Dell XPS 13, 14, 16 with Plus design
Dell took the wraps off its plans for its device lineup in 2024 that includes a new 5K monitor and a switch from 13 and 15-inch laptops to 14 and 16-inch designs.
In 2024 the Dell XPS lineup gets a slight hardware refresh to full under the re-normalization of larger laptops in the form of an XPS14 and XPS16 to come alongside the flagship XPS13. Aside from providing larger screens and more keyboard real estate, Dell’s 2024 lineup will borrow heavily from the minimalistic and futuristic concepts of the Dell XPS Plus offered last year.
All three 2024 XPS models will share the CNC machined aluminum and Gorilla Glass 3 construction the XPS Plus had as well as ‘tone-on-tone’ color schemes that include Graphite and Platinum. The standout capacitive function exclusive to the XPS 13 Plus in 2023 will now become standard across the XPS lineup in 2024 incorporating LEDs and a glass touch surface instead of traditional mechanical keys.
Trackpads for the 2024 XPS lineup will also get updated to the larger glass covered haptic design of the XPS Plus as well as larger keycaps with shallower key travel that are spread across the entire deck for expansive key targets when typing.
Screens on the 2024 lineup will still sport Dell’s patented InfinityEdge panels but each size option will support OLED touch configurations, variable refresh rates, higher resolutions, and Dolby Vision.
Webcams on these new XPS’ will also be somewhat improved, moving from the 5MP HD cams of old to new FHD 1080p for clearer conferencing calls, podcasting, and streaming.
Beyond the hardware tweaks, the XPS 2024 lineup will also benefit from being fitted with the latest from both Intel and NVIDIA. On the Intel side, the XPS 2024 lineup will be outfitted with 14th generation core processors that will incorporate dedicated neural processing units designated for AI use with corresponding Windows 11 Copilot and Windows Studio features as well as future OS updates. NVIDIA will be supplying the XPS’ with GeForce RTX GPUs with support up to RTX 4070 on some models that will allow the devices to continue their roles as one of the premiere Windows content creation tools.
The chassis designs presumably add a bit of heft for users who are accustomed to their 13 and 15-inch lineup, but the tradeoff will be more power to complete tasks quicker and longer lasting battery life. Tasks such 3D rendering, live streaming, and video editing should be managed better on these new XPS’ according to Dell.
Noted in my review of the XPS line last year that the company was using a five-year-old cooling construction that wasn’t keeping up with the heat demands of modern Intel chips which led to all kinds of unnecessary thermal throttling for 2023 devices. Ideally, with a bit more real estate, Dell will make use of the redesign to modernize its cooling apparatus within the XPS lineup in 2024 as well as shoving a bit more battery capacity into lineup this year.
World’s first 5K monitors with Eye Comfort Certification
Dell will be shipping its new 5K Ultrasharp 34 and 40-inch Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor later this year with a world’s first, support for TUV Rheinland five-star eye comfort.
Model numbers (U4025QW) (U3425WE) will incorporate the best of Dell’s decades long monitor development that includes VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, IPS Black Panel technology, 5K resolution at (5120×2160), 60 to 120Hz variable refresh rates, ambient sensors for automatic screen adjustments, Dell’s patented ComfortView technology to reduce Blue light exposure and advance LED backlighting.
As for color accuracy and reproduction, the Dell’s 5K monitor should boast a 99% DCI-P3 color space, while using Dell Color to fine tune color profiles to a user’s liking.
With ‘Hub’ included in its branding, the Dell 5K monitor will come with Thunderbolt 4, highspeed ethernet connectivity, Fixed Rate Link HDMI 2.1, and USB-A and USB-C ports for extensibility.
The Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor will start at $2,399.99 in the US while $3,289.99 in Canada and start shipping February 27, 2024.
The smaller 34-inch variant will start at $1,019.99 in the US and $1,399 in Canada and start shipping on February 27, 2024, as well.
