2024 Dell XPS 14 (9440) REVIEW - DELL STRIKES BACK

The Dell XPS 14 (9440), released in 2024, has proven to be a polarizing laptop in the eyes of many. However, despite the negative reviews it has received, I believe it to be one of the best laptops of the year and potentially even the best in many aspects. Its stunning design, impressive battery life, and remarkable display make it stand out from the crowd. In this review, I will discuss its features, performance, and overall value, debunking the misconceptions surrounding this laptop.

Specifications and Pricing

The Dell XPS 14 (9440) now starts at $ 499 for the base configuration, with the price going up to $ 2,399 for the fully configured model. The latter includes 32 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, an RTX 4050 graphics card, and a 3.2K LED display. While the price is still quite high, it has actually been reduced recently, which is a positive trend. Comparing it to a similarly equipped MacBook Pro, Dell's offering provides more value for the money, with double the RAM and the ability to upgrade storage. This flexibility is lacking in the MacBook Pro due to its soldered components.

Unboxing and Design

The Dell XPS 14 (9440) arrives in standard packaging. In the box, you will find the laptop itself, along with some documentation and an adapter hub that offers HDMI and USB-A ports. The laptop features an all-aluminum and glass construction, giving it a premium and solid feel. It weighs in at 3.14 pounds (1.43 kg), making it portable for on-the-go use. The lid has minimal flex, and the micro-thin bezels surrounding the display add a sleek and modern touch to its design.

Display and Keyboard

One of the standout aspects of the Dell XPS 14 (9440) is its display. The 3.2K OLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate is truly stunning. It offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast, making it great for Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube HDR content. The display's color gamut coverage is excellent, making it suitable for content creation tasks in software like Lightroom and Photoshop. The touch feature is responsive and provides easy navigation. The keyboard on the XPS 14 is well-designed, offering excellent tactility and key travel. It includes a backlight with multi-stage adjustment. However, it is worth noting that the physical function row has been replaced with a capacitive row, which lacks haptic feedback. Some users may find this change disappointing, but it did not pose a major issue in terms of functionality.

Performance and Battery Life

The Dell XPS 14 (9440) performs admirably, thanks to its Intel Meteor Lake processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 discrete GPU. It excels in multi-core and GPU performance, outperforming laptops like the MacBook Air and baseline MacBook Pro in these areas. In benchmark tests, it achieved high scores and demonstrated smooth performance in video editing tasks using software like DaVinci Resolve. The laptop's powerful hardware does generate some heat, but it is efficiently managed, with surface temperatures remaining relatively cool even under heavy load. The impressive battery life is one of the most commendable features of the XPS 14. With a 70 watt-hour battery, it achieved over 10 hours in the PC Mark 10 modern office test, and more than 12 hours in video playback. The battery longevity and efficiency are notable aspects of this laptop.

Audio and Connectivity

The Dell XPS 14 (9440) is equipped with quad speakers that provide a total of eight watts of peak power. The volume output is impressive, surpassing that of the MacBook Pro. However, the fidelity may not match the superiority of Apple's sound quality. In terms of connectivity, the laptop includes two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, a micro SD card reader, a USB-C port (also Thunderbolt 4 compatible), and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. While it lacks HDMI and USB-A ports, Dell does provide a dongle in the box, unlike Apple's MacBook lineup.

Summary

The Dell XPS 14 (9440) is a highly commendable laptop, often overlooked due to some misconceptions. It offers a stunning design, an impressive display, excellent performance, and long battery life. While there are certain limitations, such as non-upgradeable RAM and the absence of certain ports, Dell has made significant improvements and adjustments to make it a compelling choice in the market. The XPS 14 strikes back as a strong contender, proving its worth as an exceptional travel laptop and multimedia powerhouse.

Keywords: Dell XPS 14 (9440), laptop, review, 2024, performance, design, display, keyboard, battery life, audio, connectivity.

FAQ

Q1. What are the standout features of the Dell XPS 14 (9440)? The Dell XPS 14 (9440) boasts a stunning design, a 3.2K OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, and an impressive battery life.

Q2. Does the XPS 14 suffer from any performance issues? No, the XPS 14 performs admirably, thanks to its Intel Meteor Lake processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 discrete GPU. It outperforms laptops like the MacBook Air and baseline MacBook Pro in multi-core and GPU performance.

Q3. Can I upgrade the RAM on the Dell XPS 14 (9440)? Unfortunately, the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded by the user.

Q4. Does the XPS 14 have a touchpad with haptic feedback? The XPS 14 features a glass touchpad with haptic feedback, which offers a smooth and responsive experience. However, there is no haptic feedback on the capacitive row above the keyboard.

Q5. How does the battery life of the XPS 14 compare to other laptops? The battery life of the XPS 14 is impressive, surpassing 10 hours in the PC Mark 10 modern office test and over 12 hours in video playback. It excels in longevity and efficiency.

Q6. What connectivity options does the XPS 14 provide? The XPS 14 includes two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, a micro SD card reader, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. While it lacks HDMI and USB-A ports, Dell provides a dongle in the box.