Dell Inspiron 16 Plus Review: Performance Meets Budget, But Design Lags

The rise of content creators has fueled demand for powerful, large-screen laptops capable of handling demanding tasks like photo and video editing. While premium laptops dominate this segment, more affordable options like the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus aim to deliver similar performance without breaking the bank. With fast CPUs, discrete GPUs, and a spacious display, the Inspiron 16 Plus promises enhanced productivity for creative workflows. However, does its design live up to its price point? Let’s dive in and find out.

Correction: Initial reports indicated an all-plastic construction based on information in the reviewer’s guide. The Inspiron 16 Plus actually features an aluminum exterior shell covering internal sustainable plastic components.

Specifications and Configurations

The Dell Inspiron 16 Plus offers several configurations, though options for RAM and storage are somewhat limited on Dell’s website at the time of this review. Currently, pricing starts at $1,200 for a configuration with an Intel Core i7-13620H CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, integrated Intel UHD graphics, and a 16-inch 16:10 2.5K IPS display. The highest-end configuration reaches $1,850, featuring a Core i7-13620H, 32GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, and the same 2.5K display. Interestingly, our review unit, priced at $1,450, boasts a Core i7-13700H, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and the RTX 4060. This configuration offers a slightly faster CPU but half the storage for a significant $400 price reduction compared to the top-tier model.

This pricing strategy places the Inspiron 16 Plus in direct competition with laptops like the HP Envy 16. A similarly configured Envy 16 costs around $1,735, presenting a compelling alternative with potential advantages worth considering.

It’s important to note that GPU selection impacts RAM configuration options. Only systems with the RTX 4060 can theoretically support up to 64GB of faster DDR5 RAM, although this option isn’t currently available for purchase.

Design Shortcomings at a Premium Price

alt text: The Dell Inspiron 16 Plus, shown at an angle, reveals its display and keyboard.

For a laptop nearing the premium price bracket, the Inspiron 16 Plus’s design falls short in some areas. Rigidity is a primary concern, lacking the robustness typically expected in laptops exceeding $1,000. While the aluminum exterior shell and bottom chassis provide adequate firmness, the lid exhibits flex under light pressure, causing some display distortion. Competitors like the HP Envy 16, with its all-metal construction, offer a more rigid and premium feel. The Inspiron 16 Plus’s plainer aesthetic, while aligning with minimalist design trends, also contributes to a less impressive overall impression.

Dimensionally, the Inspiron 16 Plus and Envy 16 are nearly identical, with similar display bezels. However, the Dell’s plastic bezels further detract from its premium feel. On the plus side, the Inspiron 16 Plus is noticeably lighter at 4.54 pounds compared to the Envy 16’s 5.12 pounds.

alt text: A top-down view of the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus showcases its keyboard and touchpad.

The keyboard on the Inspiron 16 Plus feels somewhat loose, impacting typing experience. While key travel and spacing are adequate, the keyboard lacks the snappy responsiveness found on competitors like the HP Envy 16 or premium offerings like Dell’s XPS line and Apple’s MacBooks. The touchpad, while responsive and precise, is smaller than it could be given the ample palm rest area.

Connectivity is well-served by a mix of Thunderbolt 4 and legacy ports, although an additional Thunderbolt 4 port would be welcome. Curiously, the RTX 4060 configuration includes a microSD card reader instead of the full-size SD card reader found in other models. Wireless connectivity is top-notch with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.

alt text: The left side of the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus displays its ports and ventilation grills.alt text: The right side of the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus shows its ports and ventilation grills.

The 1080p webcam delivers a clear image suitable for video conferencing. While lacking infrared for Windows Hello facial recognition, the fingerprint reader integrated into the power button functions reliably. A physical webcam shutter adds a welcome privacy feature.

Performance and Battery Life

alt text: The rear view of the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus showcases its lid and Dell logo.

Our review unit featured the top-of-the-line configuration with a 45-watt Intel Core i7-13700H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. This combination delivered solid performance in most benchmarks, although it lagged slightly behind the Dell XPS 15 in Cinebench R23. In Pugetbench Premiere Pro, performance was competitive with the MSI Prestige 16 Studio but fell short of the HP Envy 16, which benefited from a more powerful CPU in a significantly more expensive configuration.

alt text: The rear view of the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus highlights its ventilation grills.

Overall, the Inspiron 16 Plus delivers commendable performance for its class, handling demanding productivity tasks and most creative workloads. However, heat management is a concern, with the laptop reaching high temperatures during benchmarks, particularly on the palm rest and underside. The fans, while effective, can become quite loud.

Gaming performance is respectable, with the Inspiron 16 Plus achieving playable frame rates in most titles at 1080p. While falling slightly short of the HP Envy 16, its performance in Civilization VI is impressive. It’s also worth noting that the Dell XPS 15’s RTX 4070 is significantly underclocked, contributing to the Inspiron’s superior gaming results.

Battery life on the Inspiron 16 Plus proved inconsistent. It lasted longer in our web browsing test than in the video looping test, an unusual result. Furthermore, it failed to complete the PCMark 10 Applications battery test, which is the most representative measure of productivity longevity. Based on the available data, battery life appears average at best, unlikely to last a full workday on a single charge.

Display Limitations for Creators

alt text: The front view of the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus showcases its display.

The Inspiron 16 Plus offers two 16-inch 16:10 display options. While a 60Hz Full HD+ IPS panel will theoretically be available at a lower price point, it’s not yet on the market. Our review unit featured the higher-end 120Hz 2.5K IPS display.

Colorimeter results reveal a good display for productivity, but it lacks the wider color gamuts required by creators. While color accuracy is excellent, brightness falls short of the HP Envy 16, which also offers a 2.8K OLED option with potentially superior color coverage. This makes the Envy 16 a more compelling option for color-critical work.

Audio quality from the quad speakers is adequate for casual use but lacks volume and bass. For a richer audio experience, headphones are recommended.

A Good Laptop That Falls Short

The Dell Inspiron 16 Plus offers solid performance for most users but ultimately falls short of being a wholehearted recommendation. While delivering sufficient power for many creators, its display options don’t meet their specific color requirements. Its design, while functional, lacks the premium feel expected at its price point, and battery life proves inconsistent.

For productivity users seeking a fast laptop, the Inspiron 16 Plus is a viable option, but competing 16-inch laptops offer more compelling features. The HP Envy 16, while slightly more expensive, provides a more premium build and display options better suited for creative professionals. Unless its price drops significantly, other laptops in this segment offer a more compelling value proposition.