In the ever-growing market for premium Windows laptops, the Dell XPS series has consistently stood out for its design, performance, and portability blend. The XPS 14 9440 is no exception, offering a compelling option for users who may be considering a MacBook Pro but are interested in the flexibility and customizability of Windows.
In this blog, we will review the Dell XPS 14 in detail:
Dell XPS 14 9440: Design
The Dell XPS 14 boasts a design that seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality.
- Slim and Sleek: The XPS 14 embraces a slim form factor, making it highly portable. Its aluminum chassis exudes elegance, and the CNC-milled aluminum construction ensures durability.
- Display Brilliance: The show’s star is undoubtedly the gorgeous 3.2K OLED display. With super-slim bezels, it delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Remarkably, Dell manages to fit in a 1080p webcam without compromising aesthetics.
- Speaker Placement: Unlike its smaller cousin, the XPS 13, the XPS 14 positions its down-firing speakers at the top alongside the keyboard. This intelligent move enhances sound quality while maintaining a clean design.
- Minimalist Approach: Dell’s engineers have taken a minimalist approach, resulting in one of the cleanest laptop designs. The LED function/media row and the “invisible” haptic touchpad contribute to aesthetics and thermal efficiency.
- Investment-Worthy: While the XPS 14 isn’t cheap, its hardware-packed configuration justifies the investment. The price tag is more than reasonable for a laptop that will last years before becoming obsolete.
Dell XPS 14 9440: Display
Display Options:
Unlike the XPS 13, the XPS 14 9440 offers two display options:
- FHD+ Display: This 14.5-inch display boasts a dynamic 30 Hz to 120 Hz refresh rate and covers 100% sRGB. It’s slated to offer a typical brightness of 500 nits.
- 3.2K OLED Display: The gorgeous 3.2K OLED display is the actual start. With super-slim bezels, it delivers class-leading visuals and vibrant colors.
Resolution:
The XPS 14 9440’s display has a resolution of 3200 ☓ 2000 pixels
Edge-to-Edge Design:
Like the XPS 13 Plus, the XPS 14 features an edge-to-edge display (what Dell calls “InfinityEdge”) with super slim bezels. This design choice ensures an immersive viewing experience.
Dell XPS 14 9440: Performance
Under the hood, the XPS 14’s performance is good. It comes equipped with powerful Intel Core processors, from 11th-gen up to higher-end options like the 12th-gen Core i7. These processors deliver excellent performance for everyday tasks, content creation, and even light gaming. While not explicitly designed for hardcore gaming, the integrated Iris Xe graphics or optional Nvidia RTX configurations will handle most modern games at moderate settings.
Processor Powerhouse:
The XPS 14 has an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor. This powerful core ultra processor ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness across various workloads.
Graphics Capabilities:
For graphics, the XPS 14 offers two options:
- Nvidia RTX 4050: While not the most potent GPU for gaming, it still delivers impressive performance and can match or exceed what you’d get from a 14-inch MacBook Pro.
- Intel Arc Graphics: If you opt for the base configuration, you’ll rely on Intel Arc for graphics, which is still commendable but not as robust as the RTX 4050.
Stunning Display:
The real showstopper is the 3.2K OLED display with super-slim bezels. Dell’s wizardry manages to fit in a 1080p webcam without compromising aesthetics.
Battery Life:
Admittedly, the XPS 14 falls short in battery life compared to the MacBook Pro. However, its other features more than compensate for this trade-off.
Dell XPS 14 9440: Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard on the XPS 14 is one of the best in the business. The keys offer satisfying travel and feedback, creating a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The trackpad is equally impressive, offering a large, smooth surface for precise cursor control and multi-touch gestures.
Keyboard:
- The XPS 14 features a backlit keyboard that balances comfort and aesthetics.
- The essential travel is satisfying, allowing precise typing without feeling too shallow.
- Dell’s chiclet-style keys are well-spaced, making long typing sessions a breeze.
- The key layout is standard, with dedicated function keys and a responsive typing experience.
Trackpad:
- The XPS 14 boasts a large, glass-covered trackpad that supports Windows Precision drivers.
- Its smooth surface ensures accurate cursor movement and effortless gestures.
- Multi-touch gestures work seamlessly, allowing you to navigate, scroll, and zoom easily.
- The haptic feedback provides a subtle tactile response, enhancing usability.
Dell XPS 14 9440: Ports and Options
External Ports:
The XPS 14 offers a range of connectivity options:
- Three Thunderbolt 4 ports: These versatile USB-C ports support power delivery and DisplayPort output.
- A 3.5mm combo jack: Ideal for headphones or external speakers.
- A microSD slot: Convenient for expanding storage or transferring files.
Wireless Connectivity:
The XPS 14 includes Bluetooth for seamless wireless connections.
Storage:
It packs a 512GB SSD for fast and efficient storage.
Graphics:
Graphics are powered by Intel Arc, providing commendable performance.
Dell XPS 14 9440: Price and Availability
The Dell XPS 14 9440 is now on sale in the US, UK, and Australia, with a starting price of $1,499 / £1,599 / AU$2,998.60. This base model includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor with integrated Arc graphics, 16GB LPDDR5x RAM, 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD storage, and a 14.5-inch full HD+ (1920x1200p) non-touch display.
Warranty and Support:
Dell offers Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro support plans.
Financing Offers:
Opening a Dell Pay Credit B or Dell Business Credit account can earn you special financing offers and rewards.
Dell XPS 14 9440: Recommended Configuration
Let us take a look at the recommended configuration for the laptop:
- Processor Options: Choose the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H for multitasking prowess and the Nvidia RTX 4050 for solid performance, similar to the MacBook Pro 14-inch.
- Stunning Display: This phone features a 3.2K OLED screen with slim bezels and a built-in 1080p webcam, delivering aesthetics and functionality.
- Memory and Storage: The recommended configuration is 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, with options to upgrade RAM for enhanced performance.
- Design Excellence: Follows XPS 13 Plus design cues, integrating speakers for improved sound.
- Investment: The ideal configuration costs around $2,400, starting at $1,499. It is a valuable long-term investment because it offers a feature-rich package in a compact design.
Dell XPS 14 9440: Tech Specs
| Tech Specs | Dell XPS 14 9440 |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H (24MB Cache, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz) |
| Operating System | Dell Technologies recommends Windows 11 Pro for business, Windows 11 Home, English, French, and Spanish. |
| Graphics card | Intel Arc graphics |
| Display | 14.5″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge non-touch display, 500-nit |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5x Dual Channel at 6400MT/s |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive |
| Keyboard | Platinum Backlit English Keyboard with Fingerprint Reader |
| Slots | One microSDXC card reader v6.0 UHS-I/UHS-II |
| Camera | 1080p at 30 fps FHD RGB-IR camera, Dual-array microphones, Ambient light sensor, Windows Hello compliant, Express Sign-In™, Intel Intelligent Collaboration |
| Primary Battery | 6-Cell, 69.5Whr |
| Power | 60 Watt Type-C Adapter |
Should You Buy the Dell XPS 14:
The Dell XPS 14 is an excellent choice for Windows users looking for a premium laptop that can handle various tasks. It offers an outstanding design, performance, and portability balance, making it a strong contender against the MacBook Pro. If you’re looking for a Windows laptop with a gorgeous display, a comfortable keyboard, and a long battery life, the XPS 14 is a great option.
Here are some additional factors to keep in mind when making your decision:
- Price: The XPS 14 starts at a premium price point but can vary depending on your chosen configuration.
- Graphics: If you’re a gamer or creative professional who needs a powerful graphics card, you may want to consider a gaming laptop or a workstation laptop like the HP Zbook series.
- Screen Size: The XPS 14 has a 14-inch display. If you need a larger screen, you may want to consider a 15-inch or 16-inch laptop.
Final Thoughts
The Dell XPS 14 is an excellent choice for Windows users looking for a premium, portable, powerful laptop with superb performance, a beautiful display, and a comfortable typing experience. It’s a strong contender for those considering a MacBook Pro but wanting the flexibility and customizability of Windows.
FAQ
Q. What are the key features of the Dell XPS 14 9440?
A. The Dell XPS 14 has exceptional performance thanks to its processor and graphic capabilities. It has reliable battery life, an outstanding keyboard, and impressive speaker quality.
Q. How does the XPS 14 9440 compare to the MacBook Pro?
A. The Dell XPS 14 stands out as a solid alternative to the MacBook Pro for Windows laptop users due to its powerful Intel Core ultra processors, 14-inch full HD OLED display, and SSD storage options.
Q. What makes the Dell XPS 14 stand out among Windows laptops?
A. The Dell XPS 14 is a premium laptop known for its superior keyboard, excellent battery life, and impressive performance. It offers a perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a top choice for those seeking a MacBook alternative.
Q. How does the Dell XPS 14’s battery life hold up?
A. The Dell XPS 14 provides impressive battery life, allowing users to work or stream content for extended periods without constantly charging. Its efficient processor and graphics contribute to its long-lasting performance.
Q. Is the Dell XPS 14 suitable for gaming?
A. While the Dell XPS 14 may not be specifically designed for gaming, its powerful specs, including the NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU, make it capable of handling various gaming titles with smooth frame rates and refresh rates.
