
The Dell XPS 14 (9440) Review
The Dell XPS 14 (9440) marks a significant return after a decade-long hiatus, reintroducing itself with a blend of power, portability, and premium design. Unveiled at CES 2024, this laptop aims to offer the “perfect balance of power and portability”. Here,We’ll explore everything you need to know about this laptop
Dell XPS 14 Design and Build
The XPS 14 9440 adopts a sleek design reminiscent of the XPS 13 9340, featuring CNC-milled aluminum, Gorilla Glass 3, a touch-sensitive function row, and an invisible glass touchpad. Available in Platinum and Graphite color options, the laptop exudes a premium feel. However, some users have noted that the nearly flat keyboard keys can be challenging for touch typists, and the invisible trackpad, while futuristic, may pose accessibility issues.
Display Options
Dell offers two display configurations for the XPS 14 9440:
- 14.5-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS Panel: Features a dynamic 30 Hz to 120 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and 100% sRGB color coverage.
- 14.5-inch 3.2K (3200 x 2000) OLED Touchscreen: Offers a 48-120 Hz dynamic refresh rate, 400 nits brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 color coverage.
Both displays support Dolby Vision and boast InfinityEdge design for an immersive viewing experience.
Xps 14 Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the XPS 14 9440 is powered by Intel’s 14th Generation Core Ultra 7 processors, with options between the 30W Core Ultra 7 155H and Core Ultra 7 165H. For graphics, users can choose between integrated Intel Arc Graphics or an optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU. Memory configurations range up to 64GB of dual-channel LPDDR5x RAM, with speeds of 7467 MT/s when paired with the RTX 4050, and up to 4TB of PCIe Gen4 NVMe storage.
Connectivity and Ports
The laptop is equipped with three Thunderbolt 4 ports with DisplayPort 2.1-out and Power Delivery, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack. Wireless connectivity includes Killer Wi-Fi 6E 1675 and Bluetooth 5.3. Notably, the XPS 14 9440 does not offer Wi-Fi 7.
Dell XPS 14 Battery Life
With a 69.5 WHr battery, the XPS 14 offers impressive battery life, capable of lasting through a full day of work or entertainment. This makes it a reliable companion for professionals on the go.
Additional Features
The XPS 14 9440 includes a Full HD webcam, a dedicated Windows Copilot key, and support for Windows Studio Effects. Audio is delivered through an 8W quad-speaker system with Dolby Atmos and 3D stereo surround sound. The laptop is powered by a 69.5 WHr battery, promising substantial battery life.
Dell XPS 14 Pricing and Availability
The Dell XPS 14 9440 is available in the U.S. market, with prices starting from $1,699.99. Please note, prices may vary depending on retailers or on going promotion.
The Dell XPS 14 9440 combines a premium build with powerful performance and vibrant display options. While it comes at a higher price point and has some design choices that may not appeal to everyone, it stands as a strong contender for those seeking a high-end, portable laptop experience.
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