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| Dell 16S DS16260 review: A better Dell 16 Plus |
A Comprehensive Look at Dell's Most Impressive Mainstream Laptop Yet
The laptop market has been buzzing with excitement since Dell unveiled its refreshed 16-inch lineup, and the Dell 16S DS16260 has emerged as one of the most intriguing options for 2026. Positioned as the successor to the popular Dell 16 Plus, this new model brings substantial improvements that make it worthy of serious consideration – provided you choose the right configuration.
After spending considerable time with this machine, I can confidently say that Dell has created something special with the 16S. It's a laptop that bridges the gap between mainstream affordability and premium features in ways that will appeal to a wide range of users.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 355 (Panther Lake) – 8 cores (4 P-core, 4 E-core) |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics 4 Xe3 Panther Lake iGPU |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5x-7467 (soldered, dual-channel) |
| Storage | 1TB SanDisk PC SN5100S SSD |
| Display | 16-inch 2880x1800 OLED, 120Hz, glossy touchscreen |
| Connectivity | 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB 3.1 Gen2, HDMI, 3.5mm audio |
| Wireless | Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE211, Bluetooth 6 |
| Battery | 70Wh lithium-polymer |
| Weight | 1.802 kg (3.97 lbs) |
| Price | ~$1,700 as tested |
What Makes the Dell 16S Stand Out?
The Verdict: Strong Mainstream Performer For The Right Price
The Dell 16S represents a massive upgrade over last year's Dell 16 Plus. Dell has introduced a stronger, more mature chassis design without compromising on ports or serviceability. The CPU and display options have improved significantly, now including 120Hz OLED panels and, most notably, the Core Ultra X7 processor option that delivers graphics performance rivaling the latest XPS 16.
However, there's a catch worth noting. While starting prices are reasonable, configurations can quickly balloon to over $2,000, making the value proposition less compelling at certain levels. The Core Ultra 7 355 configuration starts at $1,310, but simply upgrading to the Core Ultra X7 358H pushes the price to $2,120. At that point, the XPS 16 with the same CPU becomes only slightly more expensive at $2,350, making it the better choice for those who need maximum performance.
In short: The Dell 16S is an easy recommendation at mid-tier Core Ultra 7 configurations, but the high-end variants face stiff competition from the XPS 16.
Design and Build Quality: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price Tag
A Chassis That Demands Respect
The first thing you'll notice about the Dell 16S is how much it's evolved from its predecessor. Gone is the utilitarian plastic construction of the older 16 Plus – replaced by a sophisticated metal chassis that feels genuinely premium in hand. The rigidity is immediately apparent when you pick it up; there's minimal flex in the keyboard deck or lid, giving you confidence in its durability.
The screen opens a full 180 degrees, which is a welcome feature for those who frequently share their screen in meetings or need to present content from various angles. It's these thoughtful touches that elevate the 16S above typical mainstream offerings.
Sustainability Credentials
Dell has made commendable efforts with sustainability in the 16S. The packaging is plastic-free and fully recyclable, while the AC adapter utilizes up to 98% recycled aluminum and plastics. It's refreshing to see environmental responsibility becoming a priority in laptop design, and Dell deserves credit for making it a key feature of this model.
Dimensions and Weight
With dimensions of 356.8 x 251.4 x 15.3 mm and a weight of 1.802 kg (3.97 pounds), the Dell 16S strikes a reasonable balance between screen real estate and portability. The power supply adds another 327g (0.72 pounds), bringing the total travel weight to approximately 2.13 kg.
Dell 16S DS16260
Connectivity: Plenty of Ports for Real-World Use
Thunderbolt 4 and More
One area where the Dell 16S excels is connectivity. You get:
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 2.1
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for legacy device support
- 1x HDMI 2.1 port for external displays
- 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack
This is a generous selection that outshines many competitors, especially when compared to the XPS lineup's more limited port offerings. The inclusion of both Thunderbolt 4 and standard USB-A ports means you won't need a dongle for everyday tasks.
Wireless Performance
The Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE211 module delivers excellent wireless performance:
- 1450 MBit/s receive speed (6GHz band)
- 1579 MBit/s transmit speed (6GHz band)
These speeds are competitive with the XPS 16 Core Ultra 5 325, which posted slightly better receive speeds but similar transmit performance. It's more than adequate for modern internet connections and local network transfers.
A Note on Cameras
The 1080p webcam with IR sensor supports Windows Hello face recognition, providing secure and convenient login. However, there's no physical webcam shutter, which is a notable omission for privacy-conscious users. We'll discuss this further in the cons section.
Display: OLED Excellence with a Few Caveats
The OLED Advantage
Our test unit featured the stunning 2880x1800 OLED touchscreen, and it's one of the most impressive displays in this price segment. The Samsung panel (Dell P/N: C1296) delivers exceptional color reproduction:
- 100% sRGB coverage – perfect for web content
- 99.6% DCI-P3 coverage – excellent for video and photo editing
- 95% AdobeRGB coverage – great for print-focused work
Color accuracy is superb out of the box, with a Delta E of just 1.5 (calibrated to 0.44). The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive interactions, while the touchscreen adds versatility for those who prefer direct manipulation.
Response Times That Impress
The display response times are among the best we've seen:
- Black to White: 0.91ms (0.49ms rise, 0.42ms fall)
- 50% Grey to 80% Grey: 0.54ms (0.27ms rise, 0.27ms fall)
These are exceptional figures that place the Dell 16S in the top 3% for response times – making it suitable for fast-paced gaming and smooth video playback.
Limited HDR Support
Despite being an OLED panel, HDR support is disappointingly limited. This is one of the few areas where the 16S falls short of the XPS 16 experience. While the contrast is excellent (1525:1 ratio with a 0.22 black level), the HDR implementation doesn't quite deliver the punch you'd expect from an OLED display.
PWM Flickering Considerations
The display uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) at 957.41Hz with 32% amplitude. While this frequency is relatively high, users sensitive to screen flickering may want to test the device in person before purchasing. The good news is that the high refresh rate helps mitigate potential eye strain.
Performance: Panther Lake Power
CPU Benchmarks
The Intel Core Ultra 7 355 processor – part of Intel's Panther Lake architecture – delivers solid performance that places the Dell 16S firmly in the mainstream segment. Here's how it performed in our benchmarks:
| Benchmark | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 11,267 points | |
| Cinebench R23 Single | 1,984 points | |
| Cinebench R20 Multi | 4,367 points | |
| Cinebench R20 Single | 748 points | |
| Geekbench 6.7 Multi | 11,475 points | |
| Geekbench 6.7 Single | 2,718 points | |
| PCMark 10 | Not available |
The performance is roughly comparable to the XPS 16 Core Ultra 5 325 (10,989 points in Cinebench R23) and significantly better than last year's Dell 16 Plus with Core Ultra 7 256V (9,775 points).
Sustained Performance
The system maintained a 58W PL2 (short burst) and 36W PL1 (sustained) power profile. During extended workloads, the CPU temperature stabilizes at around 90°C, which is reasonable for a thin-and-light chassis.
Real-World Performance
For everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and media consumption, the Core Ultra 7 355 provides a snappy experience. The integrated Intel Graphics 4 Xe3 iGPU handles casual gaming and creative workloads reasonably well, though it won't replace a dedicated graphics card for demanding tasks.
Performance Comparison with Competitors
| Laptop | CPU | Cinebench R23 Multi | Geekbench 6.7 Multi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell 16S DS16260 | Core Ultra 7 355 | 11,267 | 11,475 |
| Dell XPS 16 | Core Ultra 5 325 | 10,989 | 11,088 |
| Lenovo Ideapad Slim 5 | Core 5 210H | 11,830 | 10,816 |
| Asus V16 V3607V | Core 7 240H | 14,686 | 11,285 |
The Asus V16 with its Core 7 240H delivers significantly higher multi-core performance, making it a better choice for users who prioritize raw processing power.
Price and Value: The Sweet Spot Matters
Configuration Options
The Dell 16S offers flexible configurations, but the pricing strategy reveals where the real value lies:
| Configuration | Price | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 7, FHD IPS | ~$1,310 | Entry |
| Core Ultra 7, 1800p OLED | ~$1,700 | Sweet spot |
| Core Ultra X7 358H, 1800p OLED | ~$2,120 | Premium |
| XPS 16, Core Ultra X7 | ~$2,350 | Ultra premium |
Our recommendation: The Core Ultra 7 configuration with the 1800p OLED display offers the best balance of performance and value. At around $1,700, you get excellent display quality and capable performance without crossing into XPS territory.
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| Dell 16S DS16260 |
When compared to competitors, the Dell 16S occupies an interesting space. The Lenovo Ideapad Slim 5 and HP OmniBook 5 series offer similar features at potentially lower prices, but they can't match the build quality and display excellence of the Dell 16S.
For users who don't need the absolute highest performance, the Dell 16S represents a more sensible purchase than the XPS 16. You're getting the same premium design language and display options at a significant discount – provided you stick with the Core Ultra 7 configuration.
Pros and Cons
What We Love
✅ Premium metal chassis with excellent rigidity
✅ Stunning OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and exceptional color accuracy
✅ Full 180-degree screen opening for versatile viewing angles
✅ Comprehensive port selection including Thunderbolt 4
✅ Fast display response times suitable for gaming
✅ Solid CPU performance from the Core Ultra 7 355
✅ Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for future-proof wireless connectivity
✅ Sustainability focus with recycled materials and plastic-free packaging
Areas for Improvement
❌ Supports only one internal M.2 SSD – surprising for a large 16-inch chassis
❌ Limited HDR support even with the OLED panel
❌ RAM is soldered and not user-upgradeable
❌ No webcam shutter for privacy
❌ Pricing can escalate to XPS territory at higher configurations
❌ Display uses PWM which may affect sensitive users
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| Dell 16S DS16260 |
Dell 16S vs Dell XPS 16
The XPS 16 remains Dell's flagship, but the 16S makes a compelling case for mainstream users:
| Feature | Dell 16S (Core Ultra 7) | Dell XPS 16 (Core Ultra 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$1,700 | ~$2,350+ |
| CPU | Core Ultra 7 355 | Core Ultra 5 325 or X7 358H |
| Display | 2880x1800 OLED, 120Hz | Up to 3200x2000 OLED, 120Hz |
| Ports | 2x TB4, 2x USB-A, HDMI | Limited |
| Weight | 1.80 kg | ~1.77 kg |
| Build | Premium metal | Ultra-premium |
The XPS 16 justifies its premium with a better display (brighter, higher resolution), faster processor options (Core Ultra X7 358H), and a more refined overall experience. However, the Dell 16S offers comparable build quality and a much better port selection at a significantly lower price.
Dell 16S vs Lenovo Ideapad Slim 5
Lenovo's offering is a direct competitor in the mainstream segment:
| Feature | Dell 16S | Lenovo Ideapad Slim 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$1,700 | ~$1,100-$1,400 |
| Display | OLED 120Hz | IPS 60Hz |
| Build | Premium metal | Plastic/metal mix |
| Performance | Core Ultra 7 355 | Core 5/7 options |
The Ideapad Slim 5 is more affordable but can't match the Dell 16S's OLED display and premium build. It's a classic trade-off between cost and quality.
Dell 16S vs Asus V16 V3607V
Asus brings more processing power to the table:
| Feature | Dell 16S | Asus V16 V3607V |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$1,700 | ~$1,500+ |
| CPU | Core Ultra 7 355 | Core 7 240H |
| Performance | Good | Excellent |
| Graphics | Integrated | Dedicated RTX 3050 |
| Display | OLED 120Hz | IPS 144Hz |
The Asus V16 is a better choice for gamers and power users, with significantly higher multi-core performance and a dedicated GPU. However, the Dell 16S offers superior display quality and a more premium build.
Dell 16S vs Dell 14S DS14260
The smaller sibling uses the same design language:
| Feature | Dell 16S | Dell 14S DS14260 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 16" OLED 120Hz | 14" OLED 60Hz |
| Performance | Core Ultra 7 355 | Core Ultra 7 355 |
| Ports | More generous | Good |
| Portability | 1.80 kg | 1.48 kg |
The 14S is more portable, while the 16S offers a larger, more impressive display. Both deliver similar performance, making the choice largely about screen size and weight preferences.
Who Should Buy the Dell 16S?
Perfect For:
- Business professionals who need a large, high-quality display for productivity
- Students wanting a capable laptop with excellent multimedia capabilities
- Creative enthusiasts who appreciate color-accurate displays for photo editing
- Users who value build quality and premium design at a mainstream price
- Sustainability-conscious buyers who want an eco-friendly product
Skip If:
- You need maximum performance – the XPS 16 or Asus V16 are better choices
- Portability is your top priority – consider the Dell 14S instead
- You're on a tight budget – the Ideapad Slim 5 offers better value
- You require HDR content creation – the limited HDR support is a drawback
- You need multiple SSDs – the single M.2 slot limits expansion
The Bottom Line: Dell 16S DS16260 Review
The Dell 16S DS16260 represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, delivering a premium experience at a mainstream price point – provided you choose the right configuration. The Core Ultra 7 variant with the 120Hz OLED display strikes the perfect balance between performance, display quality, and price.
The updated chassis design alone makes the Dell 16S worth considering over last year's model. The 180-degree screen opening, comprehensive port selection, and premium build quality elevate it above typical mid-range offerings. Add in the exceptional color accuracy, fast response times, and Wi-Fi 7 support, and you have a laptop that feels future-proof.
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| Dell 16S DS16260 |
However, it's crucial to be mindful of the pricing trap. As you upgrade to the Core Ultra X7 processor, the value proposition quickly diminishes, and you're better off spending slightly more for the XPS 16. Stick with the Core Ultra 7 configuration, and you'll be getting one of the best mainstream 16-inch laptops on the market.
Overall Rating: 4.2/5 Stars
✔️The Good:
- Premium metal construction
- Gorgeous OLED display with 120Hz refresh
- Excellent color accuracy
- Great port selection including Thunderbolt 4
- Fast wireless connectivity
- Sustainability initiatives
❌The Bad:
- HDR support disappoints
- PWM flickering may affect sensitive users
- Price can escalate quickly with upgrades
- Single SSD slot limits storage expansion
Final Recommendation
If you're looking for a premium 16-inch laptop without paying XPS-level prices, the Dell 16S DS16260 is an excellent choice. For most users, the Core Ultra 7 configuration with the 2880x1800 OLED display delivers the sweet spot of performance, quality, and value.
Where to Buy
Ready to experience the Dell 16S for yourself? The latest configurations are available directly from Dell's official website. Click the link below to check current pricing and availability:
Buy the Dell 16S DS16260 Laptop Direct from Dell →
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| Dell 16S DS16260 |
Q: Is the Dell 16S better than the Dell 16 Plus?
A: Yes, significantly. The Dell 16S features a completely redesigned chassis with better build quality, improved processor options including the Core Ultra X7, and upgraded display options including 120Hz OLED.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage myself?
A: The RAM is soldered and not user-upgradeable, so you'll need to choose your configuration wisely at purchase. The storage uses a single M.2 SSD that can be replaced or upgraded, but you're limited to one drive.
Q: How does the Dell 16S compare to the XPS 16?
A: The XPS 16 offers better processor options (Core Ultra X7 358H), a brighter, higher-resolution display, and slightly better overall build quality. However, the Dell 16S provides similar design language with more ports at a lower price point.
Q: What's the battery life like?
A: The 70Wh battery provides all-day productivity for typical office work and web browsing. Heavy workloads like video editing or gaming will drain it faster.
Q: Is the OLED display worth the upgrade?
A: Absolutely. The 120Hz OLED panel offers exceptional color accuracy, fast response times, and stunning visual quality that justifies the upgrade for anyone who spends significant time looking at their screen.
Related Reviews and Comparisons
To help you make an informed decision, check out these related reviews and comparisons:
- Dell XPS 16 (2026) : Why Ditching Nvidia for Intel’s Arc B390 Was a Genius Move – A deep dive into Dell's flagship 16-inch laptop and its revolutionary switch to integrated graphics
- Dell 14S DS14260 : A Premium Mid-Range Laptop That Rivals the XPS 14 – How the 14-inch sibling of the Dell 16S compares in the smaller form factor
- More Dell Reviews on Notebookcheck – Additional in-depth analysis of Dell's laptop lineup
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. All opinions expressed are our own, and Dell provided the review unit for evaluation purposes.
