The New XPS 16: Slim, Fast and Still a Top Pick

Dell has bounced back from almost dropping its XPS line, and the 2026 model shows why the brand still matters.

Design & Build

• Weight – 3.65 lb (standard) / 3.85 lb (LCD version)
• Thickness – 0.6″, thinner than the predecessor’s 0.75″
• Materials – Glass and aluminum chassis trimmed for lighter weight

The laptop keeps the familiar glass look but with a slimmer frame. Solid stereo speakers remain, and there are three USB‑C ports supporting Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 2.1, and power delivery. The SD card reader is missing—a drawback for mobile editors.

Display

• Optional 3.2K OLED panel
• Bright, vibrant colors
• Variable refresh rate: 20–120 Hz
• Peak brightness: 400 nits (real‑world brighter)

Great for on‑the‑go editing.

Keyboard & Touchpad

• Glass deck with a subtle outline around the touchpad for clear boundaries
• Capacitive function row replaced by regular keys (tactile feel)
• Early units had ghosting issues; Dell will release a software patch
• Zero‑gap layout remains, but some users note limited key travel and actuation force

Performance

• Powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra chips
• Handles everyday productivity with ease
• 62 fps in a demanding game at full settings – light gaming without discrete GPU

Battery Life

• 99.5 Wh pack
• ~12 hours in a modern office workload test (over an hour and a half better than the smaller sibling)

Verdict

Dell’s return to the XPS name feels genuine. The new 16‑inch model delivers a premium build, solid performance, respectable battery life, and an excellent display—especially with the OLED upgrade.

• Price – ~$2,349 (discounts can bring it near $1,900)
• Downsides – No discrete GPU option and no SD card reader

For anyone looking for a lightweight, high‑quality Windows laptop, the new XPS 16 remains a top contender.