Dell launches 14S and 16S AI PCs with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and up to 26-hour battery life

Dell's new 14S and 16S are the replacement for its old Plus models - Engadget

Dell has introduced a new lineup of mid-range general productivity laptops to replace its old Plus line. If you'll recall, the company went through a controversial brand restructuring in 2025 and killed the XPS name, as well as eliminating a bunch of its budget and entry-level models. In January, at CES 2026, it walked back the decision resurrected the XPS brand. The Dell 14S and 16S laptops are a tier below the XPS devices, but Dell says they were built for performance, all-day battery life and on-device AI processing. The models are powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, up to Intel Core Ultra 9 386H, with built-in AI acceleration. Dell says the processor allows the new laptops to be almost twice as fast with multi-tasking compared to previous models. However, you can also get them with AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series processors. Both models come with Windows 11 and are Copilot+ PCs with dedicated shortcut keys that process AI tasks on device. They're equipped with FHD+ display panels featuring 400 nits of brightness, though you can upgrade to QHD+ displays with 120Hz refresh rates, 500 nits brightness and Dolby Vision. You can also opt for OLED displays to get the deepest blacks and best contrasts. The new Dell 14S has a battery life that can deliver up to 24 hours of productivity and up to 18 hours of streaming, while the Dell 16S can last up to 26 hours when streaming and up to 14 hours when using it for everyday tasks. Both are available in either Celestial Blue or Frost Blue, with 16GB or 32GB of memory and storage options that range from 512GB to 2TB. They both have a slim design, though the Dell 14S is of course a bit lighter at 3.2 lbs compared to its larger sibling's 3.9 lbs. You can now get the Dell 14S in the US, with prices starting at $1,270. Meanwhile, the Dell 16S will set you back at least $1,320 for the most basic configuration. If you want to get the AMD Ryzen versions, however, you'll have to wait until later this month.

Dell expands AI PC lineup with new slim Dell 14s and 16s laptops

Dell has introduced the new Dell 14S and Dell 16S laptops, expanding its AI-focused Copilot+ PC lineup with slimmer designs, updated Intel processors, and improved battery life. The company is positioning both laptops as premium productivity machines that combine AI features, portability, and multimedia capabilities in a thinner form factor. The new laptops are powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, going up to the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H chipset. Dell says both systems include on-device AI acceleration with up to 50 TOPS NPU performance, allowing AI-related tasks to run locally without relying entirely on cloud processing. AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series variants are also expected to arrive later this month. Dell 14s focuses on portability and battery life The Dell 14S is designed as the more compact option in the lineup. It features a slim 15.3mm metal chassis and weighs starting at 1.45kg. Dell says the laptop delivers up to 97 percent higher multitasking performance compared to the previous generation. Battery life is one of the major talking points. According to Dell, the 14S can deliver up to 24 hours of productivity usage and up to 18 hours of streaming under specific test conditions. Recommended Videos The laptop is available in Celestial Blue and Frost Blue colour options and includes a backlit keyboard with redesigned shortcuts, along with upgraded airflow for quieter operation. Dell 16s targets multimedia and larger-screen users The Dell 16S shares much of the same hardware platform as the 14S but focuses more heavily on multimedia and larger-screen usage. It weighs starting at 1.76kg and is aimed at users who prefer a bigger display for entertainment, editing, and multitasking. Dell claims the 16S offers up to 59 percent higher multitasking performance over the previous generation. The company also says the laptop can deliver up to 26 hours of streaming battery life and up to 14 hours of productivity usage. Display and audio features Both laptops offer multiple display configurations, including FHD+, QHD+, and OLED options. The higher-end panels support refresh rates up to 120Hz, Dolby Vision, and up to 100 percent DCI-P3 colour coverage on OLED variants. Brightness levels go up to 500 nits on select models. Dell has also included ComfortView and ComfortView Plus technologies aimed at reducing eye strain during extended use. For audio, both systems feature Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers paired with Smart Amplifier technology. Dell says the laptops are designed to deliver clearer dialogue and more balanced sound despite their slim form factors. AI Features and Sustainability The Dell 14S and 16S are positioned as Copilot+ PCs, meaning they support Microsoft's latest AI-focused Windows features directly on-device. Dell says AI functions can improve video calls, responsiveness, and system efficiency while minimizing battery impact. The company is also emphasizing sustainability, with both laptops using recycled aluminum and plastics alongside recycled packaging materials. Pricing and Availability The Dell 14S starts at $1,269.99 in the US, while the Dell 16S starts at $1,319.99. AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series variants for both laptops are expected to launch later this month.

Dell 14S and Dell 16S AI PCs, Alienware 15 gaming laptop announced

Dell has announced three new laptops across its consumer and gaming portfolio, introducing the Dell 14S, Dell 16S, and Alienware 15. The new models focus on AI-assisted computing, portability, battery life, and gaming performance across different usage categories. The Dell 14S and Dell 16S feature 15.3mm metal designs and are available in Celestial Blue and Frost Blue color options. The Dell 14S starts at 1.45kg, while the Dell 16S starts at 1.76kg. Dell says both systems are designed for portability while maintaining durability through military-grade testing. The laptops are powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, going up to the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H, with built-in AI acceleration and up to 50 TOPS NPU performance. Dell says the Dell 14S delivers up to 97% higher multitasking performance compared to the previous generation, while the Dell 16S offers up to 59% higher multitasking performance over earlier models. AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series variants will also be available later this month. Dell says the AMD versions are designed for AI workloads, multitasking, and graphics performance. Dell says the Copilot+ PC features are designed to improve video calls, responsiveness, and daily workflows without relying on cloud-based processing. The laptops are available with multiple display configurations, including FHD+, QHD+, and OLED panels. Dell says the Dell 14S supports up to 24 hours of productivity battery life and up to 18 hours of streaming. The Dell 16S supports up to 26 hours of streaming battery life and up to 14 hours of productivity usage. Dell positions the Dell 14S as a compact productivity-focused laptop, while the Dell 16S is designed for users looking for a larger display and extended entertainment usage. Dell has also introduced the Alienware 15 gaming laptop with a redesigned profile featuring a 180-degree hinge, removed rear thermal shelf, and iridescent Alien head branding. The company places the Alienware 15 within the "Core" segment of the Alienware lineup, below the Aurora series and flagship Area-51 systems. The company says the laptop is designed to bring Alienware gaming hardware and cooling technologies to a wider range of users. The Alienware 15 is available with AMD Ryzen 7 260, Ryzen 5 220, Intel Core 7 240H, and Core 5 210H processors. Graphics options include NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060, RTX 5050, and RTX 4050 GPUs with NVIDIA DLSS support. Dell says the Cryo-Chamber structure is designed to improve air intake and direct airflow toward core components during gaming workloads. The laptop also includes: Dell says the Alienware 15 has undergone the same internal durability testing used for other Alienware laptops, including hinge testing for up to 20,000 cycles, keyboard testing for up to 40,000 keystrokes, spill resistance testing, and drop testing from heights up to 18 inches. Dell also confirmed additional Alienware announcements during Computex 2026, with another announcement scheduled for June 1.