Contents
Dell XPS 14 9440
The Dell XPS 14 9440 is a remarkable addition to the XPS series, offering Windows users a premium alternative to the MacBook Pro 14-inch. With its breathtaking OLED display, powerful processor and GPU, and sleek design, this laptop sets a new standard in the market. However, it’s not without its quirks, and its premium price tag may deter some potential buyers. Yet, few Windows laptops can genuinely compete with what the XPS 14 brings to the table.
Design and Display: A Feast for the Eyes
The Dell XPS 14 impresses right from the start with its stunning design. Building on the design innovations introduced by the XPS 13 Plus in 2022, the XPS 14 9440 features subtle enhancements that improve the overall user experience. One of the most noticeable changes is the refined speaker placement. Unlike the XPS 13 Plus, the XPS 14 positions its speakers higher up next to the keyboard, offering a better audio experience without sacrificing valuable keyboard space.
The real star of the show, however, is the laptop’s display. The XPS 14 boasts a magnificent 3.2K OLED screen with ultra-thin bezels, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks that make any content look spectacular. The inclusion of a 1080p webcam is a welcome touch, though it’s a shame that Dell hasn’t included a physical privacy shutter.
Performance
Under the hood, the XPS 14 is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H processor and Nvidia’s RTX 4050 GPU. This combination ensures that the laptop delivers robust performance across a variety of tasks, from moderate content creation to 1080p gaming. In fact, in some scenarios, the XPS 14 can even hold its own against the MacBook Pro 14-inch, particularly in gaming, though the RTX 4050 isn’t quite powerful enough to compete with dedicated gaming laptops.
However, this level of performance doesn’t come cheap. The base model of the XPS 14 9440 starts at $1,499, but it lacks an OLED display and a dedicated Nvidia GPU. To get the configuration we recommend—which includes both the OLED screen and the RTX 4050—you’ll need to shell out close to $2,400. While this is a significant investment, the hardware packed into this sleek 14-inch laptop makes it a purchase that will remain relevant for years.
Final Thoughts: A Top-Tier Windows Laptop
In conclusion, the Dell XPS 14 9440 is a top-tier Windows laptop that excels in both design and performance. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, it’s undoubtedly one of the best. For those willing to invest in a high-quality laptop that can handle a wide range of tasks, the XPS 14 is a strong contender and a worthy rival to the MacBook Pro.