Dell made waves in the laptop market by unveiling a completely revamped XPS laptop lineup at CES 2024. The new XPS 13, XPS 14, and XPS 16 pack the latest Intel processors, dedicated AI acceleration, and sleek yet functional designs.
Overview of Key Updates
The 2024 XPS laptops usher in key changes while retaining beloved features that made XPS a premier Windows laptop brand.
- New 16-inch model replaces the XPS 15
- All models get 12th Gen Intel Core i7 and i9 CPUs
- AI co-processor called “Copilot” added for acceleration
- 16-inch model offers Nvidia RTX dedicated GPU option
- Cleaner design with larger touchpads and edge-to-edge keyboards
- Aspect ratio changes to 16:10 across the lineup
- Top-mounted webcams with Windows Hello IR support
Dell Bets on AI with Dedicated Copilot Chip
The most futuristic addition is the new Copilot AI co-processor inside all new XPS models. Copilot runs completely independent from the main CPU and promises to boost productivity via on-device AI.
Copilot focuses on enhancing video calls, collaborations, and creative workflows. For example, it can auto frame video calls, enhance voice and suppress background noise on calls, and translate conversations in real-time. For creators, Copilot accelerates tasks like photo/video editing, 3D workflows, and coding environments.
“We realized the full potential of AI required specialized hardware to take it to the next level on PCs,” said Dell CTO Abhijit Kabra. “Copilot is designed from the ground up to support emerging AI capabilities while integrating tightly with Windows and our carefully tuned applications.”
The Copilot chip is a formidable answer to Apple’s tight integration of their M-series chips with macOS. Dell appears determined to blaze the trail for AI-enhanced personal computing on Windows.
16-inch Model Ushers in PremiumTerritory
The biggest surprise is the all-new XPS 16, replacing the well-received XPS 15 from previous years. With the XPS 16, Dell is firmly targeting creative professionals by offeringconfigure-to-order options like Nvidia’s latest RTX 40-series GPUs.
XPS 16 Key Specs
| Component | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 16-inch 3K+ (3200×2000) OLED touch | 16-inch 4K+ (3840×2160) OLED touch |
| CPU | 13th Gen Intel Core i7 | 13th Gen Intel Core i9 |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe | Nvidia RTX 4050/4070 |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5 | 32GB/64GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB/1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | 1TB/2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD |
With a larger 16-inchscreen, Dell can squeeze in beefier components suited for designers, developers, engineers, and anybody wanting workstation-class performance. Configurable options like dedicated RTX GPUs, 64GB RAM, 2TB storage, and Core i9 will satisfy even intense creative workflows.
Refined XPS 13 and All-New XPS 14 Balance Portability
The XPS 13 sees iterative improvements, while the revived XPS 14 strikes a middle-ground with the new 16-inch model.
XPS 13 Stays Ultraportable
As Dell’s flagship ultraportable, the XPS 13 gets modest refinements. Key upgrades are:
- 13th Gen Intel Core U15 processors (9W class)
- New 13.4-inch 3.5K (3200 x 1800) OLED touch display
- Slightly more compact chassis with thinner bezels
- Same ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, microSD card, 3.5mm audio
With dimensions of 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.55 inches and starting weight under 2.59 lbs, the XPS 13 retains its crown for having the world’s smallest 13-inch laptop footprint. It balances everyday productivity on the go without compromising premium features.
All-New XPS 14, 10 Years Later
The unexpected addition is the brand-new XPS 14, making a return after 10 long years. Serving as a middle-ground between the XPS 13 and XPS 16, it sports:
- 14-inch 3K+ (3200×2000) OLED touch display
- 45-watt 13th Gen Intel Core U15 processors
- Integrated Intel Iris XE graphics
- Thunderbolt 4, USB-C 3.2, microSD, 3.5mm ports
- Compact footprint under 13 x 9 inches
With a larger screen than the XPS 13, the XPS 14 offers creative pros and power users more breathing room. It can sustain heavier workloads than the XPS 13 thanks to 45-watt processors and dual fans. Yet it remains portable at just 3.17 pounds and 0.71 inches thick.
XPS Family United by Shared DNA
Across all models, the new XPS laptops demonstrate a unified design aesthetic and ethos unique to premium Dell laptops.
Several clever tweaks enhance the user experience while preserving beloved traits. This includes shifting displays to a modern 16:10 aspect ratio for more vertical space. The edge-to-edge keyboard and 17% larger glass touchpad also boost productivity.
Top-mounted webcams and infrared sensors for Windows Hello face unlock affirm Dell’s commitment to video conferencing. This generation also packs support for cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E wireless networking.
** Shared XPS Family Traits **
| Components | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 16:10 aspect ratio, OLED options with Dolby Vision |
| Design | CNC machined aluminum chassis in platinum silver/black |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4, USB-C 3.2, SD card reader, 3.5mm combo audio |
| Input | Large glass touchpad with haptics, edge-to-edge backlit keyboard |
| Security | Fingerprint reader in power button, IR camera for Windows Hello face unlock |
| Connectivity | Killer Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Software | Dell Optimizer AI software optimizations |
Yet Dell preserved signature styling shared by all XPS models. This includes woven carbon fiber composite palm rests and CNC machined aluminum chassis that exude premium fit-and-finish. Both MG07 and MG09 Dark Sky colors return with semigloss black carbon fiber or arctic white woven glass fiber interiors.
Outlook: Shaking Up the Windows Laptop Scene
On the whole, Dell’s next-generation XPS laptops check all the right boxes for what premium Windows notebooks should offer in 2024 and beyond.
The trio of laptops cater to a wide swath of users needing sensible ports, durable yet sleek hardware, fast performance with 12th/13th Gen Intel processors, and chassis that are still surprisingly compact. Dell seems to strike the right balance between form and function.
Most interesting is Dell’s plan to push AI capabilities to the next level on PCs with their new Copilot chip. If it works as advertised, Copilot could give Dell significant competitive advantages that appeal to forward-thinking users. Creators in particular may flock to XPS laptops if Copilot substantively accelerates creative tasks under the hood.
For now, tentative shipping dates point to a staggered release cadence. The XPS 13 appears first in Spring 2023, followed by the XPS 14 in Summer 2023. The flagship XPS 16 will start mass production last in Fall 2023.
One big unknown is final pricing and configurations for upcoming XPS models. But given the exceptional build quality and leading-edge innovation shown already, Dell looks ready to shake up the premium Windows laptop market yet again.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
