Dell Revives XPS 14 Laptop With Intel Panther Lake, Starts at $1,700

Dell revives the XPS brand

Dell launched the 2026 XPS 14 this week, bringing back the iconic brand name after a brief attempt to retire it in 2025. The new laptop ditches discrete graphics options entirely in favor of Intel Panther Lake processors.

The base model starts at $1,700 for a Core Ultra 7 configuration. Customers can upgrade to the Core Ultra X7 model for $2,000, while a 1TB version at Best Buy retails for $2,200.

This generation focuses on refinement rather than experimental features. Dell corrected several controversial design choices from the 2024 model while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Physical keys replace touch buttons

The 2026 XPS 14 brings back a standard row of physical function keys. This replaces the capacitive touch row found on previous models, which many users found difficult to operate without looking.

Dell also updated the invisible haptic trackpad by adding subtle divider lines. These lines provide a tactile boundary for your fingers without ruining the seamless glass look of the wrist rest.

The keyboard retains the zero-lattice design with large keycaps and minimal spacing between them. While the layout maximizes surface area, the low-travel switches require a learning period to avoid typing errors.

Thinner than a MacBook Pro

The OLED version of the XPS 14 measures just 0.58 inch thick. This makes it a tenth of an inch thinner than the previous 14-inch Dell model and slightly thinner than the current 14-inch MacBook Pro.

The laptop weighs exactly 3 pounds, which is about half a pound lighter than Apple’s flagship 14-inch machine. Dell achieved this weight reduction by removing the dedicated graphics card and optimizing the internal cooling system.

Build quality remains high with a chassis milled from CNC aluminum. The hinge is now tuned so users can open the lid with a single finger, a feature previous XPS models lacked.

• Thickness: 0.58 inch (OLED) or 0.60 inch (LCD)
• Weight: 3.0 pounds
• Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
• Webcam: 8-megapixel, 4K resolution

Dell removed the microSD card slot for this generation. Users now only have three Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack for physical connectivity.

Integrated graphics match dedicated chips

The new Intel Core Ultra X7 358H chip features the Arc B390 integrated GPU. This setup delivers performance nearly identical to the Nvidia RTX 4050 found in the previous XPS 14.

In the 3DMark Steel Nomad benchmark, the old RTX 4050 was only 3 percent faster than the new integrated solution. This allows the laptop to remain thinner and cooler without sacrificing entry-level gaming capabilities.

The Core Ultra X7 358H configuration offers twice the CPU and GPU performance of the base Core Ultra 7 355. This upgrade costs $300 but also includes an additional 16GB of RAM, making it the most logical choice for buyers.

Gaming performance on the X7 chip is surprisingly capable for an ultraportable. The machine runs modern titles without requiring external hardware or bulky cooling solutions.

• Cyberpunk 2077 (Native 1200p): 56 fps average
• Cyberpunk 2077 (Xe2 Quality Upscaling): 70 fps average
• 3DMark Steel Nomad: Within 3% of RTX 4050 performance
• RAM Upgrade Cost: $300 for 16GB additional (Included with X7)

While the performance is impressive, the XPS 14 still trails other Panther Lake laptops. The MSI Prestige 14 Flip outperformed the Dell by 24 percent in CPU tasks using the same silicon.

Battery life hits 20 hours

The move to Intel Panther Lake chips significantly improved energy efficiency. The OLED model lasted for 20 hours during local video playback tests.

This result is more than double the battery life of the previous generation. Removing the discrete GPU eliminated a major power draw that previously hampered the XPS 14’s portability.

Dell offers two display types that impact power consumption differently. The 1920 x 1200 LCD is the base option, while the 2880 x 1800 Tandem OLED is the premium choice.

The Tandem OLED panel uses two layers of organic LEDs to improve efficiency rather than peak brightness. It supports a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and covers 100 percent of the sRGB and Display P3 color gamuts.

Dell also upgraded the speaker system from 8 watts to 10 watts. The audio sounds fuller than last year’s model, though it still lacks the bass response found in the MacBook Pro.

High prices remain a hurdle

The $1,700 entry price remains a significant barrier for many buyers. The base configuration includes a standard LCD screen and 16GB of RAM, which is less value than the $1,600 MacBook Pro.

Apple’s base 14-inch MacBook Pro includes a superior mini-LED display and 24GB of RAM for $100 less than the base Dell. The XPS 14 only becomes competitive when configured with the $2,000 X7 chip and OLED screen.

Dell expects component prices to rise further in late 2026 due to a global memory shortage. This could make the current pricing the lowest available for this hardware cycle.

The 4K webcam is a standout feature that most competitors lack. The 8-megapixel sensor provides much clearer video for calls than the 1080p cameras found on most Windows laptops.

For Windows users who want a premium alternative to Apple, the 2026 XPS 14 is the strongest contender in years. It fixes the functional flaws of its predecessor while delivering genuine 20-hour battery life.