Dell 14 Plus: A Solid Mid-Range Laptop with Some Trade-Offs

The Dell 14 Plus marks the beginning of Dell’s rebranding strategy by phasing out long-standing subbrands like XPS and Inspiron. With a starting price of $1,099, it aims to strike a balance between performance, battery life, and design, though its limited configuration options and premium aspirations fall short. The laptop features a sturdy silver chassis, an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor, and an impressive 18-hour battery life. Despite the strong specs, the device feels held back by thick bezels, a lack of Windows Hello, a lackluster 1080p webcam, and underwhelming speakers. Its screen, while decent in brightness and color, is affected by a matte finish and poor aesthetics. One key limitation is that Dell currently only offers a 1 TB model, preventing it from truly competing as a budget-friendly option. On the bright side, Dell has occasionally offered major discounts—up to $400—making it a worthwhile purchase when on sale. Ultimately, while the Dell 14 Plus doesn’t outshine higher-end laptops like the MacBook Air, it provides good value for everyday users who need generous storage and dependable battery life at a reasonable price—especially during promotions.