Dell has introduced two new mid-tier laptops as part of a broader overhaul of its consumer PC lineup, with the company shifting attention towards AI-powered computing, longer battery life and updated branding.

The newly launched Dell 14S and Dell 16S replace the company’s previous Plus series and arrive after several years of changes to Dell’s naming strategy. The company had previously retired and later revived the XPS brand while reorganising much of its mainstream and entry-level portfolio.

Positioned beneath the premium XPS lineup, the new models are aimed at productivity users looking for slimmer designs and stronger day-to-day performance, while also incorporating dedicated hardware designed for AI-assisted tasks.

Both laptops are powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, with configurations extending up to the Core Ultra 9 386H chip. Dell says the systems include built-in AI acceleration capabilities intended to improve on-device Copilot+ experiences and multitasking workloads involving AI features.

AMD-powered versions using Ryzen AI 400 Series processors are also planned and are expected to arrive later this month.

According to Dell, the updated hardware delivers almost double the multitasking performance compared with earlier-generation models, particularly during workloads that combine traditional productivity applications with AI-enhanced software tools.

The systems ship with Windows 11 and include dedicated Copilot+ shortcut buttons for faster access to Microsoft’s AI features.

Display options vary depending on configuration. Standard models include FHD+ panels with brightness levels of 400 nits, while higher-end versions can be upgraded to QHD+ displays featuring 120Hz refresh rates, 500 nits brightness and Dolby Vision support.

Dell is also offering OLED panel options for users seeking improved contrast and richer colour reproduction.

View forward-facing DS16260

Dell 16S Laptop

Battery performance has become a major focus for the new lineup. Dell claims the 14S can deliver up to 24 hours of productivity use or roughly 18 hours of video streaming under certain conditions.

The larger 16S is rated for up to 26 hours of streaming playback and approximately 14 hours of general productivity use depending on hardware specifications and settings.

Both laptops are available in Celestial Blue and Frost Blue finishes. Buyers can choose between 16GB and 32GB memory configurations alongside storage options ranging from 512GB up to 2TB.

Despite their larger displays, Dell has maintained relatively slim designs, with the 14S weighing around 3.2 pounds and the 16S coming in at approximately 3.9 pounds.

Pricing for the Dell 14S starts at $1,949.20, while the larger 16S begins at $2,049.30 on the Australian Dell website.