In a significant reversal of strategy, Dell Technologies has officially brought back its celebrated XPS laptop brand, admitting it had strayed from a winning formula. The announcement was made at the CES 2026 tech showcase, where the company unveiled two new premium models: the Dell XPS 14 and the larger Dell XPS 16.
Course Correction: Dell Listens to Customer Feedback
The revival marks a full circle for Dell, which just a year ago had decided to retire the iconic XPS and Inspiron names. They were replaced by a simplified Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Max naming scheme. However, this move did not resonate with the market. Jeff Clarke, Dell's COO and Vice Chairman, who took charge of the PC business unit four months ago, candidly addressed the media in New York. He stated the company had "got a bit off course" and acknowledged that customers were "right on branding." This admission underscores the strong brand loyalty associated with the XPS name in the premium laptop segment.
Thinner, Lighter, and More Powerful: The New XPS Lineup
The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 are positioned as direct successors to the Dell 14 Premium and 16 Premium, but with substantial upgrades. Both laptops are powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with integrated Intel Arc graphics featuring 12 Xe cores. They also carry the coveted Copilot+ PC certification, highlighting their AI capabilities.
Dell has focused heavily on design and portability. Both models boast a sleek profile, measuring just 14.6mm in thickness, making them more compact than the latest 13-inch MacBook Air. The XPS 14 weighs a mere three pounds, while the XPS 16 comes in at 3.6 pounds. A key improvement is in the thermal system. Dell claims enhancements to the cooling solution not only boost sustained performance but also contribute to better battery life.
Display Options and Future Expansion
For visuals, both laptops feature a 2K LCD screen with a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. Customers seeking superior contrast and colour can opt for an upgraded tandem OLED display variant. Looking ahead, Dell confirmed it will expand the revived lineup with a new XPS 13 model later in 2026. This model is promised to be the most affordable in the range while being even lighter and thinner than existing versions.
As for availability, limited configurations of the Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16 are already on sale, priced at $2,049 and $2,199 respectively. The company has also announced that additional configurations, with price points starting under $2,000, will hit the market sometime in February 2026. This strategic pricing aims to make the premium XPS experience accessible to a broader audience in India and globally.
