After a year of experimentation with a rebranded lineup, Dell is bringing back the iconic XPS name for its premium laptops. The move signals a major shift in strategy following consumer feedback that largely rejected the company’s attempt to streamline branding under a generic “Dell” label for mainstream models and “Premium” for higher-end devices.
The Backlash Against “Premium”
Last year’s overhaul at CES saw the XPS and Inspiron lines discontinued in favor of a simplified naming system. However, the Dell 14 Premium and 16 Premium models that replaced them were met with criticism for their excessive weight and controversial design choices, particularly the touch-sensitive function row and latticeless keyboard. While some users adapted to the keyboard and touchpad, the heavier build – with the Dell 16 Premium exceeding 5 pounds – was a major pain point.
This shift alienated many loyal XPS customers who valued the line’s balance of portability, performance, and design. The lack of tactile feedback from the touch-sensitive keys also proved unpopular, as did the lack of clear boundaries on the touchpad.
The XPS Return: Lighter, Faster, and More Refined
Dell is now correcting course with the release of the XPS 14 and XPS 16 at CES 2026. The new models prioritize weight reduction, with the XPS 14 weighing just 3 pounds – significantly lighter than the 3.8-pound Dell 14 Premium it replaces. The XPS 16 comes in at either 3.65 or 3.75 pounds, a substantial improvement over the previous 5+ pound model.
The updated XPS laptops retain the latticeless keyboard but now feature etched lines on either side of the touchpad to improve usability. Display options include variable refresh rate (VRR) technology, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz on the 2K IPS LCD and 20Hz to 120Hz on the 2.8K and 3.2K OLED screens. Dell claims the IPS LCD is the first laptop display with this feature.
Performance and Battery Life
The new XPS models are powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 3 processors, up to the Core Ultra 9 388H. However, there are no discrete graphics upgrades available; users will rely on Intel Arc integrated graphics, which Dell claims offer up to 50% faster performance than previous iterations.
Battery life is also a key focus, with Dell touting up to 27 hours of video streaming and 43 hours of local playback with the 2K IPS display. The laptops feature a new 900ED battery technology designed to store more power in a smaller package. Dell also claims the XPS 14 is smaller than the 13-inch MacBook Air and the XPS 16 is the world’s smallest 16-inch laptop.
Repairability and Pricing
Dell has prioritized repairability by making the keyboards removable and USB ports modular for easier upgrades. The XPS 14 starts at $2,050, while the XPS 16 begins at $2,200, with more affordable configurations planned for release in February. An XPS 13 is also slated for later this year, promising even greater portability and affordability.
The return of the XPS line demonstrates Dell’s willingness to adapt to consumer preferences. The company’s initial rebranding misstep serves as a reminder that established brand recognition and user experience remain critical in the competitive laptop market.
