Dell unveils new lightweight laptop with 120 Hz display and Intel Wildcat Lake

Dell is preparing a new version of the Dell 14S. This time, it will use Intel’s latest Core Series 3 Wildcat Lake processors, effectively making it a more affordable version of its Panther Lake-powered counterpart. It will be identified as the Dell 14S (DS14270).

Dell lets users choose between an Intel Core 7 350 and a Core 5 320. The former has six CPU cores, an NPU rated at 17 TOPS and boost clocks of up to 4.8 GHz, while the Core 5 320 retains the six-core configuration but has a 16 TOPS NPU and reaches up to 4.6 GHz. Both use the included Intel iGPU for graphics.

Prospective Dell 14S buyers can choose between two non-touch 14-inch 16:10 panels. The base display has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, a 60 Hz refresh rate and 300-nit brightness. Those looking for more pixels can opt for the 2,880 x 1,800 option with 450-nit brightness and a 120 Hz refresh rate.

Memory configurations are less impressive. Dell lists only 8 GB and 16 GB of onboard LPDDR5x-7467 memory, so no DIY upgrades unless you’re adept with a soldering iron. To make matters worse, both configurations are explicitly described as single-channel. Storage options are just as underwhelming, with 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs offered as the only choices.

Connectivity on the Dell 14S is equally minimal, with two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with DisplayPort and power delivery, one HDMI 1.4 port, a USB-A port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Wireless connectivity varies by configuration, with either a Realtek Wi-Fi 6 card with Bluetooth 5.3 or a MediaTek Wi-Fi 6E solution with Bluetooth 5.4.

Dell has fitted the laptop with a 61.2 Wh three-cell integrated battery and a 65 W USB-C power adapter. A pair of 2 W speakers with Dolby Atmos Core output audio and a 2 MP RGB webcam or a 2 MP RGB+IR camera handle video calling, with the latter also handling biometric authentication duties via Windows Hello.

The laptop's chassis measures between 12.21 and 13.50 mm thick, and it weighs 1.15 kg (2.53 lb), making it particularly light for a conventional 14-inch laptop. One of Dell's main selling points appears to be colour. The company plans four finishes called Linen, Dusty Rose, Washed Denim and Velvet Green, with its promotional material pitching the different shades as an extension of the user's personal style.

The Dell 14S will launch in North America this fall, with pricing to be announced closer to availability in each market. Dell says the laptop is intended to complement the XPS 13 while remaining more accessible to students, suggesting a substantially lower price point than the premium XPS line.