The Dell 16 Premium is a standout Windows laptop that blends high-end design with powerful performance, but its steep price tag makes it a luxury purchase. It’s not just a machine; it’s a statement. This review breaks down what makes this laptop exceptional, where it falls short, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Design and Build Quality: A MacBook Rival
Dell has crafted a laptop that rivals the sleek aesthetic of Apple’s MacBooks. The 16 Premium boasts a fingerprint-resistant aluminum chassis in a striking silver and off-white color scheme. Its construction feels solid, with no creaking or flexing in the chassis, and the hinge operates smoothly. At 4.7 pounds and measuring 14.1 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches, it’s relatively portable, though not the lightest option available.
The laptop’s design isn’t just about looks; it feels premium to the touch, exuding luxury without being overly flashy.
Display: A Visual Masterpiece
The 16.3-inch 4K (3840 x 2400) OLED display is the star of the show. Colors are rich and vivid, blacks are deep and accurate, and the 4K resolution delivers exceptional clarity. The 120Hz variable refresh rate ensures smooth visuals for gaming and fast-paced content.
While the 400 nits of brightness are sufficient for most conditions, a higher peak brightness (around 500 nits) would have been ideal given the premium price point. The touch functionality is responsive, though its usefulness is limited since this isn’t a 2-in-1 device.
Performance: Powerhouse Performance
The Dell 16 Premium doesn’t compromise on power. Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, it handles demanding tasks with ease. Stress tests show minimal thermal throttling, with the laptop remaining warm but not uncomfortably hot even under heavy load.
In gaming, the RTX 5070 delivers excellent performance at 1920 x 1080 resolution, averaging 87.98 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 (without DLSS). Enabling DLSS boosts this to 106.35 fps. While not strictly a gaming laptop, it holds its own remarkably well.
Keyboard and Trackpad: A Mixed Bag
The keyboard is where the Dell 16 Premium falters slightly. The zero-lattice design looks modern, but the shallow key travel and lack of tactile feedback result in a less satisfying typing experience. The matte surface of the keys can also feel scratchy.
The trackpad, however, is a standout feature. The seamless glass surface provides smooth and precise tracking, and the haptic feedback enhances the clicking experience.
Audio: A Superior Listening Experience
The quad-speaker system on the Dell 16 Premium is exceptional. The sound is well-balanced, with clear vocals, punchy bass, and crisp highs. The speakers are loud enough for personal use at moderate volumes, and they don’t distort even at maximum levels.
Ports and Connectivity: USB-C Dominance
The Dell 16 Premium relies exclusively on USB-C ports, which may require adapters for users with older peripherals. It includes two Thunderbolt 4 Gen 2 ports with DisplayPort 2.1 and power delivery on the left side and one on the right, along with an audio jack and a microSDXC card reader. The absence of a traditional USB-A port or HDMI port is a notable omission.
Battery Life: Surprisingly Solid
Despite its high-resolution OLED display and dedicated GPU, the Dell 16 Premium delivers impressive battery life. It lasted 13 hours and 49 minutes in our standard video playback test at 50% brightness. While not class-leading, it’s still a respectable performance for a laptop of this caliber.
Price and Configurations: A Luxury Investment
The Dell 16 Premium is priced accordingly. The base configuration starts at $1,799 with integrated Intel Arc 140T graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 2K non-OLED display. The review unit, equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, costs $3,199 at full price.
Dell’s price match policy offers some protection, refunding the difference if the laptop goes on sale within 30 days of purchase.
Conclusion: Worth It for the Right Buyer
The Dell 16 Premium is a premium laptop that delivers on its promises: a stunning design, powerful performance, and a vibrant OLED display. If you prioritize aesthetics, performance, and are willing to pay a premium price, this laptop is an excellent choice. However, its high cost and limited port selection may make it less appealing to budget-conscious buyers. For those seeking similar performance at a lower price point, exploring other options is advisable.
