Comprehensive Review: Dell 16 Plus Laptop - Performance, Design, and Key Features for 2025

The Dell 16 Plus laptop stands out as an excellent choice in the mid-range laptop category, offering a perfect balance of portability, powerful performance, and excellent value for money. This device is designed to provide a reliable computing experience that meets the needs of students and professionals looking for a laptop that combines efficiency with long battery life, and it is one of the latest releases for 2025.

Design and Ports

The Dell 16 Plus laptop features a sleek and ultra-thin design, weighing approximately 1.8 kilograms (4 pounds), and measuring no more than one inch thick when closed, making it easy to carry and transport. The chassis is manufactured using sustainable materials, such as recycled aluminum and steel, in addition to post-consumer recycled plastics. The device holds both EPEAT Gold and ENERGY STAR certifications, reflecting Dell's commitment to environmental standards.

The full-size keyboard includes a dedicated numeric keypad and offers a comfortable typing experience thanks to its good tactile response. The power button is cleverly integrated into the upper right corner of the numeric keypad and functions as a fingerprint scanner for enhanced security. The trackpad is smooth and responsive, although the actual clicking could be more precise.

Available Ports in Dell 16 Plus

The Dell 16 Plus laptop comes equipped with a good selection of ports to meet daily connectivity needs, including:

• Two Thunderbolt™ 4 ports (40 Gbps) supporting DisplayPort™ and power delivery.
• Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports (one with PowerShare).
• One HDMI 2.1 port for connecting external displays.
• One Universal Audio jack.
• Some models may be available with an RJ45 Ethernet port for fast wired networking.

However, the device lacks an SD card slot, which may necessitate the use of an external adapter for photographers and graphic designers who frequently transfer files.

Source: Dell

Source: Dell

Source: PCMag

Screen and Audio Quality

The Dell 16 Plus laptop features a stunning 16-inch display with a 2.5K resolution (2560 x 1600 pixels) and a fast 120Hz refresh rate. This screen delivers ultra-clear images and easy-to-read text, making it ideal for both work and entertainment. The display also supports Dolby Vision technology, which enhances colors and contrast for an immersive visual experience.

Despite the excellent screen quality, the audio quality is considered weak, especially when increasing the volume, as the device lacks powerful bass. Therefore, it is recommended to use headphones or external speakers for the best audio experience.

Dell 16 Plus Performance and Capabilities

The Dell 16 Plus laptop is powered by the latest Intel Lunar Lake processors, which can go up to Intel Core Ultra 9 288V, providing superior processing power. The device supports up to 32GB of RAM and an ultra-fast SSD storage of up to 2TB, ensuring quick responsiveness and smooth program operation. The laptop delivers excellent performance for daily tasks and productivity, such as web browsing, document editing, and light photo processing. It also excels at efficient multitasking, even when a large number of browser tabs are open.

In contrast, when using the laptop for intensive creative tasks or demanding games, it may encounter some limitations. Photoshop works well with high-resolution images, but performance may be affected when dealing with projects containing complex and multiple layers. Similarly, 1080p video editing can be done smoothly, while more demanding 4K projects may experience some lag. It's worth noting that the integrated Intel Arc GPU, while powerful, is not designed to run the latest heavy games at the highest settings, but it offers sufficient performance for less demanding games and everyday use.

Long Battery Life and Fast Charging

The battery life of the Dell 16 Plus laptop is one of its most prominent features, offering approximately 13 hours of continuous use on a single charge in real-world tests, although Dell promises up to 20 hours of battery life under ideal conditions. This excellent battery performance makes the device an ideal choice for mobile users and students who need a reliable device for the entire day. In addition, the laptop supports fast charging, where the device can be charged from 0% to 50% in approximately 40 minutes, and a full charge takes just under two hours.

Main Drawbacks to Consider:

• Camera and Audio Quality: The device faces limitations in the performance of its integrated webcam and speakers, as their quality is relatively weak.
• Connectivity and Screen Options: The Dell 16 Plus laptop lacks a built-in SD card slot, requiring the use of an external adapter. Additionally, it is not available with a touchscreen option.
• Professional Performance Limitations: It offers limited performance when running heavy games or intensive creative software that demands high graphical and processing resources.

Conclusion: Is Dell 16 Plus the Right Laptop for You?

Based on the Dell 16 Plus review, this laptop is an excellent choice for users who prefer an affordable, portable device, featuring a lightweight and easy-to-carry design, a high-quality display, long-lasting battery life, and reliable performance for efficiently handling daily and general tasks. However, if your top priority is a high-resolution webcam, a touchscreen, or maximum performance for running the latest games and professional creative tasks that demand superior graphics power, you might need to explore other options that meet these specific requirements.