The New Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1: A Competent Hybrid with a Streamlined Identity
In previous years, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 likely would have carried the familiar Inspiron moniker. However, following a significant rebranding effort earlier this year, Dell has consolidated its consumer PC line under its own name, supplemented by identifiers that convey size, design, and premium status. While the decision to discontinue the iconic XPS tag might be debated by some, the move to streamline its portfolio makes considerable sense, especially for those simply seeking a new laptop.
The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 stands out as one of the company's inaugural consumer laptops to showcase this updated naming scheme and refreshed styling. As expected, this machine delivers as a solidly competent midrange laptop, ideal for everyday productivity, with the added versatility of its convertible design. Yet, despite these numerous changes, there's a lingering sense that something intangible is missing from the overall experience.
Design Evolution: Subtle Refinement
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Dell has thoroughly reworked the design language across its laptop family, a change evident in the 16 Plus 2-in-1. It boasts a robust build, featuring smooth aluminum panels on both the top and bottom, adorned with a matte finish and gently rounded edges. The 360-degree hinges are commendably small and unobtrusive, yet they provide ample support, allowing for seamless transitions into tent and tablet modes. However, in some respects, Dell might have veered too far into minimalism. The laptop's sole distinguishing characteristic remains the classic Dell logo, subtly placed in the center of its lid.
Port selection is adequate, though not exceptional. It includes two USB-C sockets (one supporting Thunderbolt 4, the other handling DisplayPort 1.4), one USB-A, an HDMI 2.1 slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Given its size, however, an additional USB-C connector, perhaps on the right side of the system, would have been a welcome addition. Relying solely on the left-side ports for charging can be inconvenient depending on your workspace setup. The absence of a microSD card reader is also a minor drawback for content creators.
The keyboard offers a satisfying typing experience and includes a full numeric keypad, a boon for those who frequently work with numbers. Unfortunately, the 16 Plus' touchpad leaves something to be desired. Despite its generous size, it felt surprisingly unresponsive. Initially, nearly a quarter of my right-click attempts registered no action. While I eventually adapted, the overall clicking sensation never felt quite right.
The integrated speakers are also somewhat underwhelming. Positioned behind two small slits on the bottom of the chassis, the audio output tends to sound flat, hollow, and distant, even at higher volumes. Given the choice, some might prefer sacrificing the physical numeric keypad for upward or forward-firing speakers positioned on either side of the keyboard, though this is acknowledged as a potentially unpopular trade-off for data entry professionals.
Display Brilliance: A Visual Treat
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The 16-inch touch display on our review unit is a standout feature, particularly with Dell's optional 2,560 x 1,600 mini LED screen. This panel not only reaches an impressive 600 nits of brightness but also offers a slightly faster 90Hz refresh rate compared to the default 300-nit 1,920 x 1,200 FHD+ panel. After extended use, it's clear that this display upgrade is well worth the investment. Colors appear richer and more saturated, providing superior brightness, contrast, and black levels when compared to a standard LCD panel.
Performance: Ready for Daily Demands
Equipped with either an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V or Ultra 7 258V chip, alongside up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, the 16 Plus delivers ample speed for a wide range of everyday computing tasks. With processors capable of reaching either 40 or 47 TOPS, depending on the configuration, these laptops are fully equipped to support all of Microsoft's Copilot+ AI features. However, it's important to note that this machine does not support discrete graphics, making it less suitable for demanding tasks such as serious video editing, intensive gaming, or 3D modeling.
Battery Life: Above Average Stamina
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boasts above-average longevity. In PCMark10's Modern Office rundown test, it managed to last eight hours and 12 minutes. This performance is significantly better than competitors like HP's Spectre x360 16 (which clocked in at just over five hours), though it still falls short of smaller, less powerful models such as the ASUS Zenbook A14 (18 hours and 16 minutes).
The relatively compact 65-watt charger included by Dell is also a practical touch. Furthermore, the 16 Plus supports charging over USB-C (via either of its ports), offering the flexibility to use a third-party power brick if preferred.
Conclusion: A Solid, Yet Unassuming, Performer
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The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is, in essence, a perfectly competent hybrid laptop. Its versatile hinge allows it to effortlessly transform into various modes, adapting to diverse user needs. The chassis is well-constructed, even if its aesthetic isn't particularly attention-grabbing. Performance is solid, and battery life is slightly better than average for its class, while the optional mini LED display provides a truly excellent viewing experience. Starting at just $750 (with the fully loaded review model around $1,400), this system feels quite reasonably priced.
My primary reservation lies in its overall persona. Between its revamped name and new streamlined design, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 suffers from a complete lack of personality. It's an entirely serviceable machine, but it doesn't possess a single trait or feature that truly endears it to the user. The same applies to its naming convention. With Apple, for instance, you know you're getting a MacBook or an iPad. With this device, "Dell" is the company name, but now it's also the name of the laptop? Or is it simply the "16 Plus 2-in-1"? Either way, the branding can feel somewhat awkward.
I fully acknowledge that not everyone shares this sentiment about their gadgets, understanding that at its core, a PC is merely a tool. However, as someone who values a connection with the devices I invest in, Dell's recent PC revamp has, for me, produced something that is technically proficient but challenging to truly love.
