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The Dell XPS 16 is a premium 16-inch laptop, but “XPS 16” now covers two different generations: the discontinued 2024 XPS 16 9640 and the newer 2026 DA16260. The newer model has an impressive Tandem OLED option, while the older model’s configurations and review results should not be mistaken for the current machine. That distinction matters before you compare prices or rely on a review.
Which Dell XPS 16 does this review cover?
Dell’s US product page marks the XPS 16 9640 as discontinued and identifies model DA16260 as the newer XPS 16. The page showed a starting price of $2,399.99 when retrieved on October 4, 2026; it is a dated US listing, not a guaranteed current price or a price that applies to every configuration. Check the Dell XPS 16 product page for the model and configuration actually offered in your market.
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Reviews of the two generations describe different hardware. For example, RTINGS tested a 2024 9640 configured with a 4K+ OLED display, Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, NVIDIA RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Those specifications describe its review unit, not every 9640 and not the DA16260. The RTINGS XPS 16 (2024) review lists 1920×1200 120Hz IPS and 3840×2400 90Hz OLED display options, plus Intel Arc and RTX 4050, 4060, and 4070 graphics options for the 9640.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What stands out about the 2026 XPS 16’s display?
PCWorld reviewed a 2026 XPS 16 with a 16-inch, 3200×2000 touch Tandem OLED display. In that review, the panel measured a little over 400 nits on a full-screen white test, and the reviewer reported 100% coverage of both DCI-P3 and sRGB. These are findings for the reviewed panel and test, not specifications to assume for every DA16260 configuration. Check the exact display listed for the machine you are considering.
#1 Best Overall
- 16.3″ 4K OLED TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Features a 16.3-inch OLED 4K touchscreen display (3840×2400) with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Includes Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, integrated webcam, fingerprint reader, and a backlit standard keyboard for premium daily usability.
- 15TH GEN INTEL ULTRA 9 PROCESSOR WITH RTX 5060 GRAPHICS: Powered by a 15th Gen Intel Core Ultra 9-285H processor (2.50GHz base, up to 5.4GHz, 24MB cache, 16 cores, 16 threads, 6 performance cores) paired with GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 dual graphics (integrated + dedicated) for high-performance computing and graphics workloads.
- 32GB LPDDR5X MEMORY AND POWER SUPPORT: Equipped with 32GB onboard LPDDR5X RAM, supported by a 130W power supply, Type-C power-in, and a large 6-cell 99Whr battery in a Platinum color chassis.
- 1TB PCIe SSD AND EXPANSION PORTS: Includes a fast 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD along with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack for storage expansion and external device connectivity.
- WINDOWS 11 PRO WITH MODERN ARCHITECTURE: Preinstalled with Windows 11 Pro-64. Modern internal architecture is designed to support cooler and smoother system operation.
The OLED resolution, touch support, brightness and color coverage make the reviewed panel a strong fit for readers who value a large, detailed screen. They do not, on their own, establish how long the laptop lasts on battery or how it performs in a particular creative workload. PCWorld’s assessment and configuration details are in its Dell XPS 16 (2026) review.
How does the 2026 model handle sustained performance?
Tom’s Hardware tested the 2026 XPS 16 in 10 loops of Cinebench 2024 multi-core. During that test, it reported an average of 77°C across the Core Ultra X7 358H cores. It also measured 93°F between the G and H keys, 76°F on the touchpad, and 105°F on the underside near the rear. These are test-specific results for that review unit and workload—not a promise that every configuration will reach the same temperatures during everyday use or other demanding tasks.
Rank #2
- Premium Flagship Laptop and Gaming PC: Dell Premium 16 (XPS 16 2025) comes brand new from Dell with NVIDIA RTX 5060 Gaming Graphics for powerful performance
- High-Performance Processing and Storage: Intel Core Ultra 9 285H with 16 Cores and up to 5.4GHz Turbo speed, 1TB M.2 SSD, 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, Platinum Silver Chassis, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7 and 45W power
- Ultra-Fast Display Technology: 16.3-inch 2K+ (1920x1200) FHD display, 120Hz refresh rate, and 500-Nit brightness featuring 1080p FHD RGB-IR camera, dual-array microphones, ambient light sensor, Windows Hello compliant, Express Sign-In, and Intel Intelligent Collaboration
- Advanced Connectivity and Power: Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 1750i (BE201) 2x2 with Bluetooth 5.4 wireless card, 6-Cell 99Whr battery, and Platinum backlit English keyboard with integrated fingerprint reader
- Versatile Port Configuration: Equipped with 1 universal audio jack and 3 Thunderbolt 4 Gen 2 Type-C ports with DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery for comprehensive connectivity options
Performance comparisons are useful only when the processor, graphics configuration, workload and test method are clear. A result for the DA16260 should not be carried over to the 9640, or vice versa. Tom’s Hardware reviewer Charles Jefferies characterized the 2026 laptop as delivering “impressive quality, style, and performance at a premium price.” Read the full Tom’s Hardware XPS 16 (2026) review for its methods and broader findings.
What are the 9640’s design and port trade-offs?
Windows Central’s 2024 review praised the 9640’s striking appearance while noting that its capacitive controls and touchpad might feel less intuitive to some people. That is the reviewer’s assessment of the 9640’s design, not evidence that every owner will dislike those inputs or that the newer DA16260 uses the same layout. If possible, try the controls and touchpad on the generation you plan to buy.
Rank #3
- 16.3 inch 2K (1900 x 1200) 30-120Hz IPS 500-nits InfinityEdge Low Blue Light Non-Touch Display
- Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (16 Core, Up to 5.10GHz, 24MB Cache, 28W)
- 32GB, LPDDR5X, 7467MT/s, Memory | 1TB PCIe SST
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 8GB GDDR7
- WINDOWS 11 Home | Fingerprint Reader
The same review reports that the 9640 has no built-in USB-A or HDMI, and that a separate connection accessory offering those ports was included. Confirm what comes in the box with the specific listing before buying an extra hub; bundle contents can matter when choosing among sellers. See Windows Central’s XPS 16 (9640) review for its discussion of the older model.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Dell XPS 16 worth its premium price?
That depends on whether the exact configuration’s screen, performance and design justify its price for your work. The $2,399.99 starting figure shown on Dell’s US page on October 4, 2026 is only a snapshot; it does not establish the price of the configuration you want, its street price, or what Dell charges in other markets. Compare current offers for matching configurations rather than treating the starting price as a like-for-like comparison.
Rank #4
- PREMIUM ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN – Meet the Dell 16 Premium, the next-generation XPS 16 built for users who value performance, mobility, and premium craftsmanship. Its ultra-slim, lightweight design and refined Platinum finish deliver a sleek, high-end experience for work, travel, and everyday use. A precision haptic glass touchpad and streamlined touch function row provide smooth, intuitive control in a clean, minimalist design
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by Intel Ultra 9 285H Processor (16 cores, up to 5.4 GHz Turbo) and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7, this PC delivers efficient performance for multitasking, data analysis, and content creation. Equipped with 32GB DDR5 and 1TB PCIe SSD, it ensures swift application loading and ample storage for professional workloads
- CREATIVE GRAPHICS – The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 GPU provides strong graphics performance for creative work, gaming, and AI-enhanced applications. With support for ray tracing, DLSS 4, NVIDIA Reflex 2, Max-Q technologies, AV1 encoding, and NVENC acceleration, it is a great choice for content creators, gamers, and esports users
- IMMERSIVE DISPLAY - Features a 16.3-inch UHD+ (3840x2400) touchscreen with narrow borders, 400-nit brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and reduced eye strain. Supports up to 3 external displays via Thunderbolt 4, with up to 4K@60Hz output. The FHD RGB-IR camera with dual-array microphones delivers clear video calls and secure facial recognition login. Plus, the backlit keyboard enables precise typing in low-light environments
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY - With 3x Thunderbolt 4, MicroSD card reader and Universal audio jack, you can easily connect external displays, storage devices and essential peripherals. Stay fast and reliable on the go with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, perfect for video calls, cloud work, and wireless devices without lag
- Check the generation: verify whether the listing is for the discontinued 9640 or the newer DA16260.
- Match the screen and core components: compare display type, resolution, refresh rate and touch support, as well as processor, GPU, RAM and SSD capacity.
- Compare the right performance evidence: look for tests of the same generation and similar configuration using a workload relevant to you.
- Account for practical details: check the ports and included accessories for the exact listing, and consult battery-life and weight results that name their test methods and model.
- Compare current prices: use the price for the actual configuration and market, not an old review price or a page’s starting figure as though it were universal.
The evidence here establishes a compelling display option and configuration-specific strengths, but it does not support a single verdict for every XPS 16 buyer: the model year, hardware and price change what you are getting. Treat the 2026 DA16260 and the 2024 9640 as separate purchase choices, and judge each against a comparable laptop at the price available to you.
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