ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Dell 14 Plus is at the moment on sale, beginning at $649 for the 16GB model.
- Throughout a time of financial turmoil, this laptop computer is a lifeline, offering next-gen efficiency at an inexpensive worth.
- Nonetheless, do not anticipate an excessive amount of from its show, because it’s no OLED or 4K panel.
extra shopping for decisions
might / 2025
Observe ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
Again in early 2025, Dell made a bold move. The corporate introduced that it was going to rebrand its total portfolio. Basic 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 just lately had that chance with the Dell 14 Plus.
Additionally: This Windows laptop has MacBook Pro written all over it (but it’s better in key ways)
That is the corporate’s newest midrange laptop computer and one of many successors to the Inspiron sequence. It even seems 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 To repeat what I stated in my outdated Inspiron 14 Plus evaluation, “the system has lots of the hallmark options I take pleasure in in a laptop computer.”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 sides on the underside half are rounded for consolation.
Additionally: Confused on which cloud storage to get? My expert advice (and 3 I recommend)
I additionally wish to assume that Dell learn my previous evaluation as a result of I really helpful that the model proceed utilizing the identical anti-fingerprint manufacturing approach 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 evaluation was an Intel Core Extremely 256V processor, an built-in Intel Arc graphics card, and 16GB of reminiscence. Under is a desk highlighting the Dell 14 Plus’ efficiency outcomes throughout a number of benchmark checks. 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 |
Trying on the numbers, you may discover that Dell’s laptop did fairly nicely within the three checks. It outperformed the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition in each metric and could be very near outdoing the HP EliteBook.
Additionally: How much RAM do you need in 2025? My expert advice for Windows and Mac users
This tells me the 14 Plus renders high-resolution pictures shortly and tackles demanding workloads with relative ease. It is not a high-end mannequin, however the configuration can ship an identical expertise.
This expertise was mirrored by my different efficiency check, through which I ran 50 totally 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 the entire 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 turned a bit of heat after a number of minutes.
Let’s discuss that show
So, the laptop computer delivers a top-notch efficiency along with having a strong design. You could be questioning, “Are there any points with the Dell 14 Plus?” Sure, I wasn’t an enormous 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.
Additionally: Are high-end Windows laptops worth buying? I tested one from Dell, and it made a statement
My evaluation 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 below vivid situations. 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.
Additionally: Your Windows 11 PC just got 4 big Copilot upgrades – it can hear and see you now
Fortuitously, the aforementioned audio software program pairing permits the Dell 14 Plus to avoid 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 can 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 below Greatest Energy Effectivity earlier than draining fully. For the sake of comparability, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Version can hit a strong 12 hours with the appropriate optimization. I find yourself liking Dell’s machine extra as a result of it presents a comparable expertise at a cheaper price.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
On the time of publishing, the Dell 14 Plus begins at simply $649. My evaluation unit’s configuration is barely costlier at $1,250. Probably the most highly effective possibility comes with an Intel Core Extremely 9 288V chipset and 32GB of RAM. It’s at the moment on sale at a reduced $1,060. All three include a 1 TB SSD.
Additionally: Best Dell laptops of 2025
Dell’s newest machine stands tall as a fantastic inexpensive possibility that performs very nicely amongst a sea of pricy computer systems. It was such expertise that I’m overlooking the few points I had with it. I extremely advocate it to anybody in search of 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, in case you are in search of one thing else, I like to recommend the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition. It has a considerably higher show and sturdy AI options, though it’s costlier.
The Dell 14 Plus is a wonderful laptop that strikes the proper stability of what I take into account to be the three most vital elements of any laptop computer — worth, efficiency, and design. Its Lunar Lake processor permits the system to multitask with ease, even below heavy workloads. The sturdy aluminum construct homes a 2.5K show alongside considerate options like a cushty keyboard. And with its 12-hour battery, the laptop computer can final a full workday.
In a market stuffed with costly flagship fashions, the Dell 14 Plus delivers next-gen energy at an inexpensive worth.
This text was initially printed on Could 15, 2025, and was up to date on August 29, 2025 to mirror the up to date worth, which makes the Dell laptop computer an much more formiddable pickup for college kids and workplace employees.