Dell XPS returns with a premium price tag: 5 major highlights
In 2025, Dell made headlines for doing away with its iconic XPS brand to replace it with a new name. And earlier this year, Dell was in the news again for apologising for that decision and announcing the return of the XPS. In India, the XPS 14 and XPS 16 launched recently and expectations from both laptops are soaring high. After all, the brand once used to define premium laptops in the country. So what can you expect from the new XPS laptops? Here are 5 major highlights.
SurveyAlso read: Dell XPS 14 in Digit Test Labs: Beauty with brains
A proper comeback for the XPS lineup
Del, in a press release, said that it is not just refreshing the XPS series, but is rebuilding it from the ground up. The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 bring back the iconic branding with a visible logo on the lid. The logo is subtle, yet noticeable and placed right at the center as if to convey the company’s intention. Dell also says these machines are lighter and more portable than previous generations, with a clear focus on making them practical for everyday premium use.
Premium design
The design remains one of the biggest highlights here. Both laptops promise to be incredibly thin, with the XPS 14 measuring just 14.6mm and weighing around 1.36kg, while the XPS 16 comes in at 1.65kg. Dell is sticking to CNC-machined aluminium and Gorilla Glass 3, which gives the laptops a solid and premium in-hand feel. The overall design is clean, minimal, and will appeal to users who care as much about aesthetics as performance.
New Intel chips with a strong AI push
Under the hood, Dell is using Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, which are built to handle both traditional workloads and newer AI-driven tasks. You also get Intel Arc graphics, which should be capable enough for content creation and maybe even some casual gaming. Dell has also claimed noticeable gains in AI performance and graphics compared to older models, making these machines future-ready for evolving workloads.
Battery and thermals get an upgrade
It’s 2026 and there are enough options in the market with incredible battery life. Dell is claiming up to 27 hours of Netflix streaming and over 40 hours of local video playback, which, if it holds up in real-world usage, could be a major win. The thermal system has also been redesigned with larger fans, promising cooler and quieter performance during long work sessions.
Premium display and an even more premium price
The XPS 14 and 16 come with multiple display options, including 2K LCD panels and higher-end OLED variants that go up to 3.2K resolution. These are designed to deliver better colours, brightness, and efficiency, along with features like Eyesafe support for long usage. On the audio side, you get a quad-speaker setup with spatial sound.
But all of this comes at a cost. The XPS 14 starts at Rs 2,05,990, while the XPS 16 goes up to Rs 2,78,550. That makes it clear that Dell is targeting premium buyers who want a no-compromise laptop experience.
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Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile