Introduction: The Elite 16-Inch Creator’s Flagship
The Dell XPS 16 (9640) sets the bar for high-end productivity laptops in 2026. Sporting a 16.3″ OLED UHD+ (3840×2400) touchscreen, blazing RTX 4060 graphics, and the powerful Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, this machine is built for creators, multitaskers, and AI enthusiasts. Add 32 GB LPDDR5x RAM, 1 TB PCIe-4 SSD, and a Copilot-enabled webcam, and you‘re looking at a next-level workstation wrapped in a sleek, ultra-premium aluminum chassis.
This XPS blends performance and elegance in a way few laptops can match—making it a prime choice for professionals, creators, and power users alike.
- Processor: Ultra 9 processor 185H (24MB Cache, 16 cores, based on 3.8 GHz up to 5.10 GHz Turbo)
- Display: 16.3″, Touch 4K OLED, 400 nit, 48-90Hz, InfinityEdge, Low Blue Light
Quick Specs Snapshot
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Display | 16.3″ OLED UHD+ (3840×2400), Touch |
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (Meteor Lake) |
Graphics | NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Laptop, ~60 W) |
Memory | 32 GB LPDDR5x |
Storage | 1 TB PCIe-4 NVMe SSD |
Connectivity | 3× Thunderbolt 4, microSD slot, audio combo jack, Wi-Fi 7 |
Biometrics | Fingerprint scanner, AI-enhanced Copilot Webcam |
Build | CNC aluminum, Gorilla Glass deck, borderless touchpad, capacitive function row |
Included | USB-C dongle for legacy ports |
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Build & Design: Modern Elegance Meets Function
The XPS 16 commands presence with its machined aluminum body, Gorilla Glass touch deck, and seamless glass touchpad. It exudes refinement at every angle, though the zero-visible touchpad and capacitive top row may require an adjustment period. The keyboard, though visually unconventional, delivers a satisfying typing experience with 1 mm key travel.
Weight sits just under 5 lbs, which is substantial but justified by the premium materials and hardware inside. Port selection is minimalist: three Thunderbolt 4 ports flank the sides, complemented by a combo jack and microSD slot. You’ll need a USB-C dongle to connect legacy USB-A and HDMI.
Performance: Creator-Grade Muscle with AI Flair
CPU & AI Power
Equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, the XPS 16 delivers robust multi-core performance while maintaining efficient thermals—a sweet spot for creative applications and AI workflows using the NPU.
GPU Capability
The RTX 4060 laptop GPU (approx. 60 W) can handle demanding creative tasks like video rendering or 3D modeling—but it’s not a top-end gaming GPU. Still, it handles mainstream AAA titles at respectable settings, especially when paired with DLSS scaling.
Real-World Workflow
With 32 GB LPDDR5x and a fast 1 TB NVMe SSD, this machine flies through multitasking, editing, and coding. Daily creative work is smooth, and local AI features benefit from the built-in NPU—complete with a convenient Copilot key on the keyboard.
Display & Audio: Visuals That Shine
The 16.3″ OLED UHD+ touchscreen delivers unmatched clarity—rich blacks, vivid colors, and pristine detail make content feel alive. Its 3840×2400 resolution provides expansive work space, ideal for editing and photo work.
Audio impresses with built-in up-firing speakers—perfect for conference calls or media playback. The Copilot webcam adds AI-enhanced features for productivity, and a fingerprint scanner ensures fast, secure logins.
Productivity & Workflow Features
- Copilot Key: Quickly invoke AI tools right from the keyboard.
- USB-C Docking Support: While ports are limited, Thunderbolt chaining keeps your workspace clean.
- Solid Battery Life: Efficient CPU and OLED efficiency deliver all-day productivity under light use.
- Thermal Design: Dual fans, corner intake, and hidden exhausts keep performance high without noise.
Pros & Cons
** Pros**
- Premium aluminum/Gorilla Glass build
- OLED UHD+ touchscreen with excellent color and clarity
- Powerful Intel Ultra CPU with AI capabilities
- Fast RTX 4060 GPU for creative tasks
- Responsive Copilot webcam and fingerprint sensor
** Cons**
- Expensive configuration
- Invisible touchpad and function row have a learning curve
- Limited physical ports—dongle required for USB-A & HDMI
- RTX 4060 capped at ~60 W—not ideal for high-end gaming thermals
Buying Guide: Who’s It Best For?
Ideal for…
- Creators, developers, and AI users who want all-in-one mobility and power
- Users who value elegant aesthetics and premium materials
- Multitaskers who want a crisp OLED display for productivity and media
Maybe skip if…
- You need robust gaming performance from your laptop
- You depend on legacy ports without dongles
- You prefer established keyboard layouts over minimalist design
FAQs
Q1. Can it edit 4K video easily?
Absolutely. The CPU, GPU, high-res OLED, and fast SSD make 4K video editing smooth.
Q2. Is it good for creative work (photo, design)?
Yes—OLED clarity and touch controls make it ideal for visual creators.
Q3. How’s the battery life?
Solid for typical productivity but shorter when gaming or under heavy GPU use.
Q4. Is the touchpad uncomfortable?
Some may find the zero-lattice touchpad and capacitive function row odd at first—but typing accuracy and feel are good once acclimated.
Q5. Is it future ready?
Yes. With Thunderbolt 4, OLED, powerful CPU, RTX GPU, and AI tools, you’re well-equipped for years to come.
Final Verdict
The Dell XPS 16 (9640) is a standout in 2026’s creator laptop lineup. It balances premium design, powerful performance, AI capability, and OLED brilliance in an elegant chassis. While pricey and a bit port-light, it’s one of the most compelling laptops for professionals who want a powerful, beautiful, and smart workstation.
- Best for Creators & AI Workers: OLED, AI tools, powerful internals
- Best for Business Multitasking: Sleek build, excellent input, and visuals
- Best for Long-Term Use: Durable materials and future-ready I/O
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