Dell’s XPS series has long been the company’s premium laptop line — sleek, powerful, and stylish. But after spending a full week with the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (2024), it’s clear that this mid-range laptop has closed the gap — and in some ways, even outshines the XPS.
Here’s a detailed look at why the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus might just be one of the most underrated laptops of the year.
A Serious Power Upgrade
Unlike past Inspiron models, the new Inspiron 14 Plus comes with Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 processor and integrated Intel Arc graphics, giving it enough power to handle demanding tasks — including video editing, Photoshop, multitasking, and even light gaming.
Specs that stand out:
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor
32GB RAM
1TB SSD
2.2K display with 16:10 aspect ratio
This level of hardware is rarely seen in mid-range devices, especially with a price under the typical XPS tag.
Design That Feels Premium
While Inspiron models are usually considered “basic,” the 2024 Inspiron 14 Plus features an all-aluminum build, slim bezels, and a keyboard that feels smooth and quiet. It doesn’t flex, it doesn’t feel cheap, and it doesn’t feel outdated.
It’s light, solid, and professional-looking — without the flashy price tag of an XPS.
Real-World Performance
In actual use, this laptop handles multiple Chrome tabs, streaming, virtual meetings, and heavy editing software without lag. Battery life averages 7–8 hours with mixed use, which is impressive for a performance-focused laptop.
The Arc graphics are surprisingly capable, too. You won’t be playing AAA games at max settings, but you can comfortably run creative software and 3D apps.
Keyboard, Trackpad, and Display
The keyboard is quiet and responsive, making it ideal for long typing sessions. The trackpad is large, smooth, and accurate — another area where it feels close to XPS quality.
The 2.2K display is sharp and bright with a 16:10 aspect ratio, giving you more vertical space for productivity.
Drawbacks?
No laptop is perfect. Here are a few trade-offs:
No OLED option (XPS offers OLED)
Battery life could be better under full load
Speakers are average
But for the price and performance, these are easy to overlook.
Final Verdict: A Better Buy Than You Think
After using the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus for a full week, it’s clear that this is more than just a budget laptop. It has the power, design, and features that many users expect from premium laptops — and for hundreds less than an XPS.
If you’re looking for a powerful, well-built laptop for work, content creation, or even college, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is easily one of the best value laptops of 2024.
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