Dell XPS 16 9640 Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB, 1TB SSD

Dell XPS 16 9640 (Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) 

The Dell XPS 16 9640 is a premium, high-performance laptop designed for creative professionals, power users, and anyone needing a large-screen machine with serious computing power. It’s built around a new, modern design language, incorporates the latest Intel Core Ultra processors with dedicated AI NPUs, and features a stunning display in a relatively compact form factor.

Full Specifications & Information

1. Design & Build

• Chassis: CNC machined aluminum with a zero-lattice keyboard and a seamless glass “XPS Coppertone” palm rest.

• Footprint: Designed with minimal bezels, making the physical size smaller than many traditional 16-inch laptops.

• Weight: Starting at approximately 2.2 kg (4.9 lbs).

• Key Feature: The “invisible” haptic touchpad integrated beneath the glass palm rest, providing a large, seamless tracking surface.

2. Display Options (Configurable at Purchase)

This is a key decision point. The 9640 typically offers several high-end display choices:

• Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) Display:

  • Panel Type: IPS

  • Brightness: ~500 nits

  • Features: Anti-glare, 100% sRGB color gamut.

  • Best for: Battery life, office work, coding.

• 4K+ (3840 x 2400) OLED Touch Display:

  • Panel Type: OLED

  • Brightness: ~400 nits (HDR capable up to 500+ nits)

  • Features: Touch, anti-reflective, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA True Black HDR 500 certified.

  • Best for: Content creation (photo/video editing), media consumption, design work. Offers incredible contrast and color.

• 4K+ (3840 x 2400) LCD Touch Display:

  • Panel Type: IPS-level (e.g., LG’s IPS Black)

  • Brightness: ~500 nits

  • Features: Touch, anti-reflective, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut.

  • Best for: A bright, color-accurate touchscreen without the potential for OLED burn-in.

3. Performance & Memory (For This Configuration)

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H

  • Cores/Threads: 16 Cores (6 Performance-cores + 8 Efficient-cores + 2 Low Power Efficient-cores) / 22 Threads.

  • Max Turbo Frequency: Up to 4.8 GHz.

  • Integrated Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics (a significant step up from previous Intel Iris Xe).

  • AI NPU: Includes a dedicated Neural Processing Unit for AI-accelerated tasks in supported applications (like Adobe Suite).

• Memory (RAM): 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM soldered onto the motherboard.

  • Note: RAM is not user-upgradeable, so choose your capacity carefully at the time of purchase.

• Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD.

  • Note: The SSD is user-upgradeable, so you can potentially add a larger drive later.

4. Graphics (A Critical Choice)

This configuration allows you to choose between two GPU options:

• Integrated Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics (built into the Core Ultra 7 155H). Sufficient for everyday tasks, video playback, and light photo editing.

• Dedicated Graphics (Commonly Paired): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6). This is a discrete GPU that dramatically boosts performance for video editing, 3D rendering, AI workloads, and gaming.

5. Battery & Power

• Battery Capacity: 99.5 Whr (the maximum allowed on airplanes).

• Expected Battery Life: Varies greatly by usage and display.

  • FHD+ Display: Can achieve up to 10+ hours of general use.

  • 4K+ OLED Display: Typically lower, around 5-7 hours of general use.

• Power Adapter: Includes a 130W USB-C Adapter. Supports fast charging.

6. Keyboard, Trackpad & Audio

• Keyboard: Zero-lattice, backlit keyboard with large keycaps. Haptic feedback can be toggled on/off.

• Trackpad: A large, seamless haptic force touchpad that simulates clicks through vibrations. It provides a uniform, quiet experience.

• Audio: Quad-speaker setup (2 woofers, 2 tweeters) tuned with Waves MaxxAudio Pro, offering excellent clarity and bass. Supports immersive audio.

7. Connectivity & Ports

• Ports:

  • 4 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) with Power Delivery and DisplayPort.

  • 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port.

  • 1 x 3.5mm headphone/mic jack.

  • 1 x SD Express 7.0 card reader.

  • Note: No traditional USB-A or HDMI ports; dongles or a dock will be needed for legacy peripherals.

• Wireless: Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 (BE1750) and Bluetooth 5.4.

8. Webcam & Security

• Webcam: 1080p FHD RGB camera with temporal noise reduction. Features a physical shutter for privacy.

• Windows Hello: Login via fingerprint reader (built into the power button) and facial recognition (via the webcam).

Key Features & Highlights

1. Stunning, Modern Design: The minimalist, all-glass palm rest and near-borderless display give it a distinctive and premium look.

2. Powerful Hybrid CPU: The Core Ultra 7 155H offers excellent multi-core performance for productivity and creative tasks, plus an NPU for future AI applications.

3. Exceptional Display Options: The 4K+ OLED panel is arguably one of the best available on any laptop, perfect for visual professionals.

4. Strong GPU Option: The available RTX 4050 GPU makes it a capable mobile workstation for light to moderate GPU-accelerated work.

5. Great Media Experience: Top-notch speakers, a high-quality webcam, and a fantastic display combine for an excellent all-around media experience.

Potential Drawbacks & Considerations

1. Limited Port Selection: The reliance on USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 means you’ll likely need a dongle or dock for most peripherals and external monitors.

2. Non-Upgradeable RAM: The 16GB of RAM is soldered. If you think you’ll need 32GB or 64GB in the future, you must configure it at purchase.

3. Weight: At over 2.2 kg, it is not an ultra-light device, though it is compact for its screen size.

4. Keyboard/Trackpad Adaptation: The flat, zero-lattice keyboard and haptic trackpad require an adjustment period for some users.

5. Price: As a flagship device, it commands a premium price, especially with higher-end displays and GPUs.

Who is this laptop for?

This specific configuration (155H, 16GB, 1TB) is ideal for:

• Creative Professionals: Photographers, video editors (especially with the RTX 4050), and designers who need a color-accurate, large screen.

• Power Users & Developers: Those who run virtual machines, heavy IDEs, and need sustained multi-core CPU performance.

• Business Executives & Consultants: Who want a large, premium display for presentations and data analysis.

• Media Enthusiasts: Anyone who wants a top-tier laptop for movie watching and content consumption.

Verdict

The Dell XPS 16 9640 in this configuration is a powerful and beautifully designed creative workstation. It makes the most sense when configured with the 4K+ OLED display and the RTX 4050 GPU, transforming it from a powerful laptop into a true desktop replacement for creative work. The decision on RAM (16GB vs. 32GB) is critical and should be based on your long-term needs, as it cannot be changed later.