After a brief retirement in 2025, Dell's XPS laptop line-up returned at CES 2026 bringing with them a renewed focus on what made the iconic brand great in the first place: premium Windows machines built for people who crave the freedom of an open ecosystem and the headroom to upgrade their specs.
This year’s lineup — XPS 13 (2026), XPS 14 (2026), XPS 16 (2026) — leans into that philosophy. Whether you've budgeted for an affordable all-rounder or a premium high-performance, the new range follows the same rules; these thin-and-light devices combine sleek looks and low carry weights, and are fundamentally designed to let you get things done, no matter where you're working or playing. Practical features and specs like backlit keyboards and Wi-Fi 7 are standard, all configurations run on the latest Intel Core processors, and there's support for up to 64GB of RAM on the 14- and 16-inch sizes.
Connectivity is also consistent across all three sizes — offering either Thunderbolt 4 or USB‑C 3.2 Gen 2, depending on the exact model — so accessories will all behave and perform the way they should. It's a far cry from some of the alternatives in 2026 — the MacBook Neo, for example, only offers Wi-Fi 6E and a single USB-C expansion port.
The result is an XPS range that’s easier to understand, easier to recommend and offers loads of flexibility when it comes to how they're configured. After a year on the sidelines, the refreshed XPS 2026 range aims to deliver what buyers actually want from a premium Windows ultraportable in 2026.
A Windows alternative to Apple's entry-level MacBooks that doesn't feel restrictive in terms of specs, the XPS 13 (2026) gives you real choice without losing the ultra‑portable feel. It weighs just 1kg, measures 12.7mm thick, and is built for people who want something genuinely easy to carry. The 13.4‑inch 2.5K touchscreen is sharp and comfortable to use, and the configuration range is refreshingly open: Intel Core 5 or Core Ultra 7, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage*. It’s a compact and sleek laptop that doesn’t force you into a single performance tier — you pick the features, the power and the price that suits you.
If you want a balanced Windows laptop that doesn’t feel bulky, the XPS 14 is the middle‑ground option in Dell’s 2026 lineup. It keeps its footprint manageable — starting at 1.36kg — while giving you a roomier 14‑inch display that suits work, streaming and everyday multitasking. Inside, it runs Intel’s Core Ultra processors with Intel Arc graphics, plus a wide spec range: 16GB to 64GB of RAM and up to 4TB of SSD storage. The screen options are straightforward too. You can go for a 2K LCD at 120Hz if you prefer a non‑touch panel, or step up to a 2.8K OLED touchscreen for deeper contrast and richer colour.
If you want the biggest canvas in the 2026 XPS lineup, the XPS 16 is the way to go. Its 16‑inch display gives you the extra room that helps with large spreadsheets, timelines, video edits or just more immersive media streaming — all while keeping its chassis surprisingly slim at 14.62mm. Specs mirror the rest of the range: Intel Core Ultra processors, Intel Arc graphics, up to 64GB of RAM and up to 4TB of SSD storage. You also get two clear display choices — a 2K non‑touch LCD, or a higher‑resolution 3.2K OLED touchscreen with deeper contrast and richer colour.
XPS 13 (2026) |
XPS 14 (2026) |
XPS 16 (2026) |
|
Starting price |
AU$1,399.20 |
AU$3,498 |
AU$3,997.40 |
Display |
13.4-inch 2.5K touch |
14-inch 2K LCD or 2.8K OLED touch |
16-inch 2K LCD or 3.2K tandem OLED touch |
Processor |
Intel Core 5 320 (Wildcat Lake); Core Ultra 7 (Panther Lake) coming soon |
Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake), up to 16-core |
Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake), up to 16-core |
Graphics |
Intel integrated |
Intel Arc |
Intel Arc |
RAM |
8GB base; up to 16GB (Core) or 32GB (Ultra) |
16GB base; up to 64GB |
16GB base; up to 64GB |
Storage |
Up to 1TB |
Up to 4TB PCIe |
Up to 4TB PCIe |
Ports |
2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2; Thunderbolt 4 on Ultra |
3 x Thunderbolt 4 + 3.5mm audio |
3 x Thunderbolt 4 + 3.5mm audio |
Weight / thickness |
12.7 mm |
14.62 mm (OLED) |
14.62 mm (OLED) |
Battery |
52 Wh |
70 Wh |
70 Wh |
Dell’s 2026 XPS lineup feels like a genuine return to form. After stepping back in 2025, the new 2026 models have arrived with clearer identities and more flexibility than many competitors.
The XPS 13 (2026) already outpaces the MacBook Neo on RAM and storage options, adds a backlit keyboard and optional Thunderbolt 4, and still comes in noticeably lighter. The XPS 14 (2026) and XPS 16 (2026) push that momentum further, with both touch and non‑touch displays, optional OLED, up to three Thunderbolt 4 ports, and generous headroom for RAM and storage across every configuration.
Whether you want something that barely registers in a backpack or need a larger screen that makes spreadsheets, editing and everyday multitasking more comfortable, there’s an XPS model for you. Combine that flexibility with competitive pricing, and Dell’s revived XPS 2026 range are worth your consideration if you're shopping for a premium Windows ultraportable in 2026.
* Release date for Dell XPS 13 with Core Ultra 7, 32GB of RAM and Thunderbolt 4 TBC.
