Dell made waves recently with a surprising shift in its laptop strategy. After announcing in 2025 that it would streamline its brands, reserving “Dell” for most consumer devices and “Alienware” for gaming, it seemed the beloved XPS lineup was bowing out. The premium XPS series was even rumored to be rebranded as “Dell Perimum.” However, just a year later, at CES 2026, Dell unveiled an unexpected reversal, bringing the XPS back with the exciting new Dell XPS 14 (2025). This move marks a triumphant return for a series cherished by many. Let’s dive into everything this new device offers, from its design and performance to its features and price.
A Closer Look at the Dell XPS 14 (2025)
Premium Design and Visuals
The Dell XPS 14 (2025) continues the legacy of its predecessors with a truly premium and durable build. Crafted from CNC-milled aluminum, the chassis feels robust and sophisticated. The palm rest is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, adding to its high-end feel and durability. Weighing in at a portable 1.36kg, this laptop is an excellent choice for students or professionals who need a powerful yet lightweight companion for daily commutes and on-the-go productivity.
When it comes to the display, users have two impressive options. The first is a stunning 14-inch 2.8K Touch OLED InfinityEdge panel. This vibrant screen boasts 100% DCI-P3 color coverage and supports Dolby Vision HDR, ensuring breathtaking visuals with deep blacks and vivid colors. Alternatively, there’s a 2K LCD panel that also offers a wide color gamut and features a 120Hz variable refresh rate. This adaptive refresh rate can scale down to a power-saving 1Hz, extending battery life without compromising on smooth visuals when needed.
Power and Advanced Performance
Under the hood, the Dell XPS 14 (2025) is equipped with the very latest Intel Panther Lake CPUs. This includes options ranging from the capable 8-core Intel Core Ultra 5 325 and Core Ultra 7 355 processors, all the way up to the more robust Intel Core Ultra X7 385H, which comes with integrated ARC Graphics for enhanced visual performance.
A major highlight of these new devices is their AI capabilities. Thanks to the new Neural Processing Unit (NPU) integrated into the Panther Lake CPUs, the XPS 14 delivers an impressive 50 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) of AI performance. This means the laptop is well-equipped to handle future AI-driven applications and tasks efficiently.
For memory and storage, the Dell XPS 14 (2025) is seriously impressive. It can be configured with up to 64GB of lightning-fast LPDDR5X RAM and up to a massive 4TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD. This combination ensures ample space and incredible speed for all your demanding applications, multitasking, and large files.
Connectivity and Immersive Features
The XPS 14 offers a robust set of connectivity options. Physically, you’ll find three full-fledged Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support DisplayPort 2.1 for connecting high-resolution external monitors. There’s also a convenient 3.5mm headphone and microphone combo jack for audio peripherals. For wireless connections, the laptop supports the latest WiFi 7 standard, ensuring ultra-fast and reliable internet, along with Bluetooth 6 for connecting accessories.
Powering the notebook is a large 70Wh battery pack. Dell claims impressive longevity, with up to 40 hours of local video playback reported in their testing, making it ideal for extended use away from a power outlet. It charges efficiently using a 100W charger. Audio performance is also a strong suit, featuring a quad-speaker setup with a 3W main unit and 2W tweeters, delivering a total of 10W output. Tuned with Dolby Atmos, this system provides an immersive sound experience for media consumption and video calls.
Dell XPS 14 (2025) Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 309.71 x 209.71 x 14.62 – 15.20 mm |
| Weight | 1.36 – 1.38 kg |
| Display Options | 14-inch 2K (1920×1200) Non-Touch, 500 nits, 100% sRGB, anti-reflective 14-inch 2.8K (2880×1800) Touch OLED, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, anti-reflective, Dolby Vision HDR |
| Processor Options | Intel Core Ultra 5 325 (8-core, up to 4.5 GHz) Intel Core Ultra 7 355 (8-core, up to 4.7 GHz) Intel Core Ultra X7 358H (16-core, up to 4.8 GHz) Intel Core Ultra X9 388H (16-core, up to 5.1 GHz) |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Graphics (including Intel Arc on higher-end models) |
| Memory | Up to 64GB LPDDR5x 7467 MT/s |
| Storage | Up to 4TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (Gen 5 Ready) |
| Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x Headphone/Mic Combo Jack |
| Battery | 70 Wh (100W charger included) |
| Webcam | 5MP/8K camera with Windows Hello support |
| Audio | Quad speakers (10W total), Dual Array Microphones, Dolby Atmos |
| Keyboard | Backlit Keyboard |
| Touchpad | Glass Haptic Touchpad |
| Security | TPM 2.0 |
Expected Pricing
The Dell XPS 14 (DA14260) will launch starting at USD 2049 for its base Graphite model. More configuration options are anticipated to become available in February.
| Dell XPS 14 (2025) Configuration | Price in the USA (Official) | Price in Nepal (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Ultra 5 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | USD 2049 | NPR 295,999 |
Conclusion
The return of the Dell XPS 14 (2025) is a welcome surprise for many, showcasing Dell’s commitment to its highly regarded premium laptop line. With its sophisticated aluminum and Gorilla Glass design, stunning OLED or high-refresh-rate LCD display options, and powerful Intel Panther Lake processors with integrated AI capabilities, this laptop is poised to be a top contender in the premium notebook market. Its excellent battery life, immersive audio, and robust connectivity further solidify its appeal for professionals and power users alike. The XPS 14 (2025) represents a blend of style, performance, and portability that Dell enthusiasts have come to expect and will surely appreciate.