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The Dell XPS 14 (2026) model DA14260 with Intel Core Ultra 5 325 is the entry configuration to check when you want the current XPS design without assuming that every XPS 14 has the faster processor, OLED panel, or larger storage found in premium builds. Dell’s US listing pairs this processor with 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, a 512GB SSD, Intel graphics, and a 14-inch non-touch 1920×1200 display. The same chassis is sold in other combinations, so reviews and specifications only apply when the processor, screen, memory, storage, and market match.
This guide separates the Ultra 5 325 configuration from higher-tier review units, explains the practical compromises in its three-port design, and shows what to verify before buying. Dell’s live configuration and price should be treated as the final authority because availability, bundles, and regional specifications change.
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What the Dell XPS 14 Ultra 5 325 actually is
Dell identifies the laptop as the XPS 14 model DA14260. In the US configuration documented for this article, its processor is Intel Core Ultra 5 325, an eight-core chip with 12MB of cache and a maximum clock speed of 4.5GHz. The listing combines it with 16GB LPDDR5X memory, a 512GB solid-state drive, Intel graphics, and a 14-inch, 1920×1200, non-touch panel. You can verify the current configuration on Dell’s XPS 14 DA14260 product page.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Those details define the specific laptop discussed here. Dell’s XPS product brochure lists several processor and display choices for the family, while independent review tables show that memory, storage, graphics, and panel technology also change. A review of an X7-based machine is useful for judging the chassis and software, but it is not a benchmark of the Ultra 5 325.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Creation: Run creative apps smoother and faster with powerful Intel Core Ultra processors with a dedicated engine to help unlock AI possibilities on the PC.
- Variable Refresh Rate: Moving content is smoother with up to 120Hz variable refresh rate, which also improves battery life when viewing static images or web pages.
- Sleek, Modern Design: Crafted with machined aluminum and Gorilla Glass 3 to deliver a strong, lightweight laptop.
- Innovative Interiors: Switch tasks effortlessly with modern, easy-to-use interiors that deliver a clean, harmonious look.
- Windows Copilot: Your own personal AI assistant built right in to do the heavy-lifting so you can do the extraordinary. With Copilot in Windows get real answers, inspiration, and solutions for your questions, projects, and to-do-list.* *Timing of feature delivery varies by device. Feature availability varies by market. Requires Microsoft account sign in.
Core specifications
| Component | Ultra 5 325 configuration | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Model | XPS 14 DA14260 | Dell US listing |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 325; 8 cores, 12MB cache, up to 4.5GHz | Dell US listing, 2026 |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X | Dell US listing, 2026 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | Dell US listing, 2026 |
| Graphics | Intel graphics | Dell US listing; the listing does not identify a discrete GPU for this build |
| Display | 14-inch, 1920×1200, non-touch | Dell US listing, 2026 |
| Battery | 70Wh, three-cell | Dell US listing, 2026 |
| Ports | Three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports with DisplayPort 2.1 and power delivery; universal audio jack | Dell US listing, 2026 |
| Wireless | Intel Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 | Dell US listing, 2026 |
| Starting weight | Approximately 3 pounds | Dell technical material; exact weight varies with display configuration |
Display choices: do not confuse the LCD with OLED builds
The Ultra 5 325 listing uses a conventional 14-inch 1920×1200 LCD without touch input. That resolution gives the 16:10 screen a little more vertical workspace than a 16:9 panel, which is useful for documents, coding, and web pages, but it is not the high-contrast OLED option described for some other XPS 14 builds.
Dell’s brochure and the review comparison tables describe additional panels, including OLED configurations and different touch, resolution, refresh-rate, and brightness specifications. Those options depend on the exact market and build. Before ordering, open the configuration selector and confirm the panel description rather than relying on photographs or a review of a differently equipped machine.
Tom’s Guide also notes that the 2026 XPS 14 uses a 14-inch screen, smaller than the 14.5-inch display on the preceding generation. That change matters if you routinely keep two documents side by side or move from a larger workstation laptop. It is less consequential for travel, where the smaller footprint and approximately 3-pound starting weight are advantages.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL INTEL CORE ULTRA 7 PERFORMANCE – Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor with 16 cores, 16 threads, and turbo speeds up to 5.1GHz, delivering responsive performance for multitasking, content creation, productivity applications, and AI-enhanced workloads.
- BRILLIANT 14.5" 3.2K OLED TOUCHSCREEN – Enjoy exceptional clarity and vibrant colors on the 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen with a 3200 x 2000 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio, providing stunning visuals for work, streaming, and creative projects.
- FAST LPDDR5X MEMORY & PCIe SSD STORAGE – Equipped with 16GB of high-speed LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD for quick boot times, rapid application launches, and ample space for documents, photos, videos, and software.
- PREMIUM DESIGN WITH ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY – Built with Dell's premium XPS craftsmanship and featuring a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, WiFi 7, Intel Arc graphics, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports for versatile connectivity, charging, and external display support.
- WINDOWS 11 PRO WITH AI-READY FEATURES – Experience the latest Windows 11 Pro operating system with a streamlined design, advanced security, intelligent productivity tools, and enhanced AI-powered experiences that complement the performance of the Intel Core Ultra processor.
Ports and wireless: capable, but intentionally sparse
All three physical data and display connections on the cited configuration are Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports. Dell specifies DisplayPort 2.1 support and power delivery, so a compatible port can charge the notebook, drive an external display, or connect fast storage. A universal audio jack is provided for wired headsets.
The three-port arrangement keeps the edges uncluttered but requires planning. If you use a monitor, external drive, wired network adapter, camera, or several USB accessories at once, a USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 hub is the practical solution. Check the hub’s power pass-through rating and display capabilities; a basic USB-C splitter is not automatically equivalent to a Thunderbolt 4 dock.
There is no microSD reader. Tom’s Guide identifies that omission as a drawback, particularly for photographers and other professionals who transfer files directly from camera cards. You will need a separate card reader or a camera cable for that workflow. The built-in wireless hardware is Intel Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, but your actual connection speed still depends on the router, network, peripherals, and local regulations.
Rank #3
- ULTIMATE AI MOBILITY - Meet the first XPS CoPilot+ PC - the Snapdragon-powered XPS 13 with revolutionary on-device AI for lightning-fast performance. Enjoy desktop-class power without needing a charger, thanks to its industry-leading 27-hour battery life. Our thinnest, lightest XPS yet delivers instant AI acceleration, making professional-grade content creation possible anywhere
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by a Snapdragon X Elite (12 Core Dual-Core Boost up to 4GHz, NPU up to 45 TOPS) X1E-80-100 Processor for superior efficiency and speed, 32GB of 8448MT/s LPDDR5x RAM for seamless multitasking, and a 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for fast storage and reduced load times, ensuring smooth and responsive performance for all your tasks
- CRISP DISPLAY & PRIVACY - Features a FHD RGB webcam for crystal-clear video calls, while the 13.4" FHD+ (1920x1200) 500nits Anti-reflective display with Qualcomm Adreno graphics delivers crisp visuals, supported by the ability to connect 2 external monitors via Type-C ports at 4K (3840x2160) @60Hz (without docking station)
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Features a backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader for enhanced productivity. Equipped with 2 x USB4 40Gbps USB Type-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery for versatile connectivity. Includes Wi-Fi 7(802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4 for fast, reliable wireless performance
- COPILOT+ PC AI POWERHOUSE - The dedicated NPU delivers 45 TOPS for local AI processing without relying on the cloud. Enables Recall (instant content retrieval), Cocreate (AI image tools), Windows Studio Effects (auto-framing/background blur for video calls), and Live Captions (real-time translation). Redefines productivity and creativity with seamless, offline AI acceleration
Performance and what the published reviews really test
The Core Ultra 5 325 is the lower processor tier in the XPS 14 range. Its eight-core design and 4.5GHz maximum clock are appropriate for office applications, browser-heavy work, programming, video calls, photo organization, and ordinary creative tasks. The specification alone does not establish a particular render time, game frame rate, or battery runtime, and no original Ultra 5 325 benchmark was conducted for this article.
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TechRadar’s review makes the same separation. The tested laptop used a higher-tier Core Ultra X7 processor and differed in display technology, memory, storage, price, and reported battery results. Use that coverage to understand the chassis, keyboard, software experience, and the range of configurations, but do not quote its measured results as if they came from the eight-core Ultra 5 model.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL INTEL CORE ULTRA 7 PERFORMANCE – Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor with 16 cores, 16 threads, and turbo speeds up to 5.1GHz, delivering responsive performance for multitasking, content creation, productivity applications, and AI-enhanced workloads.
- BRILLIANT 14.5" 3.2K OLED TOUCHSCREEN – Enjoy exceptional clarity and vibrant colors on the 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen with a 3200 x 2000 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio, providing stunning visuals for work, streaming, and creative projects.
- FAST LPDDR5X MEMORY & PCIe SSD STORAGE – Equipped with 16GB of high-speed LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD for quick boot times, rapid application launches, and ample space for documents, photos, videos, and software.
- PREMIUM DESIGN WITH ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY – Built with Dell's premium XPS craftsmanship and featuring a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, WiFi 7, Intel Arc graphics, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports for versatile connectivity, charging, and external display support.
- WINDOWS 11 HOME WITH AI-READY FEATURES – Experience the latest Windows 11 Home operating system with a streamlined design, advanced security, intelligent productivity tools, and enhanced AI-powered experiences that complement the performance of the Intel Core Ultra processor.
How to interpret reviews before you buy
- Read the review-unit specification table first. Confirm the processor suffix, memory, SSD size, display type, and resolution.
- Apply design observations broadly only when the reviewer is discussing the shared chassis, ports, keyboard, or operating-system setup.
- Treat benchmark scores, fan behavior, thermals, and battery figures as results for that exact unit and test method.
- Expect a faster processor or brighter OLED panel to affect power consumption, weight, price, and perceived performance.
Battery, size, and everyday portability
Dell rates the cited configuration with a 70Wh three-cell battery. Capacity is a hardware specification, not a guaranteed number of hours: runtime changes with screen technology, brightness, wireless activity, applications, processor load, and power settings. Independent review battery figures were collected from different, higher-tier configurations, so they should not be transferred to the Ultra 5 325.
Dell’s technical material gives an approximately 3-pound starting weight and notes small differences between display configurations. An OLED or touch panel can change the final figure. Check the exact regional specification sheet at checkout if your airline, commuting, or field-work requirements depend on a precise weight.
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Price and configuration checks
The Dell US page displayed a price of $2,149.99 for the cited Ultra 5 configuration when it was accessed on October 13, 2026. That is a dated US observation, not a permanent MSRP or a worldwide price. Dell can change price, stock, promotions, warranty terms, and included accessories without changing the model name.
Best Value
- POWERFUL INTEL CORE ULTRA 7 PERFORMANCE – Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor with 16 cores, 16 threads, and turbo speeds up to 5.1GHz, delivering responsive performance for multitasking, content creation, productivity applications, and AI-enhanced workloads.
- BRILLIANT 14.5" 3.2K OLED TOUCHSCREEN – Enjoy exceptional clarity and vibrant colors on the 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen with a 3200 x 2000 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio, providing stunning visuals for work, streaming, and creative projects.
- FAST LPDDR5X MEMORY & PCIe SSD STORAGE – Equipped with 16GB of high-speed LPDDR5X memory and a 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD for quick boot times, rapid application launches, and ample space for documents, photos, videos, and software.
- PREMIUM DESIGN WITH ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY – Built with Dell's premium XPS craftsmanship and featuring a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, WiFi 7, Intel Arc graphics, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports for versatile connectivity, charging, and external display support.
- WINDOWS 11 PRO WITH AI-READY FEATURES – Experience the latest Windows 11 Pro operating system with a streamlined design, advanced security, intelligent productivity tools, and enhanced AI-powered experiences that complement the performance of the Intel Core Ultra processor.
Before paying, compare like-for-like configurations. A lower advertised price may refer to a smaller SSD, less memory, a different processor, or a non-OLED panel; a higher price may buy a display or storage upgrade rather than a faster CPU. Confirm the currency, sales tax treatment, delivery region, warranty length, return window, charger details, and whether the page is selling the exact DA14260 build.
A practical comparison checklist
- Record the processor as “Core Ultra 5 325,” not simply “Core Ultra,” and verify the model number DA14260.
- Confirm 16GB LPDDR5X memory and decide whether that capacity meets your expected workload, because laptop memory options can be configuration-specific.
- Confirm the SSD capacity and leave room for the operating system, applications, and local media.
- Check that the display says 14-inch, 1920×1200, non-touch if that is the configuration you intend to buy. Do not substitute an OLED specification from another listing.
- Count the three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports and budget for a hub or card reader if your desk or camera workflow needs more connections.
- Verify the final weight, battery specification, adapter, warranty, and local return policy on the regional checkout page.
Who should choose the Ultra 5 325 model?
Good fit
- Travelers who value a roughly 3-pound premium laptop and a 16:10 productivity display.
- Students, developers, office users, and general creators who need modern wireless connectivity and fast USB-C expansion rather than a built-in card reader.
- Buyers who prefer a non-touch LCD and do not need the visual contrast or touch input of an OLED configuration.
Look at another configuration if
- Your work depends on a color-critical OLED panel, touch interaction, or a specific brightness or refresh-rate target.
- You regularly import photos or video from microSD cards and want to avoid carrying a reader.
- You need more than three connected USB-C devices without a dock, or require ports not provided by your peripherals’ adapters.
- You are evaluating performance from a published X7 review and need those benchmark results; the Ultra 5 325 is a different processor tier.
Bottom line on the Dell XPS 14 (2026) Core Ultra 5 325
The Ultra 5 325 version is best understood as a specific, non-touch LCD configuration of the DA14260 rather than a shorthand for every XPS 14. Its documented package is an eight-core Core Ultra 5 processor, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD, Intel graphics, 14-inch 1920×1200 display, 70Wh battery, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.0. The main buying risks are mixing its specifications with an OLED or X7 system, overlooking the missing microSD slot, and treating review-unit battery or benchmark results as universal. Match the live Dell configuration to your workload and accessories before ordering.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
