Why the new XPS 14’s display is one of Dell's smartest upgrades

Dell’s iconic XPS laptop range is back, and the manufacturer has gone all out, rebuilding the lineup from the ground up. The redesigned flagship series delivers pioneering display technology, unparalleled battery life, and a minimalist, sleek design that’s lighter than ever.

The Texan computing giant unveiled the XPS 14 and 16 at CES 2026, while teasing the arrival of the XPS 13 later this year. The XPS 14 was such a standout, it was included in Tom’s Guide’s Best of CES 2026 list – and won Best Laptop. “Everybody loves a comeback story, especially when it looks like this,” says Tom’s Guide Editor-in-Chief, Mark Spoonauer.

With a reinvigorated focus on everyday consumers and power users, this all-new premium range packs a gorgeous InfinityEdge display, powerful Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, a groundbreaking refresh rate of 1-120Hz (20-120Hz on OLED models), and a battery that offers up to 31 hours of Netflix streaming, all encased in a svelte 14.6mm chassis weighing just 3 pounds.

In particular, the XPS 14 promises to hit the mark for users demanding outstanding screen performance, whether they’re watching movies or flexing their creativity. These models offer displays with high-quality, crisp visuals in a wide variety of resolutions to suit all your needs.

XPS 14 Specs

XPS 14 FAQs

Below, we’ve answered some of the burning questions you may have about the XPS 14.

How do I get the most out of my streaming experience?

Cinephiles will be wowed by the XPS 14’s 2.8K tandem OLED, which utilizes dual panels to generate superlative brightness, going a long way to address a common complaint of these screens. And of course, OLEDs deliver luscious, inky blacks, vibrant colors, and lightning-fast response times, so you can enjoy shows like Pluribus in glorious cinematic quality. Sports fans can also cheer on their teams in action in ultra-clear and silky smooth 120Hz — with virtually no motion blur, you can witness every screaming fastball and shot on goal in stunning detail and clarity.

Is the display good enough for creatives?

The XPS 14 range offers two display options to suit whatever you’re into. Those who want to maximize productivity will benefit from the 2K LCD model, while creatives will love seeing their renders brought to life on the beautiful, higher-resolution 2.8K OLED screen that offers true-to-life visuals and striking colors.

Dell has worked hard to ensure the XPS display delivers that seamless digital canvas experience. The LCD option comes in 2K resolution and features VRR to eliminate screen tearing and drastically reduce input lag.

Thanks to the immersive 14” InfinityEdge display, you get both lifelike colors and crisp, sharp visuals. This sumptuous display is flanked by an extremely narrow bezel, so you get more screen for your money, while the compact chassis is perfect for staying mobile, whether you’re hot-desking or working on a plane.

What’s more, the seamless glass touchpad packs subtle etching and haptic feedback, making creating your latest masterpiece a pleasure, rather than a chore. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s Eyesafe tech to reduce eye-sapping blue light without distorting that all-important color.

In short, the new XPS 14 is brilliant for casual creatives, with enough processor power and excellent display options to blitz through tasks on software like Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop.

Is such a thin laptop good for casual gaming?

The new XPS 14 is brilliant for casual gamers who play titles like “Fortnite” and “Minecraft”. And if graphically intense games are more your wheelhouse, Dell’s Alienware Area-51 laptops are a better fit.

The XPS 14 features Intel’s Panther Lake processors with up to Intel Arc 12xe graphics, improved AI processing, and discrete-level graphics performance in a thinner chassis. Plus, with the latest generation of SSDs and RAM chips, you’ll barely have any time to wait before you’re thrust into the action.

They’re also a delight to get hands on with, thanks to a zero-lattice keyboard that offers optimized key travel and better responsiveness, comfort, and efficiency, helping you go the distance during longer gaming sessions.

Will this laptop’s battery die after just a few hours?

The new XPS 14 offers the best battery life of any 14" notebook, with first-to-market 900ED cells giving all-day power.

With VRR, the XPS 14 LCD models dynamically deliver refresh rates of 1-120Hz, so if you’re looking at a static page, such as a Word doc or email, the slower refresh rate kicks in, saving you precious battery power. The power-saving capabilities of the XPS 14 allow for up to 31 hours of Netflix streaming or 40 hours of local video playback — perfect for a Stranger Things catch-up marathon, even when you’re away from a power outlet.

Couple that with a smart power management system and a completely redesigned thermal system, and you have a cooler, faster, and more efficient laptop that can go the extra mile.

But does the XPS 14 look the part?

It’s not just the XPS 14’s display that looks stunning, but the chassis too, which comprises top-notch materials like CNC aluminium for a premium, precision finish that’s classy yet understatedly minimalist. And with durable Gorilla Glass 3, it’s tough enough to withstand your busy and mobile lifestyle.

TL;DR: Dell revives the iconic XPS laptops in style, with first-to-market refresh rates, a choice of groundbreaking cinematic OLED or pin-sharp LCD screens, a thinner and lighter premium chassis, and a best-in-class battery.

If you think a Dell XPS 14 is for you, find out more on the Dell website: US readers click here, CA readers here and UK readers here.

And there’s one more thing to know before you buy: Dell offers a price match guarantee. To learn more about the Dell price match and price guarantee, including the terms, exclusions and restrictions, US readers can click here, CA readers here and UK readers here.