The Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (7640) offers a compelling blend of features for those seeking a versatile laptop experience. With its large display, touchscreen functionality, and included stylus, it caters to users who desire tablet-like capabilities alongside traditional laptop performance. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of this 2-in-1, examining its design, performance, display, and overall value.
The Inspiron 16 2-in-1 stands out with its sleek aluminum exterior and a vibrant display, offering a premium aesthetic. The inclusion of modern hardware ensures respectable performance for everyday tasks, while the flexible hinge allows for seamless transitions between laptop and tablet modes. However, certain aspects, such as cooling performance and ergonomics, could benefit from further refinement.
Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (7640): Specifications and Features
The Inspiron 16 2-in-1 is available in various configurations, catering to a range of budgets and performance needs. Our review unit boasts an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a stunning 2560×1600 Mini-LED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. This configuration provides a balanced combination of power and visual fidelity. Other key specifications include:
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X
- Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics
- Display: 16-inch 2.5K Mini-LED Touch Display (90Hz)
- Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
- Webcam: 1080p
- Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x SD card reader, 1x 3.5mm combo audio
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Biometrics: Windows Hello fingerprint reader
- Battery: 90Wh
- Dimensions: 14.05 x 9.87 x 0.75 inches
- Weight: 4.68 pounds
- Price (as tested): $1,349 (base model starts at $999)
Design and Build Quality
Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 tablet mode IDG / Mark Knapp
The Inspiron 16 2-in-1 features a predominantly aluminum chassis, contributing to its premium feel and durability. However, the plastic bottom detracts slightly from the overall high-end impression. While the laptop is sleek and relatively thin, its 4.68-pound weight makes it less portable than some competitors. The 360-degree hinge enables smooth transitions between laptop and tablet modes, though some slight wobble is noticeable.
The design is minimalist, with clean lines and smooth curves. While aesthetically pleasing, it lacks distinctive features that would make it stand out from the crowd. The placement of the exhaust vents directly into the lid, due to the 2-in-1 design, raises concerns about potential thermal management limitations.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 keyboard IDG / Mark Knapp
The Inspiron 16 2-in-1 boasts a comfortable and responsive keyboard, offering a pleasant typing experience. Key travel and actuation force are well-balanced, promoting accurate and efficient typing. The inclusion of backlighting enhances usability in low-light conditions.
The spacious trackpad provides ample room for navigation and multi-finger gestures. Its smooth glass surface ensures precise tracking and responsive clicks. While the keyboard and trackpad are generally well-executed, the lack of a number pad and dedicated navigation keys may disappoint some users.
Display and Audio
Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 display IDG / Mark Knapp
The Mini-LED display is undoubtedly a highlight of the Inspiron 16 2-in-1. Its high brightness, excellent color accuracy, and sharp resolution create a visually immersive experience. The 90Hz refresh rate contributes to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. However, the local dimming implementation exhibits some imperfections, with noticeable vignetting and blooming in certain scenarios.
The audio performance is adequate for casual listening, with decent volume and a reasonable frequency range. However, the speakers lack the depth and richness of higher-end systems. Bass response is limited, and the overall sound can be somewhat tinny at higher volumes.
Webcam, Microphone, and Biometrics
Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 webcam IDG / Mark Knapp
The 1080p webcam delivers decent image quality with accurate colors and good lighting handling. While the footage is slightly soft, it is perfectly suitable for video conferencing and other online interactions. The integrated privacy shutter provides added security and peace of mind.
The built-in microphones offer clear audio capture, especially with Dell’s noise suppression feature enabled. The fingerprint scanner provides quick and reliable biometric authentication, adding a convenient layer of security.
Connectivity
Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 ports IDG / Mark Knapp
The Inspiron 16 2-in-1 offers a good selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI, an SD card reader, and a combo audio jack. The inclusion of an SD card reader is particularly welcome for photographers and content creators. However, the placement of both Thunderbolt 4 ports on the left side can be inconvenient for some users.
Performance
The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor and 16GB of RAM provide solid performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and light content creation. However, more demanding workloads, such as video editing and gaming, can push the system to its limits. The cooling system appears to be a limiting factor, as performance can throttle under sustained load.
Performance Charts
Performance Charts
Performance Charts
Performance Charts
Battery Life
Battery Life Chart
The Inspiron 16 2-in-1 delivers respectable battery life, lasting nearly 13 hours in our video playback test. While this is commendable, other laptops with similar or smaller batteries achieve longer runtimes. The high-resolution display and powerful processor likely contribute to the relatively moderate battery performance.
Conclusion
The Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (7640) is a capable and versatile machine that caters to users seeking a blend of laptop and tablet functionality. Its strengths lie in its attractive design, vibrant display, and comfortable input devices. However, the performance limitations due to thermal throttling, along with the minor display imperfections and average battery life, prevent it from being a truly outstanding device. Ultimately, the Inspiron 16 2-in-1 is a solid choice for those who prioritize flexibility and touchscreen capabilities, but users seeking peak performance may want to explore alternative options.
