Dell XPS 15 (Late 2025) Review — The Best All-Rounder for 2026?

Short verdict: The Dell XPS 15 (late 2025) remains one of the most compelling premium laptops in 2026, balancing raw power, an exceptional OLED display option and refined build quality. It isn’t perfect — thermals and upgradeability still leave room for improvement — but for most content creators and power users it’s hard to beat.

What’s new for late 2025?

Dell updated the XPS 15 with Intel's 14th/15th gen hybrid CPUs and a refreshed thermal module that promises better sustained clocks. The keyboard gets subtle tweaks, and the option for a 16:10 OLED panel with 3K resolution is now a mainstream configuration rather than an add-on. Port selection remains strong for a premium device: two Thunderbolt 4, full-size SD card, HDMI and a dedicated charging port.

"If you're after a premium, portable desktop replacement, the XPS 15 sits near the top of the list in 2026."

Design and build

The machine keeps the XPS design language: CNC-milled aluminum chassis, thin bezels and a glass trackpad that is among the best in Windows laptops. At ~1.8kg (varies by config) it's heavier than ultrabooks but lighter than many 15-inch desktop replacements. The hinge feels solid, display flex is minimal, and the matte carbon fiber palm rest option remains one of the most comfortable surfaces for extended typing sessions.

Display options

Display choices range from 2.5K IPS to a superb 3K OLED 120Hz panel. The OLED variant is the standout: deep blacks, near-instant response and vivid colors suitable for photo and video editors. Factory calibration is good out of the box, though pro colorists will still want to run a calibration pass. Viewing angles are excellent and brightness is usable even in bright interiors, though direct sunlight will challenge most OLED laptops.

Performance and thermals

Configured with an Intel 14900HX-class part and NVIDIA RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, the XPS 15 tackles rendering, 3D work and light gaming confidently. Real-world benchmarks show strong single-threaded performance thanks to Intel's latest cores, while multicore loads sustain better than previous XPS generations because of the updated thermal module.

Thermals are improved but not perfect. Under prolonged CPU+GPU stress, fans become audible and thermal throttling limits peak sustained clocks compared to thicker gaming laptops. For most creative workflows this won't matter, but content creators who run continuous renders might prefer a larger chassis with beefier cooling.

Battery life

Battery life varies wildly by display and workload. The 3K OLED is gorgeous but draws more power; expect 6-8 hours of mixed use. The lower-resolution IPS builds can hit 9-11 hours under light use. Charging is fast with the USB-C PD adapter and the laptop supports charging via the proprietary barrel port as well.

Ports and connectivity

Dell continues to provide a practical mix: dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, full-size SD card reader and a 3.5mm jack. That SD card reader is a major convenience for photographers. Wi-Fi 7 support is optional on higher-end SKUs, future-proofing connectivity for home offices and faster networks.

Upgradeability and serviceability

The XPS 15 is more serviceable than most ultrabooks: the M.2 slot is accessible, and RAM is soldered on higher-end SKUs but a few configurations ship with upgradeable modules. Battery replacement is achievable for technicians. Still, you won't find easy user-upgrade paths like older business laptops offered.

Who should buy it?

• Recommended: Content creators who need a color-accurate screen and strong single-core performance for editing and design.
• Consider alternatives: Gamers wanting maximum thermal headroom, or users seeking the cheapest option for coding or office work.
• Don't buy if: You need a fully fanless, ultra-light 14-inch solution — the XPS 15 is a performance-first 15-inch laptop.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Excellent OLED display option
• Premium build and keyboard feel
• Useful port selection including SD card reader

Cons:

• Thermals audible under load
• RAM soldered on some SKUs
• Price premium for top configurations

Final verdict

The Dell XPS 15 (late 2025) is a mature platform that balances performance and portability with few compromises. For professionals and creators who want portability without giving up a high-quality display and strong CPU performance, it stands near the top of 2026 buying lists. It isn’t for ultra-budget buyers or those needing the absolute best thermal headroom, but if you want a refined 15-inch laptop with pro-level features, this is a very strong pick.