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The Dell 16S DS16260 is a more polished successor to the Dell 16 Plus, with a sturdier-feeling chassis and a wider choice of processors and screens. Whether it is the better buy depends on the configuration: memory is soldered, the display options differ substantially, and higher-end 16S models can approach the price of Dell’s XPS 16. Independent battery tests also vary, while one review found an unusual SSD result on its particular test unit.
What the Dell 16S review says
Dell positions the 16S as the next step after the Dell 16 Plus, model DB16250. Notebookcheck’s review praises the 16S’s stronger, more mature chassis and notes that Dell retained a broad port selection and serviceability. The 16S also expands the processor and display choices, so the model name alone does not identify the performance or screen experience you will get.
Notebookcheck tested a configuration with an Intel Core Ultra 7 355, 16 GB of soldered LPDDR5x memory, a 70 Wh battery, and a 2880×1800 120 Hz OLED touchscreen. It weighed 1.802 kg (3.97 lb). Those details describe that test unit, not every DS16260 configuration. See Notebookcheck’s Dell 16S review.
Is the Dell 16S better than the Dell 16 Plus?
It appears to be a design and choice upgrade rather than an automatic value upgrade. Notebookcheck describes the chassis as stronger and more mature than the previous Dell 16 Plus and highlights the additional processor and display options. The right comparison is between specific configurations and their current prices, not just the family names.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Dell’s US product pages list the 16S as DS16260 and the 16 Plus as DB16250. Compare the processor, memory, SSD, screen, and price of the exact units available in your region. Notebookcheck cautions that higher 16S configurations can cost nearly as much as the XPS 16; prices and availability vary by market and date. Dell’s current US configuration page can be checked at Dell 16S DS16260, and the predecessor at Dell 16 Plus DB16250.
Notebookcheck also names the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5, HP OmniBook 5, and Asus VivoBook S16 as alternatives in the 16-inch category. The available evidence does not establish a configuration-matched price and test comparison that would support declaring one of them the winner.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which Dell 16S display should you choose?
Dell’s US page lists three materially different screens. Select based on how you work and whether the resolution, refresh rate, OLED contrast, or touch input matters most.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches| Display option | Resolution and refresh rate | Touch and panel type |
|---|---|---|
| Entry option | 1920×1200, 60 Hz | IPS, non-touch |
| Higher-resolution option | 2560×1600, 120 Hz | IPS, non-touch |
| OLED option | 2880×1800, 120 Hz | OLED touchscreen |
The OLED panel was used in Notebookcheck’s test unit; it is not the only screen available. Notebookcheck flags limited HDR support even on the OLED version, so do not choose it on the assumption that it provides a full HDR display experience. For general productivity, the 1920×1200 panel may be sufficient; the 2560×1600 option offers a sharper image and higher refresh rate without OLED touch. The OLED model is the choice when contrast and touch are priorities, subject to its price and HDR limitation.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which configuration should you buy?
Dell’s selected US configuration currently lists a Core Ultra 7 355, 16 GB of onboard memory, a 1 TB M.2 2230 SSD, and a 2560×1600 120 Hz non-touch screen. Other processor, memory, storage, and display choices appear on Dell’s product page, and the selected configuration can change.
- Choose memory carefully: RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded by the user. Buy enough for your expected workload, especially if you keep many applications open or use memory-intensive creative tools.
- Choose storage with the same care: Notebookcheck identifies one internal M.2 SSD slot. If you anticipate needing more space, plan for that at purchase or consider external storage rather than assuming a second internal SSD can be added.
- Match the screen to your use: Resolution, refresh rate, touch, and OLED are configuration choices, not universal DS16260 features.
- Verify the exact SKU: Performance claims and battery results from a Core Ultra 7 OLED test machine should not be assumed to apply to a different processor or display configuration.
How long does the Dell 16S battery last?
Two independent reviews report different runtimes under their own test conditions. Notebookcheck measured 10 hours 59 minutes in a Wi-Fi web-surfing test on its 70 Wh Core Ultra 7 355 unit. IT Pro reports 12 hours 57 minutes in its battery test, using a different protocol. These figures are not directly interchangeable, and neither guarantees the runtime of every configuration or a particular user’s workload.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Is there a problem with the Dell 16S SSD?
IT Pro reported an unusually low average read figure of 255 MB/s for the 512 GB SSD in its test configuration, while also reporting 5,280 MB/s for another average read measure. The discrepancy is specific to the metric and test configuration described by IT Pro; it does not establish that all DS16260 units have a defective drive. Because the result is unusual, buyers concerned about storage performance should verify the drive in the exact configuration they receive and consult IT Pro’s Dell 16S review for its reported figures.
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What ports does the Dell 16S have?
Dell lists two Thunderbolt 4 ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and a headset port on its US product page. That selection supports connecting common peripherals and makes a Thunderbolt or USB-C dock a plausible desk setup, though compatibility with a particular dock has not been established here. Check the specification for the configuration and region you plan to buy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
