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| The Dell 14 features a plastic design and comes in two colours. |
Dell has quietly launched a new 14-inch laptop that's already turning heads in the budget computing segment. Released alongside a larger 15-inch counterpart, the Dell 14 positions itself as a more affordable option compared to the premium Dell 14S that arrived earlier this year.
If you're in the market for a reliable everyday laptop without breaking the bank, this new offering from Dell might just be what you've been waiting for. The company has taken a different approach with the Dell 14, opting for Intel's Wildcat Lake platform rather than the more powerful Core Ultra processors found in its premium siblings.
Performance: Wildcat Lake vs. Core Ultra
The Dell 14 comes with a choice between three processors: the Core 3 304, Core 5 320, or Core 7 350. For those wondering about performance, the Core 7 350 is noticeably more powerful than either the Core 3 304 or Core 5 320, making it the recommended choice for users who need a bit more computing muscle.
However, it's important to manage expectations. Our benchmarks show that even the top-tier Core 7 350 trails significantly behind both the Core Ultra 7 355 found in the XPS 14 and the Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition, as well as Apple's A18 Pro chip. The Dell 14 isn't designed to compete with premium ultrabooks, but rather to offer a solid computing experience at a more accessible price point.
Specifications and Features
Display Quality
The Dell 14 features a 1,920 x 1,200-pixel IPS panel with 400 nits peak brightness. The 60 Hz refresh rate is standard for budget laptops, though the 45% NTSC colour space coverage means it won't be the best choice for professional photo or video editing. For everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, however, it should serve perfectly well.
Battery and Upgradability
The laptop houses a 41 Wh battery, which should provide reasonable battery life for a full day of light to moderate use. One standout feature is the user-upgradeable DDR5-5600 RAM – a rarity in today's increasingly sealed laptops. This means you can future-proof your device by adding more memory down the line.
M.2 storage is also included, giving you options for SSD upgrades if you need more space.
Build and Portability
All this hardware sits within a lightweight 1.28 kg housing that measures 313 x 222 x 11~18 mm. The slim profile and modest weight make it an excellent companion for students and professionals who are always on the move.
Pricing and Availability
The Dell 14 starts at AUD 1,149, €749 and £649 (~$875) for the base configuration with 8 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. For those requiring more memory and storage, configurations with 16 GB or 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage are available.
For full specifications and configuration options, be sure to check Dell's official website for the most up-to-date information.
Market Positioning
In many ways, the Dell 14 serves as an alternative to the MacBook Neo, offering a Windows-based option for budget-conscious consumers. Even after factoring in student discounts, the Dell 14 undercuts the XPS 13, making it an attractive entry point into Dell's laptop ecosystem.
Is the Dell 14 Right For You?
The Dell 14 is clearly aimed at users who prioritize affordability and practicality over cutting-edge performance. Its upgradable RAM and storage options give it a longevity advantage that many competitors lack at this price point.
For students, office workers, or casual users who need a reliable laptop for daily tasks, the Dell 14 represents solid value. However, creative professionals or power users would be better served by looking at the more powerful Dell 14S with Intel Panther Lake processors or the premium Dell 14S DS14260 for enhanced performance capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Dell has created a compelling budget option with the new Dell 14. While it may not win any performance awards, its combination of upgradability, portability, and aggressive pricing makes it worth considering for anyone in need of a no-frills daily driver.
The laptop is currently available in Europe and Australia, though North American consumers will have to wait a little longer. For those who can't wait, the Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition offers a premium alternative with the Core Ultra 7 355 processor, currently priced at $2,299 on Amazon.
As always, we recommend checking Dell's official website for the latest pricing, availability, and configuration options in your region.
