Despite the new name, this laptop carries on the modern XPS redesign that first debuted in 2023. This means a flush keyboard, an invisible touchpad, and a touch-based LED function row. These key aspects are built into a metal chassis that, as always, feels high-end and goes a long way to justifying the higher cost. It’s super slim at 0.71 by 12.6 by 8.5 inches (HWD), though the materials add up to a heavier weight than usual for this size (3.66 pounds). Still, the Dell 14 Premium is super compact, feels feathery enough to carry around, and makes a fitting commute partner for throwing in a bag or carrying in one hand.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Since they aren’t brand-new anymore, I don’t need to go in-depth on each of these design aspects, but they have positives and negatives. The design has a certain cool factor, with the seamless touchpad and LED touch row, in particular, lending a hyper-modern look to the laptop.
Functionally, the keycaps are well-made and large, though your muscle memory may take some retraining since the spacing is different from a regular lattice keyboard. I like the LED function row (which you can swap between media commands and function keys), though I could see some users missing the analog buttons. It will depend mainly on personal preference.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
I could say the same for the touchpad, too. Its edges aren’t physically demarcated, but it’s large enough that anywhere you’d likely tap, touch, or pan is within its bounds. While it’s generally responsive, occasionally I felt a bit less certain my tap or press was registered than on a traditional touchpad, even if it usually was. I’m unsure how much this adds to the laptop beyond a sleeker look. All of these aspects help the Dell 14 Premium stand out visually, if nothing else.
Dell’s display doesn’t leave as much to discuss, but it is a sweet screen. The 3.2K OLED option is incredibly sharp and vibrant, and touch support is a plus for interested shoppers. The maximum brightness doesn’t come off incredibly bright (rated at 400 nits, while the non-OLED option shines at 500 nits), but it’s hardly dim, either. Overall, the display is a highlight, and even fitting a 14.5-inch panel (rather than the usual 14 inches) into this chassis helps it feel roomier and more usable.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Finally, for connectivity, this is an all-USB-Type-C device for peripherals and video-out options, with two such ports on the left and one more on the right. All three of these ports support Thunderbolt 4 and power delivery. The laptop charges through USB-C, so one of these will often be occupied, but this isn’t unusual for thin laptops, especially at 14 inches. The right edge also holds a microSD card slot and headphone jack.
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For wireless connectivity, the Dell 14 Premium features Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The laptop also includes a 1080p webcam, which had fantastic clarity in my testing. The video clarity is super sharp and handles different levels of room lighting well.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
