Dell XPS 16 (9640) 2024 – A Premium Laptop for Creators and Professionals
The Dell XPS 16 (9640) is a premium laptop that debuted in 2024, designed for professionals and creators seeking a powerful yet elegant machine. It features a sleek, minimalist chassis, available in platinum or graphite, with a 0.74-inch thickness and a 4.7-pound weight, making it both portable and stylish. The 16.3-inch 4K OLED touch display delivers exceptional clarity, deep blacks, and vibrant colors, while its 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals for both creative and professional tasks. Powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H processor with AI acceleration and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, this laptop delivers high-performance computing, seamless multitasking, and outstanding graphics power, making it ideal for content creation and demanding applications. The haptic touchpad and LED function strip add a modern and intuitive touch, enhancing usability. Despite its slim profile, the laptop includes three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD card reader, and a headphone jack, with an adapter for USB-A and HDMI to ensure full connectivity options. A 1080p webcam provides sharp video quality, while Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 ensures fast and stable wireless connectivity. The Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers deliver rich and immersive audio, making video calls and media playback a premium experience. Additionally, the MyDell app optimizes system performance, adjusting settings for maximum efficiency and responsiveness. Combining power, elegance, and cutting-edge features, the Dell XPS 16 (9640) stands out as a top-tier choice for professionals and creators who demand the best in design and performance.
Dell XPS 16 (9640) Review: Ultra-Powered with Intel Core Ultra 7 & 9
The Dell XPS 16 (9640) 2024 is powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors, offering cutting-edge performance for professionals, creators, and power users. Here’s an overview of the available CPU options, categorized by grade and definition:
Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H
- Grade: High-Performance / Upper Mid-Tier
- Definition: A powerful 16-core processor with 24MB cache and a 4.80 GHz Turbo boost, the Ultra 7 155H is designed for demanding multitasking, productivity applications, and light creative work. It balances power efficiency with strong processing capabilities, making it ideal for business professionals, developers, and content creators handling photo editing, 3D modeling, and moderate video rendering.
Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 165H
- Grade: Premium High-Performance
- Definition: An upgraded version of the Ultra 7 155H, this 16-core processor features the same 24MB cache but with a slightly higher 5.0 GHz Turbo Boost, allowing for better responsiveness in multitasking, AI-driven applications, and complex workloads. It provides a boost in performance over the 155H, making it ideal for intensive creative work, engineering simulations, and gaming at higher frame rates.
Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 185H
- Grade: Enthusiast / Flagship Performance
- Definition: The Ultra 9 185H is the highest-tier processor available for the Dell XPS 16 (9640), featuring 16 cores, a 24MB cache, and a 5.10 GHz Turbo Boost. This CPU is built for power users, professional creators, and extreme multitaskers. It excels in 4K video editing, 3D rendering, AI-driven tasks, and high-performance gaming, ensuring seamless execution of the most demanding workflows.
Review of Memory Options for Dell XPS 16 (9640) 2024
The Dell XPS 16 (9640) offers multiple RAM configurations to suit different user needs, providing excellent performance for various tasks. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each option:
16GB, LPDDR5X, 6400MT/s
The 16GB LPDDR5X RAM configuration provides a solid balance of performance and efficiency. With a speed of 6400MT/s, this memory offers fast data transfer rates, ensuring smooth multitasking, quicker application launches, and efficient handling of moderately demanding tasks such as document editing, web browsing, and light content creation. The LPDDR5X technology contributes to lower power consumption, allowing for better battery life without sacrificing performance.
32GB, LPDDR5X, 6400MT/s
For users requiring more memory for multitasking or resource-intensive applications, the 32GB LPDDR5X RAM option provides significant upgrades. With the same 6400MT/s speed, it supports demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking with ease. This configuration ensures that the laptop can handle complex workflows, virtual machines, or running multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns, making it ideal for professionals in creative industries or technical fields.
64GB, LPDDR5X, 6400MT/s
The 64GB LPDDR5X RAM configuration is designed for the most demanding users. Whether for heavy data processing, professional content creation, or running virtual environments, the 64GB memory allows the XPS 16 to excel at multitasking and handling large files or complex workloads. At 6400MT/s, it delivers rapid data speeds, ensuring that even the most intensive applications perform smoothly. This is the ideal choice for power users or those in fields such as 3D modeling, high-end video editing, and software development who require ample memory for their tasks.
In summary, the Dell XPS 16 (9640) offers a range of memory options, from 16GB for general use to 64GB for professional-grade performance, all supported by fast LPDDR5X technology running at 6400MT/s speeds.
Review of Storage Options for Dell XPS 16 (9640) 2024
The Dell XPS 16 (9640) offers various storage options to cater to different needs, ranging from everyday use to professional-grade performance. Here's a breakdown of each storage configuration:
512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
The 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD provides a reliable and fast storage solution for users who need a good balance of speed and capacity. Using the PCIe NVMe interface ensures quick data access and faster boot times compared to traditional SATA drives. With 512GB of space, this option is ideal for users who store moderate amounts of data, including documents, photos, and light applications. The M.2 form factor contributes to a slim design without compromising on performance, offering a blend of efficiency and space for everyday computing needs.
1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
The 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD offers double the storage of the 512GB option, providing more room for users with larger files, applications, or media collections. With the same PCIe NVMe technology, this storage solution ensures faster read and write speeds, enabling smooth performance even when handling larger files or multitasking with several applications. It’s a great choice for users who require more storage for work-related data, media files, or creative projects while benefiting from the same fast, responsive experience as the 512GB model.
2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
The 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD offers an even greater capacity for those who need extensive storage space. This option is ideal for professionals in creative fields, such as video editing, 3D rendering, or large-scale data analysis, who require ample room to store high-resolution media files, large project folders, and other resource-heavy content. Like the other configurations, it benefits from the PCIe NVMe interface, which delivers rapid read and write speeds, ensuring that the laptop remains responsive even when working with large files.
4TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
The 4TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD is the highest-capacity option, designed for users who need extensive storage for demanding tasks. Whether you’re working with large datasets, multiple high-resolution video files, or complex simulations, this configuration provides the space needed to handle everything. The PCIe NVMe technology ensures ultra-fast performance, so accessing and working with large files is seamless. This is the ideal choice for professionals who require maximum storage space and performance for their workflows without compromise.
Dell XPS 16 (2024): Which NVIDIA RTX GPU Should You Choose?
The Dell XPS 16 (9640) offers a range of graphics options that cater to different levels of performance, from integrated to high-end discrete graphics. Here's a breakdown of each graphics option:
Intel® Arc™ Graphics
The Intel® Arc™ graphics provide integrated graphics that deliver solid performance for everyday tasks and light gaming or creative workloads. These graphics are designed to offer improved visual experiences compared to older integrated solutions, supporting a range of multimedia tasks, such as video streaming, photo editing, and basic gaming. While not as powerful as discrete graphics cards, Intel® Arc™ offers a good balance for users who prioritize battery life and compact design while still needing decent graphics performance for general use.
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050, 6 GB GDDR6, 50 W
The NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 with 6 GB GDDR6 memory is a mid-range discrete graphics card that offers substantial improvements in performance compared to integrated graphics. The 50 W power consumption indicates a balance between performance and energy efficiency, making it suitable for demanding tasks like moderate gaming, content creation, and 3D rendering. The RTX™ 4050 supports Ray Tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology, delivering enhanced graphical fidelity and smooth performance in supported applications. This graphics card is a great option for users looking for an excellent balance of performance, power efficiency, and cost.
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060, 8 GB GDDR6, 50 W
The NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 with 8 GB GDDR6 memory is a step up in performance from the RTX™ 4050, offering more VRAM and enhanced graphical capabilities. The 50 W power consumption makes it similarly efficient, providing solid performance for more demanding gaming titles, video editing, and professional-grade 3D work. With support for Ray Tracing and DLSS, the RTX™ 4060 offers cutting-edge visual effects and smoother gameplay at higher resolutions and settings. This card is ideal for users who need higher graphical performance for intensive creative workflows or gaming at moderate settings.
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070, 8 GB GDDR6, 60 W
The NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 with 8 GB GDDR6 memory is a high-end graphics option designed for demanding applications, including gaming at higher resolutions, professional 3D rendering, and complex video editing tasks. The 60 W power consumption indicates slightly higher energy demands but offers significantly improved performance compared to the RTX™ 4060. With Ray Tracing, DLSS, and ample VRAM, the RTX™ 4070 delivers exceptional visual fidelity and smooth performance in the most graphically intensive applications. This graphics card is perfect for power users who require top-tier performance for creative or gaming purposes.
Dell XPS 16 (9640): Exceptional 1080p Camera & Advanced Dual-Microphone Array
The Dell XPS 16 (9640) comes equipped with advanced camera and audio features designed to enhance video and audio performance for professional meetings, content creation, and virtual communication. Here’s a breakdown of each component:
1080p at 30 fps FHD Camera
The 1080p Full HD camera provides high-definition video quality at 30 frames per second (fps). This camera is designed to deliver sharp, clear visuals, making it ideal for video calls, conferencing, and streaming. The 30 fps frame rate ensures smooth and fluid video capture, so there’s no stuttering or lag during live communication. Whether for professional meetings or personal video chats, the 1080p resolution ensures that your video appears crisp, vibrant, and lifelike.
360p at 15 fps IR Camera
In addition to the Full HD camera, the Dell XPS 16 (9640) features a 360p IR (infrared) camera with a 15 fps frame rate. This camera is primarily used for Windows Hello facial recognition, offering a fast and secure way to log into the laptop without needing a password. While the resolution and frame rate are lower than the Full HD camera, the infrared technology ensures that it works efficiently even in low light conditions. This added layer of security makes it easier and safer to access your device while providing a seamless user experience.
Review of Connectivity and Audio Features for Dell XPS 16 (9640)
The XPS 16 comes equipped with three USB Type-C ports that support Thunderbolt 4. This is a significant benefit for users who require fast data transfer, external display support, or charging capabilities. Thunderbolt 4 ensures lightning-fast speeds and compatibility with high-performance peripherals, making it an excellent choice for professionals.
In addition to the USB Type-C ports, the XPS 16 also features a microSD card reader. This is a useful tool for individuals who frequently need to transfer photos or videos from cameras or other devices, providing a simple and efficient way to manage media files.
Another notable inclusion is the headphone jack. This feature is especially appreciated, as the XPS 13 Plus lacked an audio jack, which was a common complaint. The availability of the headphone jack on the XPS 16 means users can enjoy the flexibility of using wired headphones for reliable audio without needing to depend on Bluetooth.
Dual-Microphone Array Optimized with Waves MaxxVoice® Supporting VoIP
The XPS 16 also features a dual-microphone array optimized with Waves MaxxVoice® technology. This microphone system improves voice clarity and minimizes background noise, making it ideal for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls and online meetings. Waves MaxxVoice® enhances the intelligibility of speech, ensuring that your voice comes through clearly and crisply during calls. Whether you're working from home, attending virtual meetings, or chatting with friends, the combination of the dual microphones and Waves MaxxVoice® technology delivers high-quality audio, making communication smoother and more efficient.
Dell XPS 16 (9640): Cutting-Edge Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4 Connectivity
The Dell XPS 16 (9640) is equipped with cutting-edge wireless technology, ensuring fast, reliable, and stable connections. Here’s a detailed look at the wireless capabilities:
Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 7 1750 (BE200) 2x2
The Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 7 1750 (BE200) 2x2 wireless card offers Wi-Fi 7 support, delivering enhanced speed and efficiency over previous generations of Wi-Fi technology. With 2x2 MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), the card can transmit and receive data on two channels simultaneously, improving bandwidth and connection stability. This wireless card is designed for high-performance use, providing fast data transfer speeds, low latency, and robust performance even in crowded networks. Whether for gaming, streaming, or professional tasks requiring a stable connection, Wi-Fi 7 ensures smoother online experiences and better network efficiency.
Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Card
In addition to the Wi-Fi capabilities, the Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 7 1750 (BE200) card also supports Bluetooth 5.4, offering improved connectivity with compatible devices. Bluetooth 5.4 brings enhancements to range, speed, and reliability, ensuring smooth pairing with peripherals like wireless headphones, keyboards, and mice. The Bluetooth functionality enables seamless connectivity with various devices, providing greater flexibility and convenience for users who rely on wireless accessories for everyday tasks.
