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Dell 16 Plus: Quick Overview
Dell’s 16-inch laptop series has established itself as a favorite among users who seek a blend of portability and performance. Balanced between a 14-inch and 16-inch model, these laptops are known for their solid build quality and travel-friendly design, all while remaining budget-friendly. The recently released Dell 16 Plus follows this tradition, making it one of the top choices in the Dell lineup.
Starting at $799, the Dell 16 Plus is equipped with the latest Intel Lunar Lake chips, offers up to 32GB of RAM, and features SSD storage options of up to 2TB. It also boasts a full QWERTY keyboard, a dedicated number pad, and innovative features such as a 16-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an FHD webcam complete with a privacy slider. While you can upgrade internal specs for extra cost, the base model offers excellent value.
With a weight of around four pounds and a thickness of under an inch, the Dell 16 Plus is designed for users on the go. It’s easy to slip into a backpack, making it ideal for students or anyone needing a versatile machine for internet browsing, document editing, and casual media use. However, it’s worth noting that some features, like an SD card slot and touchscreen capability, are lacking.
For casual media consumption, the Dell 16 Plus offers a decent display. Although it lacks HDR, the 2.5K (2560 x 1600) resolution provides sharp visuals, and the eye-friendly ComfortView Plus feature can help reduce strain. The audio quality, however, may leave something to be desired; using external speakers or headphones might be preferable, especially in noisier environments.
Battery Life: Dell claims up to 20 hours of battery life, although real-world testing showed around 13 hours, which is still commendable for most users. Whether on a long flight or busy workday, the Dell 16 Plus should have plenty of juice.
Overall, the Dell 16 Plus stands out as a reliable mid-range option for those valuing portability and performance without breaking the bank.
Price & Availability
- Starting Price: $799
- Availability: Currently available
- Where to Buy: Offered on Dell.com and various retailers across the U.S., UK, and Australia
In the U.S., you can find the Dell 16 Plus priced from $799 to $1,299, depending on the configuration. The review unit we assessed was the base model, while the mid-range option is approximately $949.99, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, 32GB RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage.
UK customers can choose from various configurations ranging from £1,454.23 to £2,143.61. Notably, the entry-level model lacks a backlit keyboard and fingerprint scanner. Australian buyers can select from options starting at AU$1,598 to AU$2,197.
When compared to other ultra-thin laptops, the Dell 16 Plus offers the most affordable entry point while maintaining a competitive performance standard.
Specifications Overview
| Dell 16 Plus Configurations: | Feature | Base Model | Mid Configuration | High-End Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.99 | $949.99 | $1,299.98 | |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Intel Core Ultra 9 288V | |
| GPU | Intel Arc 140V (8GB) | Intel Arc 140V (8GB) | Intel Arc 140V (8GB) | |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 32GB LPDDR5X | 32GB LPDDR5X | |
| Storage | 1TB | 1TB | 2TB | |
| Weight | 3.96 pounds | 3.96 pounds | 3.96 pounds | |
| Dimensions | 0.67 in x 14.05 in x 9.87 in | 0.67 in x 14.05 in x 9.87 in | 0.67 in x 14.05 in x 9.87 in |
Design and Build Quality
The Dell 16 Plus features a chassis constructed from sustainable materials like recycled aluminum and low-emission plastics. It has received EPEAT Gold and ENERGY STAR certifications, making it a good choice for eco-conscious users.
Though its design may seem somewhat plain—silver with a gray keyboard—the focus is on functionality rather than aesthetics. Weighing around four pounds and measuring under an inch thick, the laptop is easy to handle.
On the sides, you’ll find an assortment of ports: one USB-A and a headphone jack on the right, while the left side includes dual USB-C ports and an HDMI output. However, it does lack an SD card slot, necessitating the need for an adapter for photographers or videographers.
Performance Insights
The Dell 16 Plus excels in everyday tasks, whether browsing the web or running productivity applications like Google Docs. With its powerful Intel Core Ultra CPU and adequate RAM, multitasking is smooth, even with multiple browser tabs open.
Though it handles creative tasks like Adobe Photoshop reasonably well, users should temper expectations for demanding video editing and gaming. The integrated Intel Arc GPU performs adequately for lighter games, but don’t expect high-frame rates on graphically intensive titles.
Battery Life
After rigorous testing, the average battery life stands at about 13 hours. While Dell advertises up to 20 hours, users can still count on the laptop to last a full day’s work. Charging is quick, with around 40 minutes needed to reach a significant charge.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Dell 16 Plus?
The Dell 16 Plus is a strong contender for anyone looking for an affordable, reliable Windows laptop with good portability.
- Pros: Affordable price, lightweight, reliable battery life, decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Cons: Basic design, lacks an SD card slot, and isn’t suited for heavy gaming or demanding creative workloads.
If you’re on the hunt for a versatile laptop for regular productivity and occasional entertainment, the Dell 16 Plus is definitely worth considering. For gamers or those requiring intensive performance, you might want to explore other options.
How I Tested the Dell 16 Plus: Over the course of a week and a half, I extensively evaluated the Dell 16 Plus. I engaged with productivity software, explored lighter-weight games, and utilized a suite of benchmarks for a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities.
For anyone seeking a reliable, budget-friendly laptop, the Dell 16 Plus is well worth your attention.
