The Dell 16 Plus 2‑in‑1 name feels odd. But this laptop shows promise. It has strong build quality, good performance, and above‑average battery life. Still, it lacks a spark.
Overview
Dell renamed its consumer laptops this year. Instead of Inspiron or XPS, the brand and model name match. The 16 Plus 2‑in‑1 is part of that new move. It’s a convertible laptop with a 16‑inch screen, solid specs, and some flexible modes. But it never feels exciting.
Design and Build
This laptop uses smooth aluminum panels with a matte finish. The edges are rounded and feel nice in hand. Its 360‑degree hinges are small but strong. Those let you fold it into tent or tablet mode easily.
But the design is plain. The only thing that stands out is the Dell logo on the lid. Only simple lines and understated style are present in the appearance; there is no flare.
As for ports, it has:
-
Two USB-C connectors, one with DisplayPort 1.4 and the other with Thunderbolt 4.
-
One USB‑A port
-
HDMI 2.1 slot
-
3.5mm audio jack
Charging can only happen on the left side. I wish Dell added one more USB‑C port on the right. Also, no microSD card slot limits content creators.
ALSO SEE : Dell 16 Plus 2‑in‑1 Review: Solid Design, Good Power, but No Soul
Keyboard, Touchpad, Speakers
The keyboard feels satisfying. It includes a full number pad on the right. Typing is firm and smooth. However, the touchpad is not responsive. Right‑clicks often didn’t register. It’s big, but I had to adjust how I clicked.
The speakers are weak and behind the device at the bottom. They sound hollow and distant, even at high volume. I wish Dell used side‑firing or front‑firing speakers instead.
Display
The optional small LED display was present in the review model. At 2,560 x 1,600 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, it delivers sharp, bright visuals. It reaches up to 600 nits brightness. Colors are rich, and contrast is strong.
Dell also offers a 300‑nit FHD+ LCD version. That model looks basic by comparison. The mini LED screen is far worth the upgrade.
Touch support is responsive. Pen input works well. If you do photo work or video playback, the mini LED option is a solid choice.
Performance
This model can include either an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V or Ultra 7 258V chip. You get up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD. It handles spreadsheets, browser tabs, video meetings, and basic editing with ease.
It does not include a discrete graphics card. If you need to edit video, play games, or use 3D software, look elsewhere.
These chips support Microsoft Copilot+ AI features. That includes voice apps, task reminders, and smart help in Windows. Even so, the laptop stays cool and quiet under typical use.
Battery Life
This laptop uses a 64 WHr battery. In PCMark10’s Modern Office test, it ran for 8 hours and 12 minutes. That beats some rivals like the Spectre x360 16, which only lasted about 5 hours.
I liked that the included 65W charger is compact. You can also recharge using USB‑C. That makes travel easier, as you don’t have to carry the big brick.
Battery life is above average for a 16‑inch convertible. But it's not record‑breaking. If long battery time is your priority, some smaller laptops last longer.
ALSO SEE : Nothing Phone 3 Review: A Fresh Look, But Not a Full Flagship
Convertible Modes
The 360‑degree hinge makes this a hybrid device. It can be used as a tablet, laptop, or tent.Tablet mode is large at 16 inches, so it’s not easy to hold. But for presentations or watching video, tent mode works well.
The hinges hold steady in each mode. That makes the switch between tasks smooth. The keyboard retracts when folded backward, which is important to avoid accidental input.
Usability and Ports
If you use many accessories, the port layout may feel limited. Wireless mice and headphones work fine. But plugging in multiple USB accessories and external displays might require a hub.
Dell did not include a microSD card reader. That omission affects photographers and video creators who rely on SD cards.
Overall usability is solid, but not ideal for heavy multimedia or VR workflows.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
-
Clean, durable aluminum design
-
Bright and sharp mini LED display
-
Strong battery life for its size
-
Fast performance for business and school tasks
-
Convertible flexibility with touch and pen support
Cons
-
Bland design with little personality
-
Unresponsive touchpad
-
Weak and distant speakers
-
Charging limited to left side only
-
No SD card slot
-
No discrete graphics
-
Keyboard layout includes number pad at cost of speaker placement
Final Thoughts
For daily use, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is a sturdy gadget. It delivers good performance, above‑average battery life, and a strong optional mini LED display. The convertible hinge adds flexibility when you need it.
Still, the laptop lacks a feature that makes you love it. There’s no standout trait or design flourish. The touchpad and speakers feel like afterthoughts. The lack of a more vivid name or look makes it hard to connect with the device.
At a starting price of around $750, it offers solid value. A fully loaded model costs around $1,400. Despite the flaws, it feels fair for the specs and screen upgrade.
If you want a dependable 16‑inch laptop with good battery life and strong display, this one fits the bill. Check out other models, such as the Dell XPS or HP Spectre, if you want style or a better media experience.
ALSO SEE : Yllix vs AdSense: Which Ad Network Should You Use?