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Title: Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 review: Technically proficient but lacking soul

Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:30:03 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/de...

In previous years, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 probably would have been called an
Inspiron. However, after the company revamped its naming scheme earlier this
year, all of its consumer PCs now share its name, with a few extra
identifiers that call out size, design and status (aka how fancy it is).
While I still think DellΓÇÖs choice to ditch the iconic XPS tag is a mistake,
streamlining its portfolio makes a lot of sense, especially for people simply
looking to buy a new laptop.

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is one of the company's first consumer laptops to
feature its updated naming scheme and refreshed styling. And to little
surprise, this machine is a solidly competent midrange laptop for everyday
productivity with a bit of extra flexibility thanks to its convertible
design. But despite all these changes, it feels like something is missing.

Design

Like it did with its model names, Dell has reworked the design of its laptop
family. The 16 Plus 2-in-1 features a solid build consisting of smooth
aluminum panels on top and bottom with a matte finish and rounded edges. Its
360-degree hinges are small and subtle while still providing plenty of
support for tent and tablet modes. But in some ways, it feels like Dell may
have gone a bit too minimalist, as the laptop's only distinguishing
characteristic is the classic Dell logo in the center of its lid.

Port selection is good, but not outstanding, with two USB-C sockets (one
supports Thunderbolt 4 while the other handles DisplayPort 1.4), one USB-A, a
HDMI 2.1 slot and a 3.5mm audio jack. However, considering its size, I would
have liked to see one more USB-C connector, particularly on the right side of
the system. Only being able to charge using the ports on the left can be a
bit awkward depending on your setup. The lack of a microSD card reader isn't
ideal for content creators either.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

The keyboard feels great and includes a full number pad for those who need
one. Unfortunately, I don't love the 16 Plus' touchpad. Even though it's
rather large, it felt surprisingly unresponsive. At first, nearly a quarter
of the time I tried to right-click, I simply got nothing. Granted, I was able
to adapt, but no matter what I did, clicking never felt quite right.

Dell's speakers are also somewhat disappointing as they are hidden behind two
small slits on the bottom of the system. This results in audio that sounds
flat, hollow and distant, even when the volume is turned up. Given the
choice, I would trade the physical number pad for up- or forward-firing
speakers positioned on either side of the keyboard, though I admit that might
not be a popular choice for anyone who has to do a lot of data entry.

Display Sam Rutherford for Engadget

The 16-inch touch display on our review unit is a bright spot as it features
Dell's optional 2,560 x 1,600 mini LED screen. Not only can it produce up to
600 nits of brightness, it also has a slightly faster 90Hz refresh rate than
the default 300-nit 1,920 x 1,200 FHD+ panel. And after using it for several
weeks, this display is definitely one upgrade worth paying for. Colors are
richer and more saturated while also providing better brightness, contrast
and black levels than a basic LCD panel.

Performance

Packing either an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V or Ultra 7 258V chip, along with up
to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, the 16 Plus has more than enough speed for
everyday computing tasks. Because these laptops can reach either 40 or 47
TOPS, depending on the processor, they support all of Microsoft's Copilot+ AI
features. That said, it doesn't support discrete graphics, so this machine
isn't a great choice for anyone who regularly needs to do things like serious
video editing, gaming or 3D modeling.

Battery life Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Thanks to its 64WHr battery, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 offers above average
longevity. On PCMark10's Modern Office rundown test, it lasted eight hours
and 12 minutes. ThatΓÇÖs significantly better than rivals like HP's Spectre
x360 16 (slightly over five hours), but still a far cry from smaller and less
powerful models like the ASUS Zenbook A14 (18:16).

I also appreciate that Dell's included 65-watt charger is relatively compact.
The 16 Plus supports charging over USB-C (with either of its ports), so you
can also use a third-party brick if you prefer.

Wrap-up

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is a perfectly competent hybrid laptop. Its hinge
allows the system to transform into various modes to better adapt to your
needs. Its chassis is well built even though it's not particularly eye-
catching. Performance is solid and battery life is slightly better than
average for its class, while Dell's optional mini LED display provides a
great viewing experience. And starting at just $750 (or around $1,400 for the
fully loaded model review here), this system feels very reasonably priced.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

My main issue is that between its revamped name and new streamlined design,
the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 suffers from a complete lack of personality. It's a
totally serviceable machine, but it doesn't have a single trait or feature
that endears itself to its user. Same goes for its name. At least with Apple,
you know you're getting a MacBook or an iPad. With this thing, Dell is the
name of the company, but now it's also the name of the laptop too? Or is it
just called the 16 Plus 2-in-1? Either way, it's awkward.

Now I fully admit that not everyone feels this way about their gadgets,
because at the end of the day, a PC is just a tool. But as someone who likes
to feel connected to the devices I buy, Dell's PC revamp has produced
something that's hard to love.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/de...
technically-proficient-but-lacking-soul-153003908.html?src=rss

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