Dell Pro 14 Plus review
The Dell Dell Pro 14 Plus ranks as the #299 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 75. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #307-ranked performance among 191 laptops. Consider the Dell XPS 13 9345 or Dell Pro 13 Plus 2-in-1, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Dell Pro 14 Plus is a solid business laptop with a modern design and competitive performance. However, its high price tag makes it hard to justify. The device's thermals have improved significantly, but the display falls short of expectations with a full HD resolution and 60Hz refresh rate at $2500. A plastic surface trackpad and some QA issues are other drawbacks that prevent this laptop from reaching its full potential. While the Dell Pro 14 Plus is a nice device, it feels overpriced by about 25%. If you're planning to buy it, I would recommend waiting for a sale or discount to make it more affordable. At its current price point, there are better options available in the same category.
Build
The Dell Pro 14 Plus boasts a solid build with a modernized design theme that I appreciate. The construction is sturdy, and the overall aesthetic is minimalist and sleek. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed some QA issues with my unit's hinges, which exhibited slight wobbling at certain angles of tilt. While this doesn't necessarily affect the laptop's performance, it does compromise its build quality. A plastic surface trackpad is another notable cheap skate moment that detracts from an otherwise impressive build. For a device in this price range, I expect better attention to detail and materials. If you’re after a better build, Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 could be the ideal option.
Display
The display on the Dell Pro 14 Plus is a letdown at this price point. A Full HD resolution is acceptable, but paired with a 60Hz refresh rate and 300 nits of peak brightness, it falls short. The display lacks vibrancy and clarity, making it harder to enjoy visual content. This decision seems like a cost-cutting measure rather than a genuine effort to provide a great viewing experience. Considering the laptop's premium price tag, the display should be more impressive. Overall, the Pro 14 Plus' display is one of its most disappointing features. Dell Inspiron 13 5310 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded display.
Performance
The Dell Pro 14 Plus boasts impressive performance for its price point. Intel's integrated graphics deliver seamless gaming experiences with games like Counter Strike 2 running at over 60 frames per second consistently. Multi-layer 4K video editing is also surprisingly smooth, with up to three layers handled before noticeable frame drops occur. Rendering times are equally fast, making this laptop an excellent indicator of its performance capabilities. Overall, the Pro 14 Plus's performance justifies its price, but some compromises in design and display quality detract from its overall value. For an improved performance, Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 is worth considering.
Battery and Charging
The Dell Pro 14 Plus boasts a decent-sized 55W battery that lasted an impressive 11 hours and 30 minutes in our testing, using Intel's power-efficient Lake architecture. While it may not be the most remarkable aspect of this laptop, the battery life is certainly respectable for a business-focused device. Charging times were also satisfactory, taking around 1 hour to reach 80% from empty, making it suitable for long workdays without needing to be plugged in frequently.
Connectivity
The Dell Pro 14 Plus boasts modernized IO ports, ensuring seamless connectivity. Unfortunately, the trackpad's plastic surface is a letdown at this price point. Upgradability is also limited to an M.2 drive, with RAM and the connectivity module being hard soldered. A decent battery life of 11.5 hours is a redeeming feature. Take a look at Dell Pro 13 Plus 2-in-1 - its improved connectivity sets a new standard.
Features
The Dell Pro 14 Plus boasts a solid build, modernized design, and competitive performance. It features modernized IO ports, improved thermals, and an exceptional indicator of performance through multi-layer 4K video editing. The laptop also supports casual gaming with integrated Graphics, but is let down by a subpar display and plastic surface trackpad. If you're after top-notch features, consider Dell XPS 13 9310.
Support and Maintenance
The Dell Pro 14 Plus has respectable thermal performance, staying at a maximum temperature of 36°C under peak loads. However, fan noise can be loud during intense activities. Self-upgradability is limited to the M.2 drive, while RAM and connectivity modules are soldered in place. Battery life is decent with up to 11 hours of use.
Pros
1. Solid build
2. Nice new minimalist design theme
3. Modernized IO ports
4. Performance is very competitive
5. Modernized thermos have also improved significantly
6. Games like Counter Strike 2 comfortably run north of 60 frames per second
7. Thermals were the key problem with Dell laptops in the past however ever Dell really has turned a new Leaf over here
8. Self-upgradability is very limited, but you can technically upgrade the m.2 drive
Cons
1. Cheap skate moments where Dell has some questions to answer
2. QA issue on my device slightly wobbling at a certain degree of tilt with the actual hinges
3. Display is unacceptable with full HD display and 60 HZ refresh rate at 300 nits peak brightness
4. Plastic surface trackpad is cheap skate moment
5. Limited upgradability, only m.2 drive can be upgraded
6. Fan noise not so much, hits mid 60 DB when anything moderately intensive
7. Speaker quality is not top of their mind and experience is pretty flat
8. Current MSRP pricing is expensive and justifies a $25% cheaper price tag
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