Dell XPS 16 9640 (2024) review
Dell XPS 16 9640 (2024) — from 2023, 2.2 kg, performance 88.
Technical specifications
| Type | Gaming |
| Release year | 2023 |
| Screen | 16.3" · 3840x2400 |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H , Intel Core Ultra 7 165H , Intel Core Ultra 9 185H |
| Graphics | GeForce RTX 4050 Mobile 6GB , GeForce RTX 4060 Mobile 8GB , GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile 8GB , GeForce RTX 4070 8GB |
| Max. RAM | 96 GB |
| Weight | 2.2 kg |
| Battery | 99.5 Wh |
Performance scores
The most expensive machine on this shelf: XPS 16 9640
At $2,967 — 296% above the gaming-class median — the XPS 16 9640 is the ceiling of this price band. The configuration justifies some of that: a Core Ultra 7 155H, an RTX 4050 with 6GB, and 96GB of RAM. The verdict's top strength is memory at 50% above class median, with battery close behind: 99.5Wh, 40% above the 71Wh median and rated "huge" — effectively the practical ceiling for air travel. Peer comparison finds no serious weak spot, and the capability sheet is fully green through Premiere Pro, Photoshop and VS Code at recommended where applicable.
Battery and memory define the machine
99.5Wh is as large as laptop batteries legally get, and paired with the efficiency-leaning Meteor Lake processor it buys genuine all-day unplugged work. The 96GB memory pool covers video timelines, large projects and heavy virtualization without breaking a sweat. Overwatch, GTA V and Rainbow Six Siege all clear recommended — a 4050 running cool in a big chassis.
The honest caveat: the price is the weakness
Peer comparison finds no serious weak spot in the hardware; the caveat is the sticker. $2,967 buys creator-machine completeness, not gaming dominance — the 4050 is the sensible tier, and rivals with 4070s live below this price. The premium is for the XPS build, the screen and the battery, and a buyer should want those specifically.
Price trajectory
The model carries an $1,800 anchor with today's $2,967 above it — a used-market premium over the anchor, reflecting a desirable configuration. The projection runs $2,080 in two years at a 16.26% annual rate, a 29.87% drop. Premium machines shed premium dollars fastest.
Against its neighbors
One analog sits below: HP's OMEN 17-ck2099ng at $2,726 — a bigger, gaming-first machine for $241 less. The XPS counters with the battery ceiling, the lighter format and the creator posture. This is the classic creator-versus-gamer fork at the top of the market.
Bottom line
For the buyer who wants the biggest battery, a huge memory pool and a premium build in one machine — and will pay top-of-catalog money for it — this is the honest pick. Gaming is a side capability here, not the mission.
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⭐ What stands out
-
price is higher than typical gaming class (+200%) (ultra-premium).
top 25% of its category -
memory capacity is higher than typical gaming class (+50%) (professional).
top 25% of its category -
battery capacity is higher than typical gaming class (+40.1%) (huge).
top 25% of its category
🔁 Alternatives
Compromise axis: mobility ↔ overall performance
🎮 What it can run
⚙️ Configuration analysis
Top configuration easily handles AAA games at ultra settings, 4K video editing, and engineering applications.
🤔 How to choose
Universal advice for any use case.
- Reliability vs price: reliability (median 53) ↔ price (median 749.6).
- Weight vs CPU: mobility (median 29) ↔ overall performance (median 73.9).
- Upgradeability vs battery: upgradability (median 100) ↔ battery life (median 2.5).
XPS 16 9640 (2024): verdict
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