Dell has a new flagship laptop on the block, the Dell 16 Premium. Formerly known as the XPS 16, this device combines a beautiful, minimalist design with powerful internals. After spending a week with it, the laptop proved to be an impressive performer, but its design choices may not be for everyone.

This laptop is a Copilot+ PC and an AI PC, powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor with a neural processing unit (NPU) that meets the high standards for AI features. The reviewed model is a high-end configuration featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H CPU, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 L GPU, 32GB of RAM, and a stunning 4K OLED display.

What We Love: Performance and Design

The Dell 16 Premium excels in several key areas. Its 4K OLED touchscreen is vibrant and crisp, producing excellent color accuracy with 100% sRGB and 99% P3 coverage. The audio quality from the speakers is also exceptional for a laptop.

In terms of performance, the laptop shines. The Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor delivers solid CPU performance in benchmarks like Cinebench and Geekbench. The overall system performance, as measured by CrossMark, is also top-tier. While the RTX 5070 L GPU’s scores were a bit lower than expected in some tests, they are more than enough for creative professionals using 3D rendering and other demanding software.

The laptop’s cooling is also a standout feature. It remains cool under pressure, with the hottest part of the chassis peaking at 115°F (46.5°C), and the fans are impressively quiet, making it ideal for quiet work environments.

From a design standpoint, the chassis is slim, solid, and elegant. The white material around the keyboard feels soft to the touch and resists fingerprints. It also features three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, giving you modern, high-speed connectivity options.

What Needs Improvement: Divisive Features and Short Battery Life

This laptop’s polarizing features are the main point of contention. The capacitive buttons along the top of the keyboard, which handle functions like volume and brightness, lack the satisfying tactile feedback of physical keys. The invisible touchpad is another point of debate. While it’s a haptic touchpad with no moving parts for better accuracy, the lack of a physical or visual boundary can lead to misclicks, especially when trying to left or right-click.

Another significant drawback is the short battery life. The Dell 16 Premium only lasted about five hours in everyday office tasks, which is not long enough to get through a full workday without needing to be plugged in. Additionally, the laptop’s “future-forward” design means it completely lacks traditional USB-A and HDMI ports, so you’ll need to use adapters for many common accessories.

The Verdict

The Dell 16 Premium is a stylish and powerful device that packs the latest technology into a sleek chassis. Its standout CPU performance, gorgeous OLED display, and excellent cooling make it a compelling choice for creative professionals and users who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic.

However, its divisive design choices and short battery life are major factors to consider. If you prioritize modern, sleek design over traditional, tactile feedback and don’t mind carrying adapters, this laptop is a great choice, especially with the current limited-time sale. But if you prefer a more conventional laptop with physical keys and a clearly defined touchpad, you might want to look elsewhere.