 8.26 x 0.58 ins | 309.5 x 209.7 x 14.6mm | 13.88 x 9.35 x 0.58 ins | 352.6 x 237.47 x 14.6mm |
Weight | 3.0 lbs | 1.36kg | 3.65 lbs | 1.65kg |
The new Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 models will use Intel Core Ultra 300 series processors with Intel Arc integrated graphics featuring 12 Xe cores, and will no longer have options for discrete graphics. That said, Dell claims the new XPS models get more than 50% faster graphics versus the previous generation. There is also a redesigned thermal system to improve airflow in the thinner chassis to help keep the systems cooler and quieter.
Both models are very thin, measuring in at just 14.6mm thick, and the XPS 14 weighs in at about three pounds, while the XPS 16 weighs about 3.6 pounds, according to Dell. For the displays, there will be options for tandem OLED panels or 2K LCDs.
Perhaps most importantly, Dell claims up to 27 hours of use, or more than 40 hours of local video playback on a charge. If true, this would put the XPS ahead of even most ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X laptops and MacBooks on the market.
Initial configurations go on sale in the US on Jan 6, starting at $2,049.99 for the XPS 14 and $2,199.99 for the XPS 16, with additional configurations and global availability to come. The Dell XPS 13 will launch later this year.
