Dell's XPS laptops are making a comeback, and this time, they're bringing some exciting changes!
The XPS Legacy Lives On
Dell, the renowned American tech giant, has decided to bring back its beloved XPS laptop brand, just a year after replacing it with the 'Dell Premium' line. This move is a bold statement, especially considering the recent controversy surrounding Dell's rebranding efforts. But here's where it gets interesting: Dell is not only reviving the XPS name but also addressing some of the most controversial features of its previous models.
A New Chapter for XPS
At CES 2026, Dell unveiled its revamped XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops, boasting thinner designs and impressive battery lives. Both laptops will now proudly display the XPS logo on their lids, a move that Dell claims has been requested by reviewers and fans for years. But that's not all; Dell has also listened to the feedback and scrapped the divisive capacitive touch function row, opting for a traditional function row with physical keys. This change alone is sure to win over many loyal XPS fans.
A Fresh Start for Dell's Lineup
The return of XPS also means a reshuffle for the rest of Dell's laptop lineup. Dell is keeping its mainstream portfolio under the 'Dell' brand, while XPS will now represent the higher-end, minimalist consumer models, previously known as the 'Dell Premium' sub-tier. Dell's commercial PCs will continue under the 'Dell Pro' line, but with new sub-tiers for different use cases. The 'Dell Pro Max' moniker, however, has been retired.
A Humble Course Correction
Dell's COO, Jeff Clarke, sees this rebranding reversal as a demonstration of the company's ability to 'course-correct' and be humble. It's a bold move, especially considering the initial backlash Dell faced when it first renamed its laptops in 2025. But it seems Dell has listened to its consumers and is now making some much-needed changes.
Redesigned and Reimagined
The new XPS laptops aren't just about the name; they're a direct response to critical feedback. Dell has overhauled its thermal system, making the fans larger and thinner, resulting in the thinnest Dell laptops of their sizes to date. The XPS 14 and XPS 16 now start at just 0.58 inches thick, and the 14-inch model is remarkably compact, even smaller than a 13-inch MacBook Air. These laptops are not only sleek but also lightweight, with the XPS 14 weighing as little as three pounds.
Powerful Specs and Impressive Features
Under the hood, the new XPS laptops are packed with powerful specs. Users can configure them with up to an Intel Core Ultra X7 processor, Intel Arc graphics, 64GB of RAM, and 4GB of SSD storage. Dell will also offer Intel Core Ultra X9 variants in the future. One of the standout features is the option for a 2.8K tandem OLED touchscreen, previously exclusive to the XPS 13. However, the base 2K LCD display has its advantages, offering a variable refresh rate of 1 to 120Hz, which conserves power when viewing static content.
Battery Life: A Day's Worth of Power
Dell claims that the LCD variants of the new XPS laptops are rated for more than a day's worth of battery life. They promise up to 27 hours of Netflix streaming and over 40 hours of local video playback per charge. This is a significant improvement over the previous Dell Premium models, which struggled to reach 14 hours. Dell's new XPS devices are also the first laptops available with this innovative technology.
The Future of XPS
Dell plans to continue the XPS revival with the release of more devices later this year, targeting different price points and form factors. First up is a new XPS 13, which Dell promises will be its thinnest and lightest XPS laptop ever, at less than 13mm (0.51 inches), and the most affordable in the XPS lineup. Stay tuned for more details as Dell reveals the full specs and features in the coming months.
So, what do you think about Dell's decision to bring back the XPS brand? Is this a step in the right direction, or do you think it's too little, too late? Share your thoughts in the comments; we'd love to hear your opinions on this controversial move!
