Dell resurrects the XPS laptop, sparking excitement and controversy at CES 2026.
In a surprising move, Dell has brought back the beloved XPS laptop brand, just a year after replacing it with the 'Dell Premium' lineup. The tech giant is reintroducing the XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops with a sleek redesign and impressive specs. But here's where it gets controversial—the company is scrapping one of its most divisive features, the capacitive touch function row, in favor of a traditional physical function row. A bold move, but will it satisfy everyone?
The XPS revival was announced at CES 2026, with select configurations available for purchase soon after. The new XPS laptops boast thinner designs, improved battery life, and, for the first time, the XPS logo on their lids. Dell is listening to its fans by addressing a long-standing request for a physical function row, but will this change divide opinions?
Dell's decision to rebrand its laptops in 2025 was met with confusion and criticism, with many comparing it to Apple's naming structure. The company's attempt to simplify its product lines didn't resonate with consumers, who remained loyal to the XPS brand. Dell's executives noticed this loyalty in search trends, leading to the XPS comeback.
The return of XPS shakes up Dell's lineup. The XPS brand now represents higher-end consumer models, while the 'Dell' line remains for mainstream products. Dell's COO, Jeff Clarke, sees this as a demonstration of the company's ability to adapt and listen to its customers.
The new XPS laptops feature a redesigned thermal system, larger fans, and thinner profiles. The XPS 14 and XPS 16 are the thinnest Dell laptops in their respective sizes, with the 14-inch model being more compact than a 13-inch MacBook Air. Dell has also addressed another controversial feature—the seamless glass touchpad—by adding etched lines to define its active area.
Under the hood, the XPS 14 and XPS 16 pack a punch. They can be configured with powerful Intel processors, Intel Arc graphics, ample RAM, and SSD storage. Users can opt for a 2.8K OLED touchscreen or stick with the base 2K LCD display, which offers a variable refresh rate and impressive battery life—a claim we're eager to test.
The XPS 14 and XPS 16 also feature an 8MP camera, modular Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, and a headphone jack. Dell promises to expand the XPS lineup with more devices at different price points, starting with the highly anticipated XPS 13.
But what do you think? Is Dell's decision to bring back the XPS brand a smart move? Do you prefer the physical function row or the capacitive touch version? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the future of Dell's laptop lineup!
