specpair

Dell XPS 16 (9640) vs HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2024)

Dell's XPS 16 targets creative professionals with a larger 16.3-inch IPS display (1920x1200, 500 nits) and more powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, delivering superior sustained performance for video editing and complex workflows. HP's Pavilion Plus 14 counters with a stunning 14-inch OLED screen (2880x1800, 120Hz) that excels for content consumption, paired with a capable Core Ultra 5 125H and lighter 1.41kg chassis. Battery life favors the XPS at 13 hours versus 10 hours, though the Pavilion's slimmer profile (16.9mm) enhances portability. For professionals needing raw power and workspace, the XPS justifies its $1,100 premium with triple the value proposition. However, the Pavilion Plus 14 represents exceptional value for students and everyday users prioritizing display quality and mobility over performance headroom. Choose the XPS 16 for serious creative work; select the Pavilion Plus 14 if budget and screen vibrancy matter most.

Dell XPS 16 (9640)
Dell
Dell XPS 16 (9640)
$1,899
8.4/10
Winner
VS

Full Specifications

SpecDell XPS 16 (9640)HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2024)
SoftwareWindows 11 HomeWindows 11 Home
Body
Weight2.13 kg1.41 kg
MaterialCNC aluminum and carbon fiberAluminum
Dimensions358.1 x 240.1 x 18.7 mm313.5 x 224 x 16.9 mm
Ports
SD card
Thunderbolt ports31
HDMI1
USB-A ports2
USB-C ports2
Battery
Battery lifeUp to 13 hours mixed useUp to 10 hours
Capacity99.5 Wh51 Wh
Display
Size16.3 inches14 inches
TypeInfinityEdge IPS non-touchOLED
Resolution1920 x 12002880 x 1800
Refresh rate60Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)500400
Storage
SSD512 GB NVMe512 GB
Expandable storage
Keyboard
Backlit
Processor
RAM16 GB LPDDR5x16 GB LPDDR5X
Cores16-core (6P+8E+2LPE)14 cores
ChipsetIntel Core Ultra 7 155HIntel Core Ultra 5 125H

Category Scores

Dell XPS 16 (9640)
HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2024)
Value
7.8
8.5
Battery
8.5
7.5
Display
8.0
9.0
Performance
8.9
7.5
portability
7.2
8.8

Pros & Cons

Dell XPS 16 (9640)

Pros

  • Premium CNC aluminum chassis with edge-to-edge keyboard
  • Optional 4K OLED touch display available
  • Powerful Core Ultra and RTX 4050-4070 GPU options
  • Large 99.5 Wh battery
  • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports

Cons

  • No USB-A, HDMI, or SD card slot
  • Capacitive touch function row is divisive
  • Invisible haptic trackpad takes adjustment
  • Heavy and runs hot under load
  • Mediocre battery life with discrete GPU

HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2024)

Pros

  • OLED 2.8K 120Hz display at a mid-range price
  • Lightweight aluminum chassis under 1.5 kg
  • Strong Intel Core Ultra performance with NPU
  • Solid port selection including HDMI and USB-A

Cons

  • Smaller 51 Wh battery limits all-day use
  • Webcam quality is mediocre at 5 MP
  • Speakers lack bass and overall richness
  • Only one Thunderbolt-capable port

Explore more in laptops, see all Dell products or all HP products. View full details for the Dell XPS 16 (9640) or the HP Pavilion Plus 14 (2024).