DELL XPS 14 9440: Our final thoughts on this innovative masterpiece

The Dell XPS 14 9440 exemplifies a blend of innovative design and solid build quality, showcasing Dell's commitment to pushing boundaries with its XPS series. Following the design cues from the XPS 13 Plus, this new 14-inch model features a borderless touchpad, a flat, seamless keyboard, and a row of touch-sensitive icons in place of physical Function keys. This design is undeniably sleek, with a machined aluminum chassis that exudes durability and quality, albeit at the cost of some practical considerations.

Design and Build Quality

The XPS 14's design is visually striking, with a minimalist aesthetic that includes no visible touchpad borders, creating a clean, uninterrupted surface. However, this design choice, along with the lack of a lip on the front edge of the laptop, can make practical usage slightly challenging, such as lifting the lid with one hand or preferring tactile Function keys over touch-sensitive icons.

The chassis, made from machined aluminum, is rigid and free from flex, contributing to a premium feel, though it also adds to the laptop's weight. This might be a downside for users who prioritize portability. The available color options—platinum and graphite—further enhance the XPS 14's appeal, offering a choice between a muted silver and a matte black finish.

Display Options

The XPS 14 offers two display choices: a standard IPS display and an upgraded 3.2K OLED panel, the latter of which costs an additional $300. The IPS display provides good brightness and crisp text, making it suitable for everyday use, particularly in various lighting conditions. The OLED panel, on the other hand, delivers more vivid colors and deeper blacks, making it ideal for those who engage in color-critical work or simply prefer a more vibrant display.

Both display options support a dynamic refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz, offering smoother motion for tasks that require it while saving power when they don't. However, the OLED display does impact battery life more significantly than the IPS panel. In testing, the IPS-equipped model lasted nearly 15 hours on a streaming battery drain test, while the OLED model managed just over 9 hours.

Performance and Features

Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with an optional NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU, the XPS 14 9440 offers strong application performance, consistent with other laptops in its class. However, due to the compact design and limited venting, the GPU operates at a reduced wattage, which affects gaming performance, making it less ideal for gamers despite delivering acceptable 1080p frame rates.

One of the notable new features is the inclusion of a dedicated key for Microsoft's Copilot AI, replacing the traditional right-side menu key. This feature allows users to summon the AI assistant with a single touch, which could be a valuable addition for those who use Copilot frequently. However, the practicality of this feature depends on individual usage patterns.

Conclusion

The Dell XPS 14 9440 is a well-built, visually appealing laptop that continues Dell's tradition of innovation in the XPS line. Its design choices, while bold, may not suit everyone's preferences, particularly those who favor traditional Function keys or require a more gamer-friendly system. However, for creative professionals and design-conscious users, the XPS 14 offers a compelling package with strong performance, excellent build quality, and a range of high-quality display options.