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I tested Dell's new midrange work PC - It nails the sweet spot of price and performance

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Why This Matters

Dell's new 14S midrange work PC offers a compelling balance of affordability and high performance, challenging established competitors like HP in the midrange laptop market. Its sleek design, excellent battery life, and high-quality OLED display make it a valuable choice for professionals seeking premium features without the premium price. This device underscores the increasing competition and innovation in the affordable laptop segment, benefiting consumers and the industry alike.

Key Takeaways

Dell 14S 3.5 / 5 Good pros and cons Pros Outstanding battery life

Good hardware

High quality screen Cons Prone to fingerprints

Highly reflective View now at Dell

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For much of 2026, I figured HP had the midrange laptop market on lockdown. Over the past year or so, the company has released one impressive low-cost notebook after another, from the OmniBook 7 to the OmniBook 3. I almost thought the race was over. Then I received the new Dell 14S and my mind changed. HP has stiff competition.

Also: The best Dell laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

The Dell 14S doesn't reinvent the wheel. Instead, the laptop excels at the fundamentals. The device pairs a premium, lightweight design with dependable hardware, an outrageous battery life, and one of the best OLEDs you'll find at this price. The result is a work laptop that feels as premium as a machine twice the price. At a time when laptop prices continue to climb, this PC provides exactly the kind of value buyers are looking for.

Looking cool

I'm a big fan of the laptop's aesthetics. It is a sleek, lightweight computer completely adorned in a Celestial Blue finish -- at least, my review unit was. The colour shifts between hues depending on how the light hits the device. You can see this change in the image below. Under bright outdoor light, the Dell 14S takes on a deep midnight blue, but under warmer indoor light, it's more of a dark gray.

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