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| The Pro 5 Series 16 now comes with AMD Ryzen AI 400 processors. |
Just over a month after introducing its first Panther Lake–powered laptops, Dell is back with fresh additions to the Pro 5 Series 16 family. The Texas-based PC maker has quietly rolled out two major updates: new Wildcat Lake–based SKUs in Europe, and a global release of AMD Ryzen AI 400–equipped models (codenamed P516265). If you’ve been waiting for a versatile 16-inch workstation that balances raw performance with reasonable power efficiency, Dell’s latest offerings might finally check all your boxes.
But here’s the twist – the AMD version undercuts Intel’s Panther Lake models by a significant margin, making it one of the more compelling business laptops of the year. Let’s break down everything you need to know, from benchmark numbers to battery options and where you can actually buy one.
A Quick Recap: Panther Lake and the Pro 16 PC16255
Back at the start of May 2026, Dell made headlines by launching the first commercial laptops based on Intel’s Panther Lake architecture – the Dell Pro 16 PC16255 (currently $1,199 on Amazon). That device was quickly followed by the P516260, which packed Intel’s newer processors alongside LPCAMM2 memory for better power efficiency.
Now Dell is doubling down. Last week, Wildcat Lake–based versions of the Pro 5 Series 16 quietly appeared in European markets. For a deeper dive into those low‑power SKUs, our colleagues over at LaptopsCheck covered the Wildcat Lake launch in detail here. But the bigger story might be what Dell is doing with AMD silicon.
AMD Ryzen AI 400 Takes Center Stage (P516265)
Globally, Dell now sells the Pro 5 Series 16 with AMD Ryzen AI 400 series processors. The model number to look for is P516265, and it starts with a Ryzen AI 5 Pro 435. For power users, Dell offers configuration options all the way up to the Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 470.
And the performance gap between the two is nothing short of dramatic. According to Dell’s own benchmarks, the Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 470 delivers a 49% performance improvement over the Ryzen AI 5 Pro 435 in general CPU workloads. That advantage expands to over 80% in GPU‑heavy tasks – a massive leap if you frequently work with video editing, 3D rendering, or data visualisation.
We haven’t yet had a chance to run our own full suite of tests on the P516265, but those numbers suggest the top‑tier AMD configuration could rival – or even surpass – some of Dell’s Intel offerings at a lower price point.
Memory, Storage, and a Trade‑Off to Consider
Dell isn’t skimping on the rest of the specification sheet. The P516265 can be configured with up to 2 TB of NVMe storage and a whopping 64 GB of DDR5‑5600 RAM. And yes, the RAM is user‑replaceable – a welcome feature for IT departments and tinkerers alike.
However, there’s a catch. This RAM is the standard SODIMM variety, which is neither as fast nor as energy‑efficient as the LPCAMM2 memory found in the Intel‑based P516260. If battery life and memory bandwidth are absolute priorities, the Panther Lake model still holds an edge. But for most users, the difference will be negligible, especially given the price advantage of the AMD version.
Battery, Charging, and Connectivity: Plenty of Options
Dell is offering three battery capacities for the P516265: 45 Wh, 57 Wh, and 70 Wh. Which one you get depends on your configuration and regional SKU. Charging support is equally flexible – the laptop works with 65 W, 100 W, or 65 W GaN chargers. The GaN option is particularly compact, making it a great travel companion.
On the wireless front, Dell gives you a choice of Wi‑Fi 6E or Wi‑Fi 7 modems. And if you need always‑online connectivity, there are two cellular options:
- Snapdragon X12 for 4G LTE
- MediaTek T700 for 5G
Whether you’re a road warrior or a remote worker, the Pro 5 Series 16 has you covered.
Display: 1600p, 120 Hz, and VRR – But Still IPS
One of the standout features of the P516265 is its display configuration. You can upgrade to a 16‑inch, 1600p panel with 500 nits of brightness, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and variable refresh rate (VRR) support. The anti‑glare coating is a thoughtful touch for anyone who works near windows or under harsh office lighting.
The downside? All display options remain IPS‑based. There’s no OLED or mini‑LED option here, which is a bit of a letdown for creative professionals who crave perfect blacks and higher contrast. Still, IPS technology has come a long way, and a 500‑nit, 120 Hz panel with VRR is nothing to sneeze at – especially in a business‑focused laptop.
Pricing and Where to Buy
Here’s where things get interesting. The Dell Pro 5 Series 16 (P516265) starts at $2,099 in the United States – a substantial saving over the Panther Lake‑based models. For that price, you get the base Ryzen AI 5 Pro 435, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. Higher configurations naturally cost more, but the value proposition is hard to ignore.
You can check out the US model directly on Dell’s official US store here.
For our readers in other regions, Dell has set up local store pages as well:
- Canada: Dell Pro 5 Series 16 on Dell Canada
- Germany: Dell Pro 5 Series 16 on Dell Germany
- United Kingdom: Dell Pro 5 Series 16 on Dell UK
- Australia: Dell Pro 5 Series 16 on Dell Australia – but note that you must call Dell directly to place an order in Australia. Online checkout isn’t available for this model down under just yet.
Pricing in Canada, Germany, and the UK is broadly comparable to the US when you account for exchange rates and local taxes. The Australian situation is the only outlier, requiring a phone call – presumably due to limited initial stock or regional certification delays.
How It Compares to the Original Pro 16 PC16255
If you’re on a tighter budget, the original Dell Pro 16 PC16255 is still available on Amazon for $1,199. That model uses older Intel processors and lacks some of the refinements of the 2026 Pro 5 Series. But at nearly half the price of the new AMD version, it remains a solid choice for basic productivity and light multitasking.
For a more detailed comparison between the first‑generation Pro 5 Series and the newer AMD variant, LaptopsCheck published an in‑depth analysis back in May – well worth a read before you make a decision.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the P516265?
Dell’s Pro 5 Series 16 (P516265) isn’t trying to be the thinnest or the lightest 16‑inch laptop on the market. Instead, it’s a workhorse with serious configuration flexibility. The ability to upgrade RAM, choose between three battery sizes, and add 4G or 5G cellular makes it a dream for IT managers who need to deploy a single model across diverse roles.
The AMD Ryzen AI 400 series gives it genuine performance chops, especially in the higher‑end Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 470 trim. And starting at $2,099, it undercuts the Panther Lake models by a healthy margin while still offering many of the same modern features (Wi‑Fi 7, VRR display, multiple cellular options).
The trade‑offs – standard SODIMM RAM instead of LPCAMM2, IPS instead of OLED – are reasonable given the price difference. If you need absolute best‑in‑class memory efficiency or a perfect black level, look at the Intel version or wait for a possible premium display SKU. But for everyone else, the P516265 is shaping up to be one of the best value‑oriented business laptops of 2026.
You can explore configurations and place an order (where available) via the regional Dell links above. And if you’re in Australia – well, you know the drill. Pick up the phone.
Source : Dell Australia, Canada, Germany, UK & US
