Dell, established in 1984 by Michael Dell, is an American corporation renowned for its enterprise solutions and consumer electronics such as desktops, laptops, workstations, monitors, and a diverse array of computer peripherals. It stands as one of the leading laptop manufacturers globally, offering a broad spectrum of products ranging from affordable Chromebooks to well-known series like Inspiron, XPS, Latitude, Precision, and Alienware.
The premium devices from Dell boast exceptional build quality, performance, and distinctive designs. However, a common critique of Dell revolves around its utilization of proprietary components, which can pose challenges for users seeking repairs or upgrades.
We have purchased and evaluated more than 10 Dell laptops, and we present our recommendations for the finest Dell laptops and those most suitable for business purposes.
Best Dell Laptops Reviews
1. Dell XPS 16 (2024) Laptop
The Dell XPS 16 (2024) stands out as the top-performing Dell laptop we have reviewed. This high-end 16-inch laptop is known for its superior construction and impressive performance. Equipped with Intel Meteor Lake CPUs (including a Core Ultra 9) along with integrated graphics or an NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPU (up to a 4070), this model offers ample processing capabilities for handling various tasks ranging from everyday productivity to demanding activities such as programming, video editing, and 3D modeling.
The user experience can be inconsistent. While the design is modern, certain features such as the touchpad and keys may require some time to get used to. Due to the front deck being made of a single piece of glass, it can be challenging to locate the touchpad. Additionally, the keycap layout may lead to accidental inputs, with some keys being oddly sized. For instance, the backspace key is small and placed next to the power button, making it easy to mistakenly press the power button and put the laptop to sleep. On the positive side, the laptop offers good speakers and a variety of ports, including three USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm combo mic/headphone jack.
The device is equipped with Intel Meteor Lake CPUs and NVIDIA discrete GPUs, providing ample processing power for demanding tasks such as video editing, programming, and 3D animation. For color work, upgrading to the superior 4k+, 100% DCI P3 OLED display is recommended, as the standard FHD+ IPS display only offers full sRGB coverage. In terms of ports, it offers three USB/Thunderbolt 4 ports, but lacks a full-size SD card reader and HDMI or USB-A ports. Despite some thermal throttling, the device remains cool and quiet under heavy loads.
This laptop is ideal for frequent travelers due to its durable construction, small size, and long-lasting battery. The Intel Meteor Lake CPU enables smooth performance for everyday tasks such as word processing, internet browsing, spreadsheet management, and creating presentations. Additionally, you have the option to include an NVIDIA discrete GPU, with the potential to upgrade to an RTX 4070, providing ample power for video editing purposes. While the edge-to-edge keys and hidden touchpad may require some adjustment, the overall user experience is positive. It also features a high-quality 1080p webcam for video calls, as well as a fingerprint sensor and facial recognition for convenient and secure logins.
2. Dell XPS 13 (2024) Laptop
The 2024 version of the Dell XPS 13 is a high-end lightweight laptop. This 9340 model is the successor to the 9320 model from 2023. It comes with either Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 CPUs and Intel Arc integrated graphics. The display options include an FHD+ non-touch and QHD+ touchscreen IPS panel, as well as a 2.8k OLED touchscreen panel. Both IPS options have 120Hz screens with dynamic refresh rate support, while the OLED is a 60Hz panel. Additionally, it features a 1080p webcam, Wi-Fi 7 wireless connectivity, and a 55Wh battery. The port selection includes two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s.
This laptop is designed to be extremely compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry to lectures in your backpack or tote bag. The battery can last the full school day on a single charge for light use, such as taking notes or doing research. While it offers a good user experience overall, the touch and keyboard layout may require an adjustment period. With bright displays and a 16:10 aspect ratio, this laptop provides more vertical space for reading articles. However, despite its higher-end hardware, its cooling limits its performance, so it is only suitable for general productivity tasks. If you need a laptop for 3D modeling or video editing, you should consider other options.
The OLED display on this laptop is both bright and vibrant, with a glossy anti-reflection coating that effectively handles reflections in indoor settings. Additionally, it can dim significantly, allowing for comfortable late-night movie viewing in a dark room without causing eye strain. The battery life is satisfactory, eliminating the need to constantly keep the laptop plugged in while enjoying your favorite content. Furthermore, its high portability makes it ideal for media playback on the go, whether on a bus or a plane. However, the laptop’s speakers are a drawback. Unlike the larger 14- or 16-inch models with up-firing speakers, the 13-inch version has down-firing speakers that tend to rattle at higher volumes. While they can get quite loud, the sound quality becomes increasingly tinny and fatiguing as the volume is raised.
The laptop boasts exceptional construction quality and stands out as one of the most portable 13-inch options available. Its battery life is impressive, allowing you to get through an entire workday on a single charge when handling typical productivity tasks. Although the overall user experience is positive, the keyboard layout and edge-to-edge keycaps may take some getting used to, and the touchpad, while invisible, can be somewhat challenging to use initially. Unfortunately, the laptop’s port selection is lacking, with only two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports included, which may necessitate carrying an adapter for certain peripherals.
3. Dell Inspiron 16 (2023) 2-in-1 Laptop
The Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (2023) is the top mid-range Dell laptop we have reviewed. It features a spacious 16-inch display, ideal for multitasking with multiple windows open simultaneously. Being a 2-in-1 device, you can easily switch between laptop and tablet mode by flipping the screen. Constructed with a full-aluminum chassis, it boasts a sturdy build quality uncommon in its price range, while remaining relatively lightweight and portable for a 16-inch laptop. The battery life lasts up to 10 hours with light usage and supports USB-C charging.
The 16-inch laptop is impressively sturdy and conveniently portable. With a spacious screen for multitasking, a user-friendly keyboard, and a generous touchpad, it offers a comfortable user experience. Powered by an AMD Ryzen CPU, it efficiently manages everyday productivity tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet work, creating presentations, and watching videos. Moreover, its battery life extends beyond ten hours under light usage. However, the webcam produces detailed yet underexposed images, and regrettably, the USB-C ports lack support for Thunderbolt 4 or USB4.
The laptop is sturdy and conveniently portable. With a 16-inch screen, you have ample space for multitasking, along with a user-friendly keyboard and spacious touchpad. The AMD Ryzen CPU is capable of handling light productivity tasks and some heavier workloads. However, the integrated GPU is not suitable for students requiring high graphical processing power. The battery life lasts approximately ten hours with light usage and charges rapidly via USB-C. The display is bright enough for indoor use but may not be sufficient for outdoor settings in direct sunlight.
It is quite convenient to carry around, with a battery that can last for more than ten hours of video playback. The 16-inch screen displays sharp and vibrant colors, and being a 2-in-1 device, it can be set up in tent mode for video watching or used as a tablet. However, the downside is that the display lacks brightness and struggles with direct reflections, making it unsuitable for sunny environments or outdoor use during daylight. Additionally, the low contrast ratio results in black colors appearing gray in dimly lit settings. In terms of the speakers, although they are capable of producing loud sound and are upward-firing, they tend to sound somewhat unnatural and lack bass.
4. Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2024) Laptop
The Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2024) is classified as a gaming laptop in the mid-range category. It succeeds the Dell Alienware m18 (2023). This particular model from 2024 comes equipped with Intel 14th Gen CPUs (Raptor Lake refresh), featuring a maximum of a Core i9-14900HX, and NVIDIA 40-series GPUs, which include options such as an RTX 4060 to an RTX 4090. The RTX 4090 variant operates at a maximum TGP (Total Graphics Power) of 175W.
The high-performance Intel 14th Gen CPUs and NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPUs enable high and consistent frame rates in demanding games at 1080p or 1440p, providing a seamless and responsive gaming experience. You have the option to select between a 480Hz FHD+ or a 165Hz QHD+ display, both with a fast response time for clear images and variable refresh rate support to minimize screen tearing. The laptop comes with plenty of ports, including an Ethernet port for a reliable internet connection during online gaming. Additionally, the RAM and storage are user-upgradeable, allowing for future expansion. While thermal throttling is minimal, the laptop may become hot and loud under heavy load.
It comes equipped with powerful CPUs and GPUs capable of efficiently managing intensive activities such as video editing and 3D graphics. The spacious display allows for multitasking, and both the FHD+ and QHD+ screens offer complete DCI P3 coverage, ideal for color-sensitive tasks. The SSD and RAM are quick and can be easily replaced by the user. The extensive port options include two Thunderbolt 4s, an HDMI 2.1, an Ethernet port, and an SD card reader, reducing the need for a docking station.
The device is well-constructed and offers a satisfying user experience due to its spacious screen, tactile keyboard, and responsive touchpad. It boasts sufficient processing power to handle various tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and spreadsheet management, making it an ideal choice for small business proprietors who require versatility. Additionally, it features a facial recognition IR camera for swift logins and a diverse range of ports for connecting peripherals and external monitors. However, its drawback lies in its bulkiness and weight, making it inconvenient to transport. Furthermore, the battery life is limited, lasting only about four hours under light usage conditions.
5. Dell XPS 14 (2024) Laptop
The Dell XPS 14 (2024) is a sleek and lightweight high-end laptop designed for professional use. This 14-inch model is a recent addition to the XPS series, taking the place of the 15-inch Dell XPS 15 (2023). It comes equipped with Intel Meteor Lake CPUs and Intel Arc integrated graphics, or alternatively, with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU. The laptop offers a choice between an FHD+ IPS panel and a 3.2k OLED panel, both featuring 120Hz screens with Dynamic Refresh Rate support. Additionally, it boasts up-firing speakers, a 1080p webcam, Wi-Fi 6E wireless connectivity, and a 70Wh battery. In terms of ports, it includes three USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s and a MicroSD card reader.
The portable nature of this device, coupled with its long-lasting battery, ensures convenience for users on the go. While it offers a satisfactory user experience overall, adjusting to its edge-to-edge keys and hidden touchpad may require some time. Equipped with an Intel Meteor Lake CPU, it efficiently manages everyday tasks and even more demanding activities like programming. Additionally, tasks involving 3D graphics and video editing are feasible with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU. However, for intricate workloads, its performance may be constrained due to prioritizing a compact design over extensive cooling capabilities.
The Intel Meteor Lake CPU and NVIDIA discrete GPU offer sufficient processing power for demanding tasks such as video editing, programming, and 3D animation. However, for highly complex workloads, the RTX 4050’s entry-level status and low Total Graphics Power (TGP) may result in a less than optimal experience. Upgrading to the 3.2k, 100% DCI P3 OLED display for better color accuracy will require additional investment, as the base FHD+ IPS panel only covers full sRGB. In terms of ports, the laptop features three USB/Thunderbolt 4 ports, but lacks a full-size SD card reader and HDMI port. Despite some thermal throttling, the device remains cool and quiet under heavy loads.
The device boasts a robust construction, a sleek form factor, and extended battery longevity, catering well to frequent business travelers. While the general user interface is satisfactory, adjusting to its borderless keys and hidden touchpad may require a learning curve. Additionally, it features a high-quality 1080p webcam for video conferencing, along with biometric security options like a fingerprint scanner and facial recognition for swift access.
Final Word
Dell offers a variety of laptops, catering to different needs from basic tasks to high-performance gaming and workstations. The XPS and Alienware lineups stand out with their premium designs and excellent user experience. On the other hand, their budget options may not be as competitive, lacking features and build quality compared to other brands. Despite this, Dell’s higher-end models are top performers and are highly recommended for work or gaming purposes.
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