Dell has another answer to the MacBook Neo just months after unveiling the redesigned XPS 13. The PC maker has introduced a new, overhauled 14S laptop that it claims is a better pick than Apple’s most affordable model—if you’re willing to make a few tradeoffs.
The 14-inch portable is aimed squarely at budget buyers. Dell tells How-To Geek the machine is still made of “sturdy” metal, but is much lighter than its predecessor at 2.53lbs (versus 3.4lbs) and bests the Neo’s 2.7lbs. And yes, it now comes in “fun color options” that include its signature Velvet Green, Washed Denim (light blue), Dusty Rose, and Linen (think of Apple’s off-white Starlight). There’s no question of who the competition is.
More importantly, Dell claims the 14S has functional advantages over the MacBook Neo. While it’s using entry-level Intel Core Series 3 chips like the XPS 13, it comes with an HDMI 1.4 port (to plug into “campus projectors,” Dell tells us) and two high-speed USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports. It also has options for up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, and keeps the 3.5mm headphone jack the XPS 13 omits.
Battery life is “where it really shines,” a spokesperson tells How-To Geek. Where Apple estimates 16 hours of video streaming for the Neo, the 14S reportedly delivers 21 hours of Netflix. Real-world testing is bound to vary, but Dell’s laptop might be worthwhile if you don’t want to be tethered to a charger all day.
Dell’s default display is a 1200p panel with a modest 300 nits of brightness versus Apple’s 1506p screen, although you can upgrade to an 1880p 120Hz display with 450-nit brightness. You’ll also find a 2-megapixel webcam with optional Windows Hello support, base Wi-Fi 6 network (up to 6e) and Bluetooth 5.3 (up to 5.4).
Dell 14S (2026) price and release date
How much will it undercut the MacBook Neo?
Dell will so far say only that the 14S will be available “later this fall,” with a price coming closer to the release date. The starting configuration will include 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a Core 5 320 processor.
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It’s the price that will likely define the laptop’s success. While it’s already likely to cost less than the $700 of both the XPS 13 and MacBook Neo, it’s not clear by how much. A large gap could help drive sales for students and anyone else who wants a basic but modestly stylish laptop.
The cost of a 16GB RAM upgrade will also matter. The XPS 13 sometimes struggles with 8GB of RAM, and its price balloons to $900 with 16GB. If the 14S is noticeably less expensive, it could be the better value if you prize multitasking over the XPS’ touchscreen and design.