ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Costs for the Dell 14 Plus at present begin at $1,130
- Throughout a time of financial turmoil, this laptop computer is a lifeline, offering next-gen efficiency at an inexpensive value
- Nonetheless, do not anticipate an excessive amount of from its show, because it’s no OLED or 4K panel.
extra shopping for selections
Again in early 2025, Dell made a daring transfer. The corporate introduced that it was going to rebrand its total portfolio. Traditional names like “XPS” and “Inspiron” have been thrown out to get replaced with extra generic-sounding titles.
These embody “Dell,” “Dell Professional,” and “Dell Premium.” I have been anxious to check out this technology to see if it introduces a brand new period for Dell or if it is extra of the identical. I lately had that chance with the Dell 14 Plus.
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That is the corporate’s newest midrange laptop computer and one of many successors to the Inspiron sequence. It even appears like an Inspiron, sporting the acquainted mixture of grey, rubber keys on an all-silver physique. Though the design is not revolutionary, I nonetheless had a beautiful time with the Dell 14 Plus.
It is this combination of tried-and-true tech with next-gen developments. To repeat what I stated in my outdated Inspiron 14 Plus assessment, “the gadget has lots of the hallmark options I get pleasure from in a laptop computer.”
If it ain’t broke, do not repair it
The comfy keyboard from the Inspiron 14 has returned. Its chiclet-shaped keys stay mild but aware of the contact. They sit inside a chassis primarily made out of aluminum, giving Dell’s machine a pleasant, sturdy really feel. Like earlier than, the perimeters on the underside half are rounded for consolation.
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I additionally prefer to suppose that Dell learn my previous assessment as a result of I really helpful that the model proceed utilizing the identical anti-fingerprint manufacturing method for future merchandise. Positive sufficient, the Dell 14 Plus didn’t have a single fingerprint smudge on it in all my time dealing with it.
Strong efficiency
Inside my assessment was an Intel Core Extremely 256V processor, an built-in Intel Arc graphics card, and 16GB of reminiscence. Beneath is a desk highlighting the Dell 14 Plus’ efficiency outcomes throughout a number of benchmark exams. I additionally included different laptops with related {hardware} for comparability.
|
PC Mark 10 |
Cinebench 2024 |
Geekbench 6 |
|
|
Dell 14 Plus |
7,271 |
554 |
10,812 |
|
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Version |
6,562 |
394 |
7,743 |
|
HP EliteBook Extremely G1i |
7,328 |
496 |
10,993 |
Wanting on the numbers, you may discover that Dell’s pc did fairly properly within the three exams. It outperformed the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Version in each metric and could be very near outdoing the HP EliteBook.
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This tells me the 14 Plus renders high-resolution photographs rapidly and tackles demanding workloads with relative ease. It isn’t a high-end mannequin, however the configuration can ship an analogous expertise.
This expertise was mirrored by my different efficiency take a look at, through which I ran 50 completely different tabs on Google Chrome. My choice included a number of YouTube reside streams (some in 4K decision), ten ZDNET articles, 5 Amazon product listings, and a sequence of randomly chosen GIFs.
Unsurprisingly, the Dell 14 Plus did nice. It dealt with all the open home windows with only a contact of slowdown; nothing too debilitating. The one main draw back of the heavy workload was overheating — the keyboard grew to become just a little heat after a number of minutes.
Let’s speak about that show
So, the laptop computer delivers a top-notch efficiency along with having a stable design. You could be questioning, “Are there any points with the Dell 14 Plus?” Sure, I wasn’t a giant fan of the show. It is not dangerous per se; the display simply did not blow me away. Maybe I have been spoiled by different laptops that excel in these areas.
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My assessment unit had a 14-inch 2.5K (2,540 x 1,600) show that delivered spectacular picture element. The show’s anti-glare coating helps preserve readability beneath brilliant circumstances. Nonetheless, in comparison with the Lenovo Yoga 9i talked about earlier, the Dell 14 Plus has a noticeably uninteresting display.
And it isn’t with out assist. Dolby Imaginative and prescient is current, permitting the show to assist a variety of colours, however it’s nonetheless not nice.
Additionally contained in the chassis are a pair of two.5W audio system supported by Waves MaxxAudio Professional and Dolby Atmos Cores. Collectively, they allow immersive sound output. Nonetheless, the drivers are positioned on the backside of the laptop computer, pointing down. I’ve by no means been a fan of this placement because it muffles the sound.
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Luckily, the aforementioned audio software program pairing permits the Dell 14 Plus to bypass this limitation considerably. Music and dialogue sound wonderful popping out of the audio system. That stated, I am unable to assist however marvel how higher the sound output could be if the drivers have been on high.
When it comes to battery life, the Dell 14 Plus ran for about 11 hours and 40 minutes beneath Finest Energy Effectivity earlier than draining fully. For the sake of comparability, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Version can hit a stable 12 hours with the suitable optimization. I find yourself liking Dell’s machine extra as a result of it gives a comparable expertise at a lower cost.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Costs for the Dell 14 Plus begin at $1,129. My assessment unit’s configuration is barely costlier at $1,180. Probably the most highly effective choice comes with an Intel Core Extremely 9 288V chipset and 32GB of RAM. It’s at present on sale at a reduced $1,280. All three include a 1 TB SSD.
Dell’s newest machine stands tall as a terrific inexpensive choice that performs very properly amongst a sea of pricy computer systems. It was such a great expertise that I’m overlooking the few points I had with it. I extremely suggest it to anybody searching for a next-gen laptop computer that will not make your pockets cringe on the price ticket. For me, it’s positively a spotlight of 2025.
That stated, if you’re searching for one thing else, I like to recommend the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Version. It has a considerably higher show and strong AI options, though it’s costlier.
The current US tariffs on imports from nations like China, Vietnam, and India purpose to spice up home manufacturing however are prone to drive up costs on client electronics. Merchandise like smartphones, laptops, and TVs might grow to be costlier as corporations rethink world provide chains and weigh the price of shifting manufacturing.
CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We’re Watching 11 Merchandise You May Must Purchase
Laptops and PCs are additionally hit onerous by the brand new US tariffs, with import duties probably growing costs by as much as 35%. Many main manufacturers nonetheless depend on Chinese language and Vietnamese factories for meeting, which means shoppers might quickly pay considerably extra for all the pieces from funds Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs might speed up efforts to maneuver manufacturing to areas like Mexico or India, however consumers can anticipate greater prices and fewer reductions within the quick time period.
