If you’ve been looking for a do-it-all laptop that feels at home in a lecture hall or remote work setting, Dell’s 14 Plus 2-in-1 makes a strong case for itself. It’s a sleek, well-rounded machine that leans into modern AI integration without getting too far ahead of itself.
With the addition of Intel’s new Core Ultra processors and on-device Copilot+, what you’re getting here is essentially a sturdy, portable workhorse that thrives on everyday use.
Design: Sleek, Subtle, and Surprisingly Premium
Dell hasn’t reinvented the wheel here, but what’s on offer feels considered and refreshingly clean. The Ice Blue finish is subtle without feeling completely sterile, escaping the dreaded office standard grey. The smooth, rounded edges also give the chassis a softer, more refined look. The 360-degree hinge allows for seamless transitions between setup variations between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes, making it easy to switch from emails, sketching or binge-watching in bed.
At 1.61kg and just over 16mm thick, it strikes a nice balance between portability and sturdiness. Build quality is solid, although some minor flexion occurs between the mousepad and keyboard deck with minimal force. The hinge, however, holds up under pressure; something that can’t be said for every 2-in-1 at this price point. It also feels surprisingly sturdy in its multiple configurations, which is something that has concerned me with other devices in a similar class.
Display & Audio
The 14-inch FHD+ touchscreen is sharp enough for day-to-day tasks, with the taller aspect ratio in tablet mode being great for productivity, especially when you’re working in documents, emails, or even across a split screen. That said, the screen’s brightness maxes out at 300 nits, and with just 45% NTSC colour coverage, it’s not the brightest or most colour-accurate display on the market. The design philosophy here is geared at those on the go, which makes the brightness factor a bit of an issue if you’re in the sun. Additionally, if you’re a photo or video editor, you might find it limiting.
Audio performance is surprisingly robust, with loud, clear output that holds up well even in open spaces. Between Zoom calls or catching up on your streaming backlog, the speakers certainly punch out enough dBs.
Performance
Under the hood, you’re getting Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors, AMD Radeon 860M graphics and either 16GB or 32GB of fast LPDDR5x RAM. In real-world terms, that translates to snappy performance for everything from web browsing and video playback to light creative workloads and multitasking. While it’s not a powerhouse for gaming, it handles day-to-day use without breaking a sweat.
The large focus has been put towards AI, including Microsoft Copilot+, Recall, Studio Effects, and Cocreator, which are all supported in some form, depending on configuration and software updates. Right now, they feel more like nice-to-haves than essential tools, but there’s clear potential down the line, especially as AI workflows mature.
Thermal performance is also commendable. The system remains quiet under typical loads, with fans kicking in subtly during sustained tasks. No noticeable heat issues cropped up during extended use.
Battery Life & Portability
Battery life is one of the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1’s biggest strengths. In testing conditions, it pushes close to 20 hours of Netflix streaming on some configurations, and even in more mixed-use scenarios, you can comfortably leave the charger at home for a full workday. When you do need a top-up, the charger brings the battery to 80% in about an hour, which is a genuine lifesaver in the right context.
With Wi-Fi 7 support, a solid port selection (USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and Thunderbolt 4), and a compact 65W USB-C charger, it’s an easy laptop to travel with and plug into just about anything.
Inputs & Usability
The backlit keyboard is comfortable for long sessions, with decent travel and spacing. The webcam proved perfectly serviceable for video calls, with appreciated assistance from AI-powered noise cancellation.
The touchpad is responsive but on the smaller side, and in tablet mode, the screen’s glossy finish can pick up smudges quickly.
Verdict & Value
The new Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 doesn’t scream for attention, and that’s precisely its charm. It’s a thoughtful, well-built laptop that feels more premium than its price tag suggests, offering strong battery life, solid performance, and a clear path into the AI-enhanced workflows of tomorrow, even if those tools are still finding their footing.
For students, hybrid workers, or anyone who wants a capable and flexible laptop that looks good, lasts all day, and keeps up with the pace of modern life, it’s hard to go wrong here.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Strong all-day battery life; flexible 2-in-1 design; quiet thermals
Lowlights: Average screen brightness and colour range; Smaller touchpad; minor keyboard flexion
Manufacturer: Dell
Price: A$1,398.10 – A$1,598.30 (Depending on model and configuration)
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Dell. The Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 is available via Dell’s official website and select Australian retailers.
