Dell today launched its Premium 14 and 16 laptops, the first flagship models to replace the company's beloved XPS series following a controversial rebranding that eliminated decades-old product lines.
The new laptops mark Dell's attempt to move beyond the backlash over ditching the XPS name, offering high-end specifications including Intel's latest processors and up to 27 hours of battery life in designs that closely resemble their XPS predecessors.
The Premium 14 and 16 feature Intel Core Ultra 200H processors and displays measuring 14.5 and 16.3 inches respectively, slightly larger than their XPS counterparts12. Both models offer 4K OLED display options with 120Hz refresh rates and maintain Dell's signature InfinityEdge bezels34.
The Premium 14 starts at $1,649 with Intel Core Ultra 7 processors and integrated Arc graphics, while the Premium 16 begins at $2,699 with RTX 5060 graphics34. Higher-end configurations include up to RTX 5070 GPUs and 64GB of memory35.
"The XPS name may be gone but last year's design largely remains," according to Engadget3. The laptops retain the minimalist aesthetic with seamless keyboards and integrated touchpads in Platinum and Graphite finishes2.
Dell's rebranding drew sharp criticism when announced at CES 2025. The company eliminated XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, and Precision names in favor of simplified Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max categories12.
"I genuinely cannot comprehend why Dell would choose to discard the one sub-brand that has been recognized and cherished for over ten years," one user wrote on Reddit1. Engadget called the decision "a misstep," while Ars Technica noted it marked "the conclusion of an era"1.
The XPS series launched in 1993 as Dell's "Xtreme Performance System" and became synonymous with premium Windows laptops34. The XPS 13 particularly earned acclaim for innovations like near-borderless displays and ultrabook design4.
Dell positions the Premium laptops for "students, creators, and entrepreneurs," emphasizing their Windows 11 compatibility as Windows 10 support ends in October1. The company rates battery life at up to 20 hours for the Premium 14 and 27 hours for the Premium 162.
Both models are available now through Dell's website, with additional GPU configurations planned for later release13.
