We spent many hours testing the Dell XPS 16 9640 and want to share our honest experience. In this review, we cover the overall design, screen, performance, battery life, input devices, connectivity, cooling, and value. I also include some personal observations from our testing sessions.
Overview
The XPS 16 9640 promises to handle both creative work and everyday tasks in one machine. It features a 16.3‑inch high‑resolution display, an Intel Core Ultra processor, and an Nvidia graphics chip. With flexible options for memory and storage, this laptop is designed to be versatile. In the sections below, we break down each aspect in detail.
Key Features
- 16.3‑inch high‑resolution display
- Fast Intel Core Ultra processing
- Nvidia graphics that support creative tasks and gaming
- Multiple memory and storage configurations
- Sturdy metal and glass construction
- A clean, modern design with a hidden touchpad
Design and Build Quality
The design of the XPS 16 is modern and simple. Our testing shows that the build quality is solid and built to last.
Materials and Finishing
The body is crafted from metal and glass, giving a smooth and robust feel. The finish resists marks effectively, and you can choose between a light or dark shade to match your style. We appreciate the understated look and the professional feel it provides.
Weight and Dimensions
With a thickness under two centimeters, the laptop sports a slim profile. However, it weighs over two kilograms, emphasizing power over extreme portability. For users who value a large screen and strong performance, this design is a fair trade-off.
Portability and Use
The neat shape and firm construction contribute to a reliable tool for long work sessions. The smooth edges and solid hinge keep the screen steady. While its size might require a dedicated bag for travel, overall, it makes a strong impression.
Port Selection and Connectors
The XPS 16 comes with three Type‑C ports, a memory card slot, and an audio jack. Although older ports like USB‑A or HDMI are absent, the included adapter supplies both an HDMI port and a USB‑A connection. We find this solution fits the modern design without cluttering the aesthetic.
Display Quality
The display is one of the most impressive features of the XPS 16, and our experience confirms its excellence.
Panel Type and Resolution
Featuring a 16.3‑inch OLED panel with 4K+ resolution and a 16:10 ratio, every detail appears crisp. The extra vertical space is beneficial for reading documents and tackling creative projects.
Touch Function and Protection
The touch‑sensitive screen allows for intuitive control, while the durable glass cover keeps scratches at bay. We value this combination for its ease of use and long‑term durability.
Brightness and Color
Deep dark tones and bright highlights create high contrast, making images and videos come to life. The brightness is more than sufficient for indoor use and can be adjusted for outdoor settings. A wide color range makes this display ideal for creative work.
Refresh Rate and Response
With a 90‑hertz refresh rate, the screen provides smooth motion even during fast-paced scenes. The fast response time further enhances the overall experience when using the device for work or leisure.
Performance and Speed
Our testing shows that the XPS 16 9640 performs strongly across a range of tasks.
Processing Power
The Intel Core Ultra processor handles everything from simple browsing to heavy video editing with minimal delay. Our team noticed that switching between applications is fluid and responsive.
Graphics Capability
The Nvidia graphics chip supports demanding creative tasks and plays many games smoothly. Even though the laptop isn’t solely designed for gaming, it delivers good performance when settings are adjusted appropriately.
Multitasking and Application Speed
Files open quickly and creative tasks run without noticeable lag, which is essential for a busy work environment. Our experience indicates that this system supports multitasking well.
Cooling and Sustained Speed
During extended sessions, the cooling system maintains stable temperatures, preventing performance drops. This consistency is crucial for long workdays.
Gaming Capabilities
Though not a dedicated gaming machine, the XPS 16 handles many games quite well.
Game Performance
Popular games run at high resolution on the OLED display with satisfactory frame rates. Adjusting some settings can further improve performance, delivering a smooth gaming experience.
Visual Quality
The OLED panel’s deep blacks and vibrant colors enhance game visuals, making fast-moving scenes appear clear and detailed. This quality adds to the overall enjoyment when gaming.
Considerations for Gamers
It’s important to note that battery life decreases during extended gaming sessions, so using a charger is advisable. Under heavy load, the fans may become more noticeable, but the noise remains within acceptable limits.
Battery Life
Battery performance is a key factor for both work and travel, and the XPS 16 holds up well.
Everyday Use
For light tasks such as web browsing and video playback, the battery lasts for many hours—enough for nearly a full day of work without recharging. This extended battery life is a significant advantage.
Heavy Tasks and Gaming
Under more demanding activities like gaming or video editing, battery life drops, making it best to use the charger in those scenarios.
Fast Charging
The fast charger provided with the laptop works through any Type‑C port, quickly boosting the battery so that downtime is minimal. This feature is particularly useful during busy days.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Input devices are crucial, and the XPS 16 offers a modern, efficient setup.
Keyboard Layout and Feel
The keyboard features closely arranged keys with sufficient travel, making typing comfortable and fast. The backlit keys are helpful in low‑light conditions, and the built‑in fingerprint sensor allows for quick sign‑in.
Hidden Touchpad and Its Features
The hidden touchpad, situated beneath the keyboard, is spacious and supports precise cursor movement. Its haptic feedback simulates a real click, and after a short adjustment period, it feels natural and responsive.
Function Keys and Extra Controls
A row of touch‑based function controls displays volume, brightness, and other settings. Although there’s a brief learning curve, this modern layout ultimately enhances usability and keeps the design clean.
Ports and Connectivity
Connectivity options on the XPS 16 are designed to complement its sleek look without sacrificing functionality.
Available Ports
The laptop offers three Type‑C ports for fast data transfer and video output, along with a memory card slot and a 3.5‑mm audio jack. These ports cover most modern needs.
Adapter Use
Since the laptop lacks traditional USB‑A and HDMI ports, the included adapter provides the necessary extra connectivity for older devices, maintaining the device’s modern aesthetic.
Wireless Communication
Utilizing the latest Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth standards, the XPS 16 connects quickly and reliably, ensuring a stable and fast connection with minimal hassle.
Software and Extra Features
Bundled software adds convenience and helps manage the system effectively.
Preloaded Applications
Dell’s preinstalled apps assist with system maintenance, updates, and display adjustments. These tools keep the system running smoothly and simplify troubleshooting.
Special Keys and Assistants
A dedicated key for the new Windows assistant offers extra support when needed. Although this assistant operates online, it provides an additional layer of convenience.
User Settings and Management
The Dell software allows easy adjustments to performance settings, letting you switch between power-saving and high-performance modes based on current needs. This level of customization adds flexibility.
Thermals and Cooling System
The cooling system is effective and ensures that the laptop performs reliably even during heavy use.
Cooling Design and Vapor Chamber
A vapor chamber efficiently moves heat away from the processor and graphics chip, expelling it through vents on the sides and back. This design keeps internal temperatures within safe limits.
Fan Noise and Temperature
During light tasks, the fans operate quietly, and even under heavy load, the noise remains tolerable. The keyboard area stays cool, contributing to overall comfort during long sessions.
Consistency Under Load
Extended use does not cause overheating, and performance remains steady even during intensive tasks. This consistent behavior is one of the system’s strengths.
User Experience
Real‑world use confirms the strengths of the XPS 16 across a variety of tasks.
Ease of Use
The bright screen and clear keyboard make it simple to get started. The straightforward design and intuitive software help minimize distractions, allowing for focused work.
Adaptation Period
Adjusting to the hidden touchpad and touch‑based function keys required a few days, but this brief learning period ultimately enhanced the experience. Once accustomed, the system feels natural and efficient.
Long Hours and Travel
The extended battery life and robust build make this laptop a dependable choice for long workdays and travel. Fast charging ensures that downtime is kept to a minimum.
Value and Price
The XPS 16 is a premium machine, and its cost reflects the quality and performance it offers.
Cost and Configuration Options
The base model starts at a high price, and additional upgrades for memory or graphics push the cost even higher. However, the flexible configuration options allow you to tailor the system to your specific needs.
Investment for Work and Play
Strong build quality, long battery life, and reliable performance balance the premium cost. For professionals and creative users, the price is a solid investment in a versatile tool.
Deals and Offers
Dell frequently offers discounts and promotions, so checking for deals can make this premium laptop more accessible.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick summary of the strengths and weaknesses observed:
Pros
- Bright, clear display with deep blacks and vivid colors
- Strong build quality and a sleek, modern design
- Fast performance for both work tasks and creative projects
- Long battery life during light use
- Comfortable keyboard and responsive hidden touchpad
Cons
- Heavier than some ultraportable models
- Limited port selection may require extra accessories
- Hidden touchpad and touch function keys require a brief adjustment period
- Premium cost, especially with upgrades
- Fan noise increases under heavy load, though it remains tolerable
Final Words
After thorough testing, the Dell XPS 16 9640 has proven to be a robust machine that meets the demands of both creative and professional work. Its large, high‑resolution screen enhances productivity and media consumption, while the fast processor and Nvidia graphics chip ensure that intensive tasks run smoothly. Although the device is a bit heavier and has limited ports, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by its overall performance and build quality.
We found that adjusting to the hidden touchpad and touch‑based function keys took a few days, but these features now contribute to a modern, streamlined design. The cooling system remains effective during extended sessions, and the battery life is ample for full workdays on the go.
For anyone in need of a reliable, high‑performance machine that handles both work and play, the Dell XPS 16 9640 is worth considering. Thank you for reading this review, and we hope the insights help you decide if this laptop fits your needs.