XPS 14 & 16 Review: An INSULT To Laptop Buyers

Summary

Dell's XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops offer stunning designs and premium builds, but their performance and usability fall short, especially considering their high prices. With underwhelming displays, lackluster graphics performance, and poorly designed keyboards, these laptops struggle to compete with alternatives like the MacBook Pro, HP Spectre 14, and ASUS G14. While they may appeal to users who prioritize style over function, the XPS 14 and 16 fail to deliver the performance expected at their price points, making them a tough sell for those seeking power and productivity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dell's XPS 14 and 16 laptops have premium builds but are overpriced for the performance they offer.
• 😀 Both the XPS 14 and 16 have disappointing 1920x1200 resolution displays, resulting in pixelated visuals, especially on the larger panels.
• 😀 Even after paying extra for upgraded OLED displays, the screen door effect and lack of sharpness persist, making the displays subpar.
• 😀 The XPS 14 and 16's performance lags behind similarly priced competitors like HP Spectre 14 and Apple's MacBook Pro 14, both of which offer better performance and value.
• 😀 The XPS laptops perform poorly in graphical tasks, even when upgraded with dedicated GPUs, with underpowered RTX 4050 GPUs offering significantly less wattage than expected.
• 😀 Upgrading the XPS 14 with higher specs can push the price to $2,500, which exceeds the price of better-performing alternatives like the MacBook Pro 14.
• 😀 The XPS 16, priced over $3,500 for higher specs, is far more expensive than rivals like the MacBook Pro 16 and Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i, which offer better value for money.
• 😀 Dell's removal of physical function keys in favor of a touch bar is frustrating and reduces efficiency, particularly for tasks like programming and data analysis.
• 😀 The XPS keyboards have some design flaws, including oddly sized keys that cause frequent mispresses, making typing less comfortable.
• 😀 While the XPS laptops are visually stunning and slim, they are surprisingly heavy and lack practical ports, requiring a dongle for connectivity.
• 😀 Despite some positives, like good webcams and solid performance for light use, the XPS laptops are outclassed by competitors in terms of overall value, performance, and functionality.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the display on the Dell XPS 14 and 16?

The main issue with the displays is their low resolution. The XPS 14 and 16 come with 1920x1200 resolution, which results in a pixel density of 154 PPI on the 14-inch model and 139 PPI on the 16-inch model. This makes everything look pixelated, especially when compared to competitors like the MacBook Pro, which has a much higher PPI.

Are the XPS 14 and 16 suitable for performance-heavy tasks?

No, the XPS 14 and 16 are not ideal for performance-heavy tasks. While they perform similarly to lower-cost laptops in Geekbench and Cinebench tests, their integrated graphics are underpowered, and even the upgraded dedicated graphics options are severely limited in terms of power.

How do the XPS 14 and 16 compare in terms of pricing versus competitors?

The XPS 14 and 16 are priced significantly higher than competing models that offer better performance. For example, the XPS 14 with upgraded graphics can cost up to $2,500, which is more than a MacBook Pro 14 with better specs, and cheaper alternatives like the ASUS G14 or Razer Blade 14 offer better value.

What are the drawbacks of the keyboard on the XPS laptops?

The keyboard on the XPS laptops has several issues, including awkwardly sized keys (such as small up/down arrow keys), a misplaced backspace key, and the absence of a physical Escape key. The lack of physical function keys also makes it harder for users accustomed to traditional keyboard layouts.

Why is the lack of a physical Escape key problematic?

The lack of a physical Escape key is problematic because it's crucial for quick access in many tasks. Whether editing a video, programming, or even gaming, users often need to press Escape quickly, and having to search for it on a touch-sensitive area or a misplaced key can slow down workflow and lead to frustration.

What about the design and portability of the XPS laptops?

While the XPS laptops are sleek and visually appealing, they are relatively heavy compared to other premium laptops. Both the XPS 14 and 16 are heavier than the MacBook Pro 14, making them less portable. Additionally, the sharp edges of the laptop can be uncomfortable when used on surfaces like a plane's tray table.

Are the XPS 14 and 16 good for light use?

Yes, the XPS 14 and 16 are good for light use such as browsing the web, writing documents, and light multitasking. They are fast, have minimal fan noise, and remain cool to the touch during basic tasks.

How do the XPS 14 and 16 handle power consumption and heat?

The XPS 14 and 16 have lower power consumption compared to competitors, leading to less heat generation and quieter fan noise. However, in real-world use, they can still feel warmer and have more fan noise than MacBook Pros during performance-heavy tasks like video editing.

What are the main issues with the touchpad on the XPS 16?

The touchpad on the XPS 16 has several issues, such as poor scrolling responsiveness and bad palm rejection. The cursor frequently jumps around while typing, and the touchpad doesn't register scroll actions smoothly, which can be frustrating during normal use.

How does the price of the XPS 16 compare to other premium laptops?

The XPS 16 is priced above $3,500 for a configuration with 32 GB of memory, 1 TB of storage, and a dedicated RTX 4060 GPU. This makes it more expensive than comparable models like the MacBook Pro 16 with the M3 Max chip or the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i, which offer better performance at a fraction of the price.