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| Dell 14S DS14260 review: As powerful as an XPS 14 |
The Dell 14S brings premium design and solid performance to the mainstream market, but does it deliver enough value to justify its price tag?
Overview: A Significant Step Forward for Dell's Mid-Range Lineup
Dell has been on a mission to refresh its laptop lineup, and the Dell 14S DS14260 represents one of the most significant updates we've seen in recent years. Building upon the foundation laid by the Dell 14 Plus, this new model brings a complete chassis overhaul that transforms the user experience from the ground up.
The most immediate difference is the build quality. Where previous models felt somewhat plasticky and reminiscent of the old Inspiron days, the Dell 14S now features a rigid metal body that makes a strong first impression. This isn't just about aesthetics either – the improved structural integrity means better durability for daily use and travel.
Dell 14S Laptop - Starting at $1,249.99
Performance: Panther Lake Power Meets Everyday Efficiency
The Dell 14S DS14260 we tested came equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7 355 Panther Lake processor – an 8-core chip featuring 4 performance cores and 4 efficient cores. This represents Intel's latest architecture designed specifically for modern thin-and-light laptops.
CPU Performance Analysis
In our benchmark testing, the Core Ultra 7 355 delivered solid performance that places it comfortably in the mainstream segment:
- Cinebench R23 Multi-Core: 10,966 points
- Cinebench R23 Single-Core: 1,964 points
- Cinebench R20 Multi-Core: 4,282 points
- Cinebench R15 CPU Multi: 1,666 points (1476-1666 range)
While these numbers are respectable, they highlight an important distinction – the Dell 14S doesn't quite match the performance ceiling of flagship models like the Dell XPS 14 with Core Ultra X7 358H, which scores significantly higher in multi-core workloads (18,932 points in Cinebench R23).
However, it's worth noting that the performance is very similar to last year's Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 256V found in the Dell 14 Plus, meaning users upgrading primarily for performance might not see dramatic gains. Where the improvement truly shines is in the overall package rather than raw processing power alone.
For power users craving more performance, Dell offers Core Ultra X7 configurations that deliver substantially better multi-core performance, making them worth the upgrade for content creators or those running demanding applications.
Real-World Performance
The Dell 14S handled everyday tasks with ease, scoring 8,061 points in PCMark 10 – a result that indicates snappy performance for web browsing, office work, and media consumption. The integrated Intel Graphics 4 Xe3 Panther Lake iGPU provides capable graphics performance for casual gaming and creative workloads.
System Responsiveness
- Geekbench 6.7 Single-Core: 2,716 points
- Geekbench 6.7 Multi-Core: 11,227 points
- CrossMark Overall: 1,888 points
- 7-Zip Compression: 36,122 MIPS
The responsive performance makes the Dell 14S suitable for multitasking, with the 16GB LPDDR5x-7467 memory ensuring smooth operation even with multiple browser tabs and applications open simultaneously.
Design and Build Quality: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price
The chassis redesign is undoubtedly the Dell 14S's strongest selling point. Gone is the utilitarian plastic construction of previous generations, replaced by a more sophisticated metal chassis that feels substantial in hand.
Sustainability Credentials
In an era where environmental consciousness matters more than ever, Dell has made notable efforts with the 14S:
- 50% recycled plastic used in the chassis, bezel, and speakers
- 50% recycled aluminum in the outer cover
- 50% recycled steel in the keyboard brackets
- 50% recycled cobalt in the battery
- Plastic-free packaging
These sustainability measures ensure you're making an environmentally responsible choice without compromising on build quality or performance.
Ports and Connectivity
The Dell 14S offers a decent variety of integrated ports:
- 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 2.1
- 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
- 1 HDMI 2.1 port
- 1 Global headset combo jack
- Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE211 with Bluetooth 6
The connectivity suite covers most users' needs, though the absence of an Ethernet port means you'll need a dongle for wired networking.
Dell 14S DS14260 review: As powerful as an XPS 14
Weight and Portability
At 1.48 kg (3.27 pounds), the Dell 14S is on the heavier side for a 14-inch laptop. Competitors like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Ultra can be over 500g lighter, making them more portable options for frequent travelers. The touchscreen version weighs slightly more at 1.54 kg (3.40 lbs).
Dimensions: 313.7 x 224 x 15.3 mm – reasonably compact for a 14-inch form factor.
Display: Where Compromises Become Clear
One area where the Dell 14S makes intentional compromises to maintain its mid-range positioning is the display. Our test unit featured the 1920 x 1200 OLED touchscreen with a 60Hz refresh rate – and the results were mixed.
OLED Display Analysis (Test Unit)
The Samsung 140KW04 OLED panel delivers excellent color reproduction:
- 100% sRGB coverage
- 100% DCI-P3 coverage
- 92.3% AdobeRGB coverage
Color accuracy is impressive with a Delta E of just 0.96 – far better than many competitors and more than adequate for creative work. The response times are exceptional:
- Black to White: 1.81ms
- 50% Grey to 80% Grey: 1.71ms
However, there are significant drawbacks:
The OLED Compromises
- Low Brightness: At just 282 cd/m² peak brightness, it's disappointingly dim – about half as bright as the OLED panel on the XPS 14
- 60Hz Only: Unlike the 120Hz options on competitors, Dell limits the OLED to 60Hz
- PWM Flickering: The display uses PWM at 463.67Hz, which may affect sensitive users
- Poor HDR Support: Despite being OLED, HDR content doesn't pop as it should due to the low brightness
Other Display Options
Dell offers five display configurations:
- Base IPS: 1920x1200, 60Hz, 400 nits, 60% sRGB (matte, non-touch)
- Touch IPS: 1920x1200, 60Hz, 400 nits, 60% sRGB (glossy, touch)
- Premium IPS: 2560x1600, 120Hz, 500 nits, 100% sRGB (matte, non-touch)
- OLED: 1920x1200, 60Hz, 300 nits, 100% DCI-P3 (glossy)
- OLED Touch: 1920x1200, 60Hz, 300 nits, 100% DCI-P3 (glossy, touch)
The 120Hz IPS option provides a smoother refresh rate but sacrifices the superior contrast and color of OLED. It's a frustrating compromise that positions the Dell 14S clearly below the premium XPS line.
Battery Life: All-Day Productivity
The 70Wh lithium-polymer battery provides solid endurance, though specific runtime results weren't detailed in our testing. Dell's efficiency optimizations, combined with the Intel Core Ultra platform, should deliver all-day productivity for most users.
The 65W USB-C power adapter (weighing 327g) supports quick charging, getting you back to work in minimal time.
Input Devices: Comfortable and Familiar
Keyboard
The chiclet keyboard offers comfortable typing with good key travel and spacing. The white backlight ensures visibility in low-light conditions, making it suitable for late-night work sessions.
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| Dell 14S DS14260 review: As powerful as an XPS 14 |
The precision touchpad is responsive and supports Windows gestures, though some users might prefer the larger surfaces found on premium alternatives.
Webcam and Audio
The 1080p webcam with IR sensor supports Windows Hello face recognition for secure and convenient login. The 2MP sensor delivers decent quality for video conferencing, though it lacks a physical shutter – a notable omission for privacy-conscious users.
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide acceptable audio quality for media consumption, though they won't replace dedicated speakers or headphones for critical listening.
Comparisons: How the Dell 14S Stacks Up
Dell 14S vs Dell XPS 14
| Feature | Dell 14S (OLED) | Dell XPS 14 (OLED) |
|---|---|---|
| Display Brightness | 282 nits | 389 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Weight | 1.48 kg | ~1.5 kg |
| Performance | Core Ultra 7 355 | Core Ultra X7 358H |
| Price | ~$1,500 | ~$1,700+ |
The XPS 14 justifies its premium with significantly better display quality and higher-performance processors, making it the better choice for content creators and those who prioritize visual experience.
Dell 14S vs Asus ExpertBook Ultra 14
The Asus ExpertBook Ultra 14 offers a brighter OLED panel and lighter weight, making it superior for portability and HDR content. However, the Dell 14S's build quality and sustainability credentials give it its own advantages.
Dell 14S vs Lenovo Yoga Slim 7
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 weighs significantly less (potentially under 1kg) while offering similar performance characteristics. However, Dell's metal construction provides a more premium feel.
Check out our reviews of other premium ultraportables:
- The Asus ExpertBook Ultra Review: 1 kg of Excellence
- Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 14Q8Y11: A New Era for Ultrabooks
The Verdict: A Compelling but Compromised Mid-Range Option
The Dell 14S DS14260 represents a genuine evolution for Dell's mainstream lineup. The metal chassis construction, sustainability initiatives, and solid performance make it a laptop that feels more premium than its price tag suggests.
However, the display compromises – particularly the low brightness and 60Hz limitation on the OLED model – hold it back from true greatness. Users who prioritize visual quality and HDR support should look elsewhere, perhaps to the Asus VivoBook S 14 or HP OmniBook Ultra 14.
Who Should Buy the Dell 14S?
Perfect for:
- Business professionals who need a sturdy, professional-looking laptop
- Users who value sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing
- Those who prioritize build quality over display perfection
- Everyday users who want good performance for daily tasks
Skip if:
- You need a bright, vibrant display for HDR content
- Portability is your top priority (there are lighter options)
- You're a content creator requiring the fastest CPU performance
- You want a 120Hz display with OLED quality
Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars
The Dell 14S DS14260 is a well-built, capable laptop that brings premium design elements to the mid-range market. It's a significant step up from its predecessor and offers genuine value for users who prioritize build quality and sustainability.
The Good:
✅ Premium metal construction
✅ Excellent color accuracy on OLED model
✅ Solid everyday performance
✅ Impressive sustainability credentials
✅ Good port selection including Thunderbolt 4
✅ Relatively long battery life
The Not-So-Good:
❌ Poor HDR support even on OLED
❌ Low display brightness (OLED model)
❌ Relatively heavy for a 14-inch laptop
❌ 60Hz only on OLED
❌ No webcam shutter
❌ Core temperatures reach ~90°C under load
This review was conducted using a Dell 14S DS14260 provided by Dell for evaluation purposes. The product page provided includes standard warranty information and configuration options. Prices and availability subject to change. All performance benchmarks were conducted under Windows 11 Performance mode.
Related Articles:
- More Dell Reviews on Notebookcheck
- The Asus ExpertBook Ultra Review: 1 kg of Excellence
- Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 14Q8Y11: A New Era for Ultrabooks
- More Dell Reviews on Notebookcheck
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our independent testing and journalism. Dell provided the review unit, but all opinions expressed are our own.
