Dell’s latest laptop uses the same tech that earned the iPad 2024 a perfect score, but you won’t recognize its name

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2025’s CES event is buzzing with announcements, and a significant portion of those are coming from Dell. Not only did they showcase more than a dozen PC models today, but they also revealed a complete overhaul of their consumer device branding. The traditional names like “XPS,” “Latitude,” “Precision,” and all previous Dell brands are being phased out in favor of “Dell,” “Dell Pro,” and “Dell Pro Max.” These new categories will encompass the entire lineup of Dell consumer devices moving forward, with the exception of Alienware, which is not part of this rebranding.

Additionally, I discussed the recently introduced Dell and Dell Pro Max laptops that were presented today, however, it’s worth noting that the majority of the new hardware was announced under Dell’s Pro lineup. In total, an impressive seven laptops and two monitors from the Dell Pro category were revealed during the event.

In simpler terms, the term “Dell Pro” can be considered as an umbrella for Dell’s Latitude devices. Whether a device is labeled as Dell Pro Base, Plus, or Premium, it falls under the category of what was previously known as a Latitude device.

What is Dell Pro?

Before dismantling the latest hardware, I should clarify what Dell Pro stands for first. The term “Dell Pro” falls under one of three primary classifications in the updated Dell naming system. Dell Pro is engineered for professional-level productivity and lies between the Dell Pro Max classification and the consumer category, which goes by the straightforward name “Dell.

In each of the three fresh classifications, there are levels to signify costs. Devices labeled as ‘premium’ are the priciest within their category, symbolizing the peak of mobility and aesthetics. Following this, you’ll find ‘Plus’ devices, designed for high-performance scalability. At the bottom is the ‘Base’ tier, which includes entry-level, budget-friendly options.

The recently introduced naming scheme aims to mark the emergence of AI-driven PCs from our company, while also streamlining our brand identity. Our Editor-in-Chief deemed this move as both daring and venturesome, an assessment I concur with. Currently, Dell’s naming system can be confusing due to overlapping categories and brands. It’s unlikely that many people could distinguish between a Dell Latitude laptop and a Dell Inspiron laptop. However, is transitioning to three categories and three tiers within those categories a step in the right direction? That’s a question worth considering.

Take a quick look at just the Dell laptops announced today at CES 2025:

  • Dell Pro Max 14
  • Dell Pro Max 16
  • Dell Pro 13 Premium
  • Dell Pro 14 Premium
  • Dell Pro 13 Plus
  • Dell Pro 14 Plus
  • Dell Pro 16 Plus
  • Dell Pro 14
  • Dell Pro 16
  • Dell 14 Plus
  • Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1
  • Dell 16 Plus
  • Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1

If you are familiar with the naming conventions, you can determine what device it is and its corresponding category and level. However, if you haven’t examined Dell’s promotional materials and are merely intending to purchase a laptop, would you be able to distinguish between a Dell Pro 16 and a Dell 16 Plus without looking it up?

Dell shared that they spent several months studying before opting to revamp their consumer laptop labels. While I’m not entirely certain this was the best choice, my skepticism stems from the feedback we receive on our site about high-profile products. That being said, there’s no denying that people are intrigued and will check out a Dell XPS 14 review. However, I suspect that curiosity may turn into questions when they come across numerous reviews for devices like the Dell Pro Max 14, Dell Pro 14 Premium, Dell Pro 14, and Dell 14 Plus instead.

Dell Pro laptops

Today, Dell unveiled seven Pro laptops that are worth checking out. These models come equipped with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors (available in both V and U versions), as well as AMD Ryzen processors. Instead of straining your eyes trying to decipher spec sheets, here’s the key point:

– The main highlight is the inclusion of Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors across multiple models.
– Both V and U SKUs of these processors are available, catering to different performance needs.
– Additionally, some laptops feature AMD Ryzen processors as well.

Dell’s Pro laptops deliver outstanding battery performance, integrated artificial intelligence, and are part of the Copilot+ series. These notebooks have been redesigned within this product range to “establish a new benchmark for professional computers.

It appears that Dell revealed a significant number of Dell Pro devices today. While they didn’t hesitate to present hardware from their other groups, it seems that the Dell Pro collection is more extensive, as evidenced by the greater quantity of hardware unveiled at CES compared to either the standard Dell or Dell Pro Max lines.

Among the latest Dell Pro models, it’s the Dell Pro 14 Premium that truly shines. This model is pioneering as it boasts the first commercial notebook to feature a tandem OLED display, as claimed by Dell. Compared to conventional OLED displays, this one is 24% more energy-efficient and an impressive 49% lighter in weight.

As a researcher delving into the fascinating realm of display technology, I’ve recently come across an intriguing development: tandem OLED displays, a groundbreaking innovation by my colleagues at What Hi-Fi. This cutting-edge approach entails stacking layers of OLED pixels one upon another, enhancing the overall brightness.

Compared to conventional panels, screens incorporating tandem OLED technology boast higher luminosity, greater detail, and enhanced responsiveness. Essentially, these advancements promise a more immersive viewing experience for users like you and me.

Among the latest technological innovations, the iPad Pro (2024) stands out as it boasts a dual OLED display, a feature that has drawn significant attention from our peers at TechRadar. In fact, this display received a top score of 5 out of 5 in the ‘display’ category of their iPad Pro 13-inch review. Notably, advancements seen on the new iPad are now being incorporated into commercial laptops, such as the Dell Pro 14 Premium.

Dell UltraSharp monitors

Today at CES, Dell revealed an unexpected pair of monitors – the Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U3225QE) and the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE). Although they don’t conform to the naming scheme revealed this week, their features are undeniably attractive. Equipped with IPS Black technology and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, these monitors boast stunning screens. Moreover, they double as Thunderbolt 4 connectivity hubs, making them invaluable for those who prefer clutter-free workspaces.

On the latest models from Dell, you’ll find Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, USB-C, and RJ45 connectivity options on both devices. The monitors themselves boast front-positioned, pull-out ports that offer 15W USB-C charging for additional accessories.

The USB-C Extended Power Range, found in both monitors, represents a modern standard capable of handling up to 240 watts of power delivery. However, the new Dell UltraSharp monitors only utilize up to 140 watts of this power delivery. Despite this limitation, it surpasses the previous maximum of 100 watts. This upgrade is beneficial as many laptops require more than 100 watts to maintain full charge levels.

Both screens offer a 4K resolution, VESA DisplayHDR 600, and claim to deliver 47% darker blacks and a 89% enhancement in the contrast ratio for ordinary office settings.

Dell asserts that its latest 4K monitors are the first to receive TÜV Rheinland Eye Comfort 3.0 certification, which is given for devices that minimize eye strain. These monitors achieve this by limiting blue light emission, self-adjusting brightness and color temperature according to surroundings, and featuring low-reflectance panels. Additionally, they boast a swift 120Hz refresh rate.

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2025-01-06 23:38