By Key Points
- Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640: New AI CPU, no OLED display.
- Ideal for creators, but lacks high-end color accuracy.
- Improved battery life over previous models.
- Reasonable price for its features, but watch for discounts.
Performance-Driven, AI-Enhanced: Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640
The Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 is an enticing option for those seeking a powerful, big-screen laptop without breaking the bank. This 16-inch laptop comes equipped with Intel’s new Core Ultra AI processors and Nvidia’s RTX 4060 GPU, making it a compelling choice for content creators and casual gamers. However, the lack of an OLED display might disappoint some users.
Core Ultra and RTX: The Heart of Performance
The Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 houses an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, designed to handle AI workloads efficiently. Paired with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and an 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, this laptop delivers robust performance. Whether you’re editing videos, designing graphics, or gaming, the Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 offers solid performance for its price range.
The Geekbench 6 and Cinebench R23 benchmarks confirm its capability, showing performance on par with other laptops in its class. While the RTX 4060 isn’t the most powerful GPU available, it provides enough power for smooth 1080p gaming and creative tasks.
Display: Sharp but Not Vibrant
The Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 features a 16-inch IPS panel with a 2.5K resolution (2560×1600). While the 120Hz refresh rate offers smooth visuals, the panel falls short in color accuracy, covering only 79% of AdobeRGB and 81% of the P3 color gamut. This might be a dealbreaker for professional graphic designers and photographers who require precise color reproduction.
Unfortunately, Dell did not include an OLED option for this model, a feature that many content creators might miss. OLED displays offer superior color accuracy and contrast, making them ideal for visual work. However, the IPS display’s 330 nits of brightness make it suitable for most indoor environments, though it struggles in direct sunlight.
Design: Solid and Subtle
The design of the Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, the 7630. The laptop sports an all-aluminum chassis that feels sturdy and premium. Dell’s “Ice Blue” color gives it a sleek, professional appearance. The laptop weighs 4.9 pounds, making it slightly heavier than last year’s model but still manageable for a 16-inch device.
Port selection is adequate, with both USB-A ports now located on the right side. This might inconvenience left-handed users who prefer using an external mouse. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with a new Copilot key replacing the right Ctrl key to summon Microsoft’s AI assistant. The touchpad, however, remains undersized and somewhat stiff, which might be frustrating for users accustomed to larger, more responsive touchpads.
Battery Life: Improved Efficiency
One of the notable improvements in the Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 is its battery life. In our online streaming battery drain test, the laptop lasted over 11 hours, which is more than an hour longer than the previous model. This efficiency makes it a reliable choice for users who need a laptop that can last through a full day of work or entertainment without needing to recharge.
Pricing and Value
The Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 starts at $1,100, but our test configuration with the Core Ultra 7 155H CPU and RTX 4060 GPU is priced at $1,500. It’s a good deal for the hardware, but prices can vary, and occasional discounts might make it even more attractive. Compared to high-end alternatives like the HP Spectre x360 16 and Dell’s XPS 16, which can cost upwards of $2,000 with similar specs, the Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 offers a budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much performance.
For a more detailed hands-on review, check out CNET’s full article.
The Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 strikes a balance between performance and price, making it a solid choice for content creators and casual gamers who can overlook the absence of an OLED display. With its AI-powered CPU and discrete GPU, it provides enough power for most creative tasks and gaming at 1080p. If you’re in the market for a big-screen laptop that won’t break the bank, the Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 is worth considering, especially if you can snag it at a discount.
