Dell XPS 16 (9640) vs Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16 (2024)
The Verdict
Both laptops offer 16-inch displays with identical 1920x1200 resolution and 16GB RAM, but diverge significantly in build quality and performance. Dell's XPS 16 features premium CNC aluminum and carbon fiber construction, a brighter 500-nit InfinityEdge display, and Intel's more powerful Core Ultra 7 155H with 16 cores, delivering noticeably snappier performance for demanding tasks. Lenovo's IdeaPad Slim 5 counters with lighter weight (1.95kg vs 2.13kg), better port selection including SD card and dual USB-A ports, and genuine value at $799 versus $1899. Battery life favors Dell marginally at 13 hours. For professionals needing sustained performance and premium aesthetics, the XPS 16 justifies its premium. Budget-conscious users prioritizing practical ports and affordability should choose the IdeaPad Slim 5, which handles everyday computing competently despite the weaker Core Ultra 5 processor.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Dell XPS 16 (9640) if…
- →Premium CNC aluminum chassis with edge-to-edge keyboard
- →Optional 4K OLED touch display available
- →Powerful Core Ultra and RTX 4050-4070 GPU options
Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16 (2024) if…
- →Large 16-inch screen great for productivity and multitasking
- →Strong port selection including HDMI and SD card
- →Excellent value for the spec sheet
Category Scores
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
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16 (2024)
Pros
- Large 16-inch screen great for productivity and multitasking
- Strong port selection including HDMI and SD card
- Excellent value for the spec sheet
- Comfortable full-size keyboard with numpad
Cons
- 1920x1200 panel is low resolution for a 16-inch display
- Heavier and bulkier than 14-inch ultrabooks
- Display brightness only 300 nits, dim outdoors
- Plastic base feels less premium than competitors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Dell XPS 16 (9640) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.13 kg | 1.95 kg |
| Material | CNC aluminum and carbon fiber | Aluminum top, plastic base |
| Dimensions | 358.1 x 240.1 x 18.7 mm | 356.5 x 251.8 x 16.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| SD card | ||
| Thunderbolt ports | 3 | 1 |
| HDMI | — | 1 |
| USB-A ports | — | 2 |
| USB-C ports | — | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 13 hours mixed use | Up to 11 hours |
| Capacity | 99.5 Wh | 65 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 16.3 inches | 16 inches |
| Type | InfinityEdge IPS non-touch | IPS, anti-glare |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1920 x 1200 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | — |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 300 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB NVMe | 512 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5x | 16 GB LPDDR5X |
| Cores | 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) | 14 cores |
| Chipset | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H |
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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.
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