Why I suggest this Dell laptop for work over rival Windows computers

My preferred workplace laptop is the Dell 14 Plus because of its powerful hardware and long battery life.

The Dell 14 Plus

Main conclusions

Right now, the 16GB model of the Dell 14 Plus is on sale for $649.

This laptop, which offers next-generation performance at a reasonable cost, is a lifeline during a period of economic uncertainty.

However, since it’s not an OLED or 4K panel, don’t have high expectations for its display.

Dell took a risk back in early 2025. The business declared that all of its products would be rebranded. Traditional names like “XPS” and “Inspiron” were dropped in favor of more generic-sounding ones.

A few of these are “Dell,” “Dell Pro,” and “Dell Premium.” In order to determine whether this generation marks a new era for Dell or if it is more of the same, I have been eager to test it out. I just got the chance to use the Dell 14 Plus.

This is one of the Inspiron series’ successors and the company’s most recent midrange laptop. With its recognizable gray rubber keys and all-silver body, it even has the appearance of an Inspiron. Despite the Dell 14 Plus’s unremarkable look, I nevertheless had a great time using it.

It combines cutting-edge innovations with time-tested technology. As I stated in my previous assessment of the Inspiron 14 Plus, “the device has many of the hallmark features I enjoy in a laptop.” Now, let me reiterate.

Don’t fix anything that isn’t broken.

The Inspiron 14’s cozy keyboard has been brought back. Its chiclet-shaped keys are still soft to the touch but nonetheless sensitive. They are housed in a chassis that is mostly composed of aluminum, which gives Dell’s computer a pleasant, robust feel. The bottom half’s edges are softened for comfort, much like before.

Since I suggested that Dell stick with the same anti-fingerprint manufacturing method for its upcoming products, I also like to think that the company read my previous evaluation. In fact, during the entire time I handled the Dell 14 Plus, there was not a single fingerprint smudge on it.

Excellent performance

An Intel Core Ultra 256V processor, an integrated Intel Arc graphics card, and 16GB of RAM were included in my review. The performance results of the Dell 14 Plus across several benchmark tests are displayed in the table below. For comparison, I have added other laptops with comparable hardware

You can see from the data that Dell’s machine performed admirably across the three tests. In every parameter, it performed better than the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition, and it nearly beat the HP EliteBook.

This indicates to me that the 14 Plus can handle heavy workloads with relative ease and generates high-resolution photographs rapidly. Although it’s not a high-end model, the setup can provide a comparable experience.

My other performance test, which involved running 50 tabs in Google Chrome, mirrored this experience. Ten ZDNET articles, five Amazon product listings, a number of YouTube live broadcasts (some in 4K), and a selection of randomly selected GIFs were all included in my pick.

As expected, the Dell 14 Plus performed admirably. It only slightly slowed down to accommodate all of the open windows; nothing too crippling. Overheating was the main drawback of the hard workload; after a few minutes, the keyboard started to get a bit warm.

Let’s discuss that display.

Thus, the laptop not only has a good design but also offers excellent performance. “Are there any issues with the Dell 14 Plus?” is a question you might have. Yes, the exhibit didn’t really appeal to me. The screen didn’t wow me, but it’s not horrible in and of itself. Maybe other laptops that are better at these things have spoiled me.

The 14-inch 2.5K (2,540 x 1,600) display on my evaluation device produced remarkably detailed images. Clarity is preserved in bright lighting thanks to the display’s anti-glare coating. However, the Dell 14 Plus’s screen is notably duller than that of the Lenovo Yoga 9i, as was previously highlighted.

And there is support for it. The display can support a large number of colors thanks to Dolby Vision, but it’s still not very good.

A pair of 2.5W speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro and Dolby Atmos Core compatibility are also housed inside the chassis. When combined, they allow for the production of immersive sound. But the drivers are pointing down toward the bottom of the laptop. This placement muffles the sound, which is why I’ve never been a fan.

Thankfully, the Dell 14 Plus is able to get around this restriction to some extent because to the previously stated audio software pairing. The speakers produce clear audio for both music and conversation. If the drivers were on top, though, I can’t help but think how much better the sonic output would be.

Under Best Power Efficiency, the Dell 14 Plus’s battery lasted roughly 11 hours and 40 minutes before dying entirely. For instance, with proper optimization, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition may last a good twelve hours. Because Dell’s computer provides a similar experience at a lower cost, I ultimately like it more.

Purchasing guidance

The Dell 14 Plus starts at just $649 at the time of publication. At $1,250, the configuration of my evaluation unit is a little more costly. The most powerful version comes with an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor and 32GB of RAM. It is presently on sale at a reduced $1,060. A 1 TB SSD is included with all three.

In a sea of high-priced PCs, Dell’s most recent device sticks out as a fantastic, reasonably priced choice that performs admirably. I am putting aside the minor problems I encountered because it was such a positive experience. To anyone searching for a cutting-edge laptop that won’t break the bank, I heartily recommend it. It is unquestionably a highlight of 2025 in my opinion.

That being said, I suggest the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition if you’re searching for something different. Despite being more costly, it boasts a far superior display and strong AI capabilities.

The reasons behind the Editors’ Choice award for the Dell 14 Plus

The Dell 14 Plus is a great computer that perfectly balances the three factors that I believe are most crucial for any laptop: cost, functionality, and design. Even with high workloads, the device’s Lunar Lake processor makes multitasking effortless. Together with thoughtful features like a comfortable keyboard, the robust aluminum construction houses a 2.5K display. Additionally, the laptop’s 12-hour battery lasts for an entire workday.

Despite the market’s abundance of high-end flagship models, the Dell 14 Plus offers next-generation power at a reasonable cost.

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