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Dell XPS 16 (2026) Review: Balanced Performance in a Thin Design, Lacks Dedicated GPU

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CNET reviewed the 2026 Dell XPS 16, a 16-inch laptop starting at $1,750. The tested configuration at $2,350 includes an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor, 32GB RAM, Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics, a 1TB SSD, and a 3.2K OLED touch display.

Performance

The Dell XPS 16 delivers strong CPU and AI performance, but lags behind competitors in graphics and battery life.

  • Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: 17,013 (comparable to Dell 16 Premium at 17,037; behind Asus Zenbook A16 at 21,856)
  • Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 2,920 (below Apple MacBook Pro 14 M5 at 4,263)
  • Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core: 950 (below Asus Zenbook A16 at 1,599)
  • 3DMark Steel Nomad: 1,626 (below Asus ProArt P16 at 2,478)
  • Geekbench AI (neural engine quantized): 56,514 (similar to Apple MacBook Pro 14 at 57,528)
  • Gaming: Playable frame rates at 1080p (Guardians of the Galaxy: 76 fps; Shadow of the Tomb Raider: 73 fps)
  • Battery life: 14 hours 3 minutes on YouTube streaming drain test (less than Apple MacBook Pro 14 M5 at 22h 59m)

Design and Features

At just 3.8 pounds, it’s thinner and lighter than both the Dell 16 Premium and Apple MacBook Pro 16, but heavier than the 2.9-pound Asus Zenbook A16.

  • Weight: 3.8 pounds (1.7 kg)
  • Display: 16-inch 3,200x2,000 120Hz touch OLED; covers 100% sRGB, 100% P3, 97% AdobeRGB; peak brightness 414 nits
  • Keyboard: Latticeless design with physical Function row keys; reported accurate typing
  • Touchpad: Haptic with etched borders
  • Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, headphone jack; no SD card slot or USB-A/HDMI. No adapter included.
  • RAM soldered, no second M.2 slot; SSD can be replaced.
  • Webcam: 8MP IR camera (1440p video) supporting Windows Hello.
  • Speakers: Quad speakers.

Pricing

Model Price Base model $1,750 (Core Ultra 5 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, non-touch LCD) Tested model $2,350 (Core Ultra X7 358H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, OLED) Max configuration $3,550 (Core Ultra X9 388H, 64GB RAM, 4TB SSD) UK pricing Starts at £1,679 Australia pricing Starts at AU$4,100

Comparisons

  • Thinner and lighter than Dell 16 Premium (5+ lbs) and Apple MacBook Pro 16 (4.7 lbs).
  • Heavier than Asus Zenbook A16 (2.9 lbs).
  • Lacks dedicated Nvidia RTX graphics; performance adequate for content creation and light gaming.
  • Alternative models: Asus ProArt P16 (better graphics), Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 Aura Edition, Apple MacBook Pro 16.

Upgrade Options

  • No GPU upgrade available.
  • Software bundle offered: includes Battlefield 6, Everwind, and 6 months Adobe Creative Cloud Photography or Premiere.