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ASUS ZenBook Pro 16X vs Dell XPS 14 (9440)

Updated Apr 2026laptops
ASUS ZenBook Pro 16X
ASUS
ASUS ZenBook Pro 16X
$2,499
8.4/10
VS
Dell XPS 14 (9440)
Dell
Dell XPS 14 (9440)
$1,699
8.3/10
Winner

The Verdict

Both laptops target creative professionals but serve different priorities. The ASUS ZenBook Pro 16X excels with its 16-inch 3840 x 2400 OLED touchscreen running at 120Hz, making it a powerhouse for video editing and design work. Its Intel Core i9-13905H with 32GB RAM, 1TB storage, and dual Thunderbolt ports deliver excellent performance for intensive tasks. However, it weighs 5.29 lbs and only manages 8 hours of battery life. The Dell XPS 14 takes a portable-first approach at just 3.84 lbs with 12-hour battery endurance, making it ideal for professionals who travel frequently. Its Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, while newer architecture, pairs with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage—sufficient for most workflows. The XPS 14's 1920 x 1200 IPS display offers excellent color accuracy but lacks the pixel density and touch functionality of the ASUS. At $2499 versus $1699, the ASUS demands a 47% premium for its larger, superior display and more RAM. Choose the ASUS if stationary work and screen real estate matter most; pick the Dell if mobility and battery life are your primary concerns. For professionals needing maximum portability without sacrificing power, the Dell represents better value.

Value14 (9440)
Battery14 (9440)
DisplayPro 16X
PerformancePro 16X
portability14 (9440)

Who Should Buy

Buy the ASUS ZenBook Pro 16X if…

  • 4K OLED touch display with Pantone validation and 100% DCI-P3 coverage
  • ASUS DialPad rotary control for precise creative application adjustments
  • Tilting keyboard mechanism improves airflow and typing ergonomics

Buy the Dell XPS 14 (9440) if…

  • Striking minimalist CNC aluminum design
  • Optional 3.2K OLED touch display
  • Optional discrete RTX 4050 GPU

Category Scores

ASUS ZenBook Pro 16X
Dell XPS 14 (9440)
Value
7.2
8.4
Battery
6.5
8.9
Display
9.2
7.8
Performance
8.7
8.5
portability
6.2
9.1

Pros & Cons

ASUS ZenBook Pro 16X

Pros

  • 4K OLED touch display with Pantone validation and 100% DCI-P3 coverage
  • ASUS DialPad rotary control for precise creative application adjustments
  • Tilting keyboard mechanism improves airflow and typing ergonomics
  • NVIDIA RTX 4070 Laptop GPU for content creation and light gaming
  • 96 Wh battery provides solid endurance for a 4K OLED laptop

Cons

  • 5.29 lbs is heavy for a creative-focused ultrabook
  • Tilting keyboard mechanism adds complexity and potential failure points
  • Soldered RAM cannot be upgraded past 32 GB
  • $2,499 places it against formidable MacBook Pro competition
  • Fan noise increases noticeably during GPU-intensive tasks

Dell XPS 14 (9440)

Pros

  • Striking minimalist CNC aluminum design
  • Optional 3.2K OLED touch display
  • Optional discrete RTX 4050 GPU
  • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus microSD
  • Excellent quad speaker setup

Cons

  • No USB-A or HDMI ports
  • Capacitive function row lacks tactile feedback
  • Seamless haptic touchpad has no visible borders
  • Battery life below class-leading ultrabooks
  • Premium price for the base configuration

Full Specifications

SpecASUS ZenBook Pro 16XDell XPS 14 (9440)
SoftwareWindows 11 ProWindows 11 Home
Body
Weight5.29 lbs (2.4 kg)1.74 kg
MaterialAluminumCNC aluminum and carbon fiber
Dimensions14.05 x 9.89 x 0.77 inches320.0 x 215.5 x 18.0 mm
Ports
HDMI
USB-A ports1
USB-C ports2
SD card
Thunderbolt ports23
Battery
Battery lifeUp to 8 hoursUp to 12 hours mixed use
Capacity96 Wh69.5 Wh
Display
Size16 inches14.5 inches
TypeOLED touchInfinityEdge IPS non-touch
Resolution3840 x 24001920 x 1200
Refresh rate120Hz60Hz
Brightness (nits)550500
Storage
SSD1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe512 GB NVMe
Expandable storage
Keyboard
Backlit
Processor
RAM32 GB LPDDR516 GB LPDDR5x
Cores14 cores (6P + 8E)16-core (6P+8E+2LPE)
ChipsetIntel Core i9-13905H (13th Gen)Intel Core Ultra 7 155H

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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.

Explore more in laptops, see all ASUS products or all Dell products. View full details for the ASUS ZenBook Pro 16X or the Dell XPS 14 (9440).