Dell 14 Plus review: Capable, recommended, but uninspired Windows 11 laptop

Not every technological innovation has to captivate or thrill. On the contrary, some technology may appear dull, but this can be beneficial or affordable. In fact, many consumers prefer these practical, unassuming devices, and you’ll often find such simplicity in budget and mid-range Windows laptops.

Among the laptops I’ve recently encountered, the Dell 14 Plus (DB14255) stands out as one of the most unexceptional, with its design, display, features, and even its rather plain name that has become a common theme across Dell’s branding strategy, which I find to be overly simplified.

Dell is known for sticking to reliable hardware designs rather than taking risks, which isn’t always a disadvantage. The Dell 14 Plus performs its tasks effectively without any unnecessary frills and offers competitive pricing, making it a dependable option for individuals or organizations seeking functional devices or uniform equipment (such as equipping an entire team with identical gray laptops).

My Dell 14 Plus (DB14255) review

Design ⭐⭐⭐½

At first sight, the Dell 14 Plus seems to fit the description of a mid-range Windows laptop with its sturdy metal exterior. However, upon closer inspection, it appears to offer little more than what is expected in this category. This laptop’s aluminum casing is slightly bulky (approximately 17mm thick) and heavy (about 1.52kg), and it adheres strictly to the fundamentals in terms of design.

The construction’s quality is somewhat standard. There’s a fair degree of flexibility in the panels and the entire laptop, yet I remain optimistic that it can handle rough treatment and last for several years.

This device features a single HDMI 1.4 port, two USB-C ports that support 10Gbps data transfer and DisplayPort/Power Delivery, one standard USB-A port with a 5Gbps speed, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Regrettably, it lacks USB4 and HDMI 2.0/2.1, but the essential requirements are taken care of instead.

Display ⭐⭐⭐

The aspect of Dell Plus 14 that falls short, primarily, is its screen. It’s not due to it being an IPS LCD rather than OLED (there are indeed some exceptional IPS LCD displays available). Nor is it because it operates at a mere 60Hz or has a resolution of only 1200p (although text can sometimes appear somewhat jagged on this 14-inch display).”

In this paraphrased version, the emphasis remains on the disappointing aspect being the display, while also clarifying that it is not due to the use of IPS LCD technology, a common misconception. Additionally, it acknowledges the existence of nice IPS LCD displays and explains why text can be choppy, providing more information for readers who might be interested in understanding the specific reasons behind the screen’s shortcomings.

The screen of the Dell Plus 14 lacks visual appeal. The contrast is moderate, brightness could be better, colors appear faded and inaccurate, and backlight bleed is noticeable. Unless you’re mainly using it for web browsing, email checking, or document writing, it’s unlikely that you would prefer to utilize this display extensively.

As an analyst, I find myself drawn to compare this device with budget laptops priced under $500, rather than the high-end models that start at $799.99 on Dell’s website. It seems that the screen and overall performance might align more closely with the lower-priced options.

Performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’ve decided to focus my review on the Dell 14 Plus variant that runs on a 6-core AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 processor, paired with built-in AMD Radeon 840M graphics. It’s available in both Intel and AMD versions, though.

Enhancing the chipset or boosting RAM and storage is an option, but this laptop will not transform into a high-performance machine – it doesn’t require that. For everyday tasks like web browsing, emails, Microsoft Office work, and light photo editing, it has consistently delivered smooth performance for me.

Push the boundaries of routine tasks, and you’ll soon discover the device’s limitations, particularly in terms of graphics. It’s unlikely that anything more demanding than light games will run smoothly on the Dell Plus 14, but I wasn’t surprised by this. As expected, the laptop performs to its requirements.

Battery life ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

The Dell Plus 14 boasts a power-saving combination of features: a screen with lower resolution and refresh rate, a medium-sized battery, and an energy-efficient chipset, which collectively promise exceptional battery life. Indeed, this laptop can comfortably handle a full day’s work without worrying about battery drain. Interestingly, the display isn’t bright enough to strain the battery significantly due to its physical limitations.

During my tests, I depleted approximately 12% of the battery by repeatedly running a standard Microsoft Office workload and an HD video at half volume. A Windows Battery Report indicated that, despite having the system’s performance set to its maximum for testing purposes, the screen time lasted roughly 7 hours.

Powering up is a breeze using either of the USB Type-C ports, as they’re conveniently located on the device’s left side, aligned for your ease.

Keyboard & touchpad ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In simpler terms, I find the keyboard on Dell Plus 14 quite appealing. Although the keys are compact, the overall layout is roomy and user-friendly. The feedback when pressing keys is consistent and satisfying, while the textured keycaps add a nice touch. Moreover, it offers backlighting which isn’t always available at this price range.

The touchpad leaves something to be desired. While its size is acceptable and it does come with Microsoft Precision drivers, the coarse surface and insufficiently deep buttons slightly diminish its overall quality. It functions adequately, yet it cannot compare to the touchpads found in high-end laptops.

Software & AI ⭐⭐⭐⭐

These days, you might hear the term “AI PC” frequently, but the Dell 14 Plus stands out as more than just that. It’s equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) connected to its AMD chipset, which transforms it into an advanced Windows 11 companion, or what we could call a Copilot+ PC. This setup ensures you can enjoy the newest and most innovative Windows 11 features today, along with the assurance of being ready for any updates that may be released in the future.

The Dell 14 Plus comes equipped with AI capabilities that Microsoft is continuously enhancing, meaning it will only become more useful over time, even if you don’t currently find any particular features appealing – except for the absence of a Human Presence Detection (HPD) feature.

Dell didn’t load excessive software onto this laptop, but the Dell Optimizer application, which adjusts your computer’s settings, could be improved as it tends to operate slowly and offers little utility.

This Dell laptop doesn’t come preloaded with unnecessary software, however, the Dell Optimizer program for adjusting system settings can be sluggish and not particularly useful.

Everything else ⭐⭐⭐½

For a laptop of this quality level, the Dell 14 Plus delivers satisfactory but unremarkable overall performance. The webcam and microphones suffice for video calls, it comes equipped with a fingerprint sensor that supports Windows Hello biometric identification, albeit intermittently reliable. Additionally, it provides Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, boasting robust stability and performance.

The one aspect consistently performing below the norm is the speakers in this device. Even though Windows laptops generally don’t excel in audio quality, these bottom-positioned speakers emit a tinny, echoey sound that makes them unsuitable for serious listening sessions. I prefer to have music playing as background noise while I work, but with this laptop’s speakers, that wasn’t an option I chose.

Dell 14 Plus review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

You want a simple, no-frills work laptop with good performance.
You want a more affordable PC that still supports Windows AI features.
You find it on sale and want to save some cash.

❌You should not buy this if …

You plan to do more than work, like play games or watch movies.
You care a lot about having a bright, colorful display.

From my perspective as an analyst, the Dell 14 Plus (DB14255) might not be the most exciting laptop out there, but that’s not necessarily a drawback. There’s a significant market for reliable, functional devices, and this PC is poised to attract a multitude of customers who value practicality over flashiness. At its full price, it may seem less appealing, but with enticing sales, it becomes a more palatable choice.

This device is designed for productivity, stripping away unnecessary features to focus on essentials such as reliable performance, long battery life, adequate ports, and a comfortable keyboard. Although its screen might be less vibrant and speakers somewhat lackluster, these aspects won’t hinder your ability to complete tasks effectively.

You have the option to personalize your very own Dell 14 Plus (DB14255) for $799.99 on Dell.com. Although it may not make an appearance on our list of top Windows laptops in the near future, the Dell 14 Plus is a respectable device.

2025-09-06 19:10