Computer Hardware Laptop
Rank 07
Dell XPS 14 (2026, Core Ultra X7 358H)
The Windows 14-inch that actually came back: Panther Lake X7 plus Arc B390 matches last-gen RTX 4050 graphics in a stiffer, quieter, longer-running chassis.
Why it is here
Notebookcheck (8 Feb 2026) tested the Core Ultra X7 358H + Arc B390 + 32 GB + 2.8K 120 Hz OLED unit (~$2200) and recorded Cinebench R23 18932/2086, Geekbench 6.7 17121/2927, PCMark 10 9880, 3DMark Fire Strike Graphics 17324 and Time Spy Graphics 7043 — roughly 2× last year’s Arc 140T and 25–40% above the 2024 XPS 14 RTX 4050 in 3DMark. Cyberpunk 2077 1080p Ultra 40.9 fps; Baldur’s Gate 3 Ultra 48.7 fps. OLED: 394 nits SDR lab (infinite contrast), factory ΔE 1.27 / 0.71 calibrated, 99.7% P3, 1.03 ms GtG. PCMag (24 Feb 2026, Editors’ Choice, 4.0) independently measured 21 h 02 min video battery and called Arc B390 faster than the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro in every 3DMark contest it ran. Chassis is recycled aluminum, 14.62 mm, 1.44 kg, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, 70 Wh. Weaknesses named in both labs: no microSD, no camera shutter, Turbo Boost sustainability behind Asus ExpertBook Ultra, HDR peak well below Mini-LED Macs.
Who it is for
Windows users who want a 14-inch MacBook Pro rival with OLED, a 4K webcam, and all-day battery, and who can live without an SD slot.
Sources
- Dell XPS 14 2026 review: Fully reborn with Intel Panther Lake X7X7 358H + Arc B390: R23 18932, GB6 17121/2927, PCMark 10 9880, Fire Strike 17324, OLED ΔE 1.27.
- Dell XPS 14 (2026) Review: A Hit Revival of a Legendary Luxury LaptopEditors’ Choice. 21h02 battery; Arc B390 beat 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro in 3DMark; $2199.99 as tested.
