We Tested Dell’s XPS 14 Battery Life… Apple is Officially on Watch

Summary

The new Intel Panther Lake chips are making waves in the laptop world, with the 2026 Dell XPS 14 showcasing impressive battery life. The LED model delivers a staggering 20 hours and 41 minutes of runtime, earning it a top spot in battery life rankings. However, the OLED version, while offering a stunning display, only lasted 12 hours and 23 minutes. Despite this, the XPS 14 still outperforms many MacBooks in battery life. Dell’s battery improvement over last year's model is a clear sign that Windows laptops are catching up with Apple's battery dominance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Intel's Panther Lake chips are generating a lot of buzz, especially regarding battery life claims like up to 31 hours.
• 😀 The Dell XPS 14, equipped with Panther Lake, was tested for battery life and the results were mixed based on display type.
• 😀 The battery test uses standardized conditions: 150 nits brightness, Wi-Fi connection, and continuous web browsing.
• 😀 The Dell XPS 14 with a 1200p LED display achieved an impressive battery life of 20 hours and 41 minutes.
• 😀 The OLED version of the Dell XPS 14 performed significantly worse, lasting only 12 hours and 23 minutes.
• 😀 Despite the OLED XPS 14’s shorter battery life, it's still considered a good result compared to many other laptops.
• 😀 Other Panther Lake laptops like the Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Pro and Asus ZenBook Duo outperformed the OLED XPS 14 in battery life.
• 😀 The Panther Lake chip marks a major leap for Windows laptops in terms of battery life, closing the gap with MacBooks.
• 😀 The non-OLED XPS 14 outperformed the MacBook Pro M5 in battery life, lasting over 20 hours compared to the MacBook’s 18 hours.
• 😀 The 2026 Dell XPS 14's battery life showed a notable improvement over the previous year’s model, with an increase of over 4 hours.
• 😀 For those prioritizing battery life, the LED version of the Dell XPS 14 is a top choice, while the OLED version sacrifices battery for a better display.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video about Intel's Panther Lake chips?

The video focuses on testing the battery life of laptops with Intel's Panther Lake chips, particularly the 2026 Dell XPS 14, and compares the results between different display configurations (LED vs. OLED).

How does Tom's Guide test battery life in laptops?

Tom's Guide uses a standardized battery test where the screen is locked to 150 nits, the laptop is connected to Wi-Fi, and it continuously browses the web until the battery runs out. This method ensures consistent and comparable results.

What were the battery life results for the Dell XPS 14 with the LED display?

The Dell XPS 14 with the 1200p LED display lasted **20 hours and 41 minutes** during the battery test, making it one of the longest-lasting Windows laptops Tom's Guide has tested.

How did the OLED version of the Dell XPS 14 perform in terms of battery life?

The OLED version of the Dell XPS 14 lasted **12 hours and 23 minutes**, which is still good but significantly less than the LED version, falling behind by over 8 hours.

How do other Panther Lake laptops compare in terms of battery life?

Other laptops with Panther Lake chips, such as the **Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Pro** (15 hours and 17 minutes) and **Asus ZenBook Duo** (14 hours and 23 minutes), outperformed the OLED version of the Dell XPS 14.

How does the Dell XPS 14's battery life compare to Apple's MacBook Pro M5?

The Dell XPS 14 with the LED display outlasts the **14-inch MacBook Pro M5**, which has an average battery life of 18 hours, with the XPS 14 achieving over 20 hours of battery life.

What’s the key difference in battery life between the OLED and LED versions of the Dell XPS 14?

The **LED version** of the Dell XPS 14 lasts significantly longer (20+ hours) compared to the **OLED version** (12+ hours), with a difference of more than 8 hours of usage.

What was the battery life improvement in the 2026 Dell XPS 14 compared to the previous year’s model?

The 2026 Dell XPS 14 outperformed the previous year's **14 Premium** model by **4 hours and 7 minutes**, which lasted just 8 hours and 16 minutes with Intel's Lunar Lake chip.

Which display version of the Dell XPS 14 would be ideal for someone prioritizing battery life?

The **LED version** of the Dell XPS 14 would be the best choice for those prioritizing battery life, as it offers up to **20+ hours** of usage.

What are the trade-offs when choosing the OLED model of the Dell XPS 14?

Choosing the **OLED model** of the Dell XPS 14 provides a superior display but sacrifices battery life, offering about 8 hours less battery life compared to the LED version.