Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) vs Dell XPS 14 (2026): Which Laptop Is Better? - RTINGS.com

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Tested using Methodology v0.9.1

Updated Sep 08, 2026 12:04 PM

Tested using Methodology v0.9.1

Updated Oct 02, 2026 05:05 PM

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Picture

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Picture

Size 14"

Operating System Windows 11

Size 14"

Operating System Windows 11

Recommended in 1 article:
Dell

Our Verdict

Dell XPS 14 (2026)

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026)

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) and the Dell XPS 14 (2026) are premium Windows ultraportables. The ThinkPad is better for frequent travelers and business users, thanks to its lighter design, optional cellular connectivity, and wider port selection, including USB-A and HDMI. The Dell is a compelling alternative if you mainly use USB-C peripherals and want a smoother display without upgrading to OLED, as its base IPS panel supports 120Hz and variable refresh rates. Both offer OLED touchscreens, up to 64GB of soldered memory, and powerful Intel processor options with Arc B390 integrated graphics, so neither has a universal performance advantage across configurations.

Variants

XPS 14 (DA14260) (Graphite - 2.8K/Touch/Ultra X7 358H/32GB/1TB)

ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (21V7CTO1WWCA1) (Black - IPS/Intel Core Ultra 7 355/32GB/256GB)
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (21V7006GUS) (Black - IPS/Intel Core Ultra 7 365 vPro/32GB/1TB)

Review

See Dell XPS 14 (2026) Review

See Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Review

Check Price

Main Differences for

General Productivity

Threshold

0.10

General Productivity

0.0

0.0

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Full Comparison

General Productivity

0.0

0.0

Multimedia

0.0

0.0

Gaming

0.0

0.0

Workstation

0.0

0.0

Design

Style

Style Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Style Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Style Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Form Factor

Locked

Locked

Build Quality

N/A

N/A

Build Quality Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Build Quality Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Build Quality Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Hinge

N/A

N/A

Hinge Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Hinge Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Hinge Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Range

Lock°

Lock°

Stability

Locked

Locked

One Finger Lift

Locked

Locked

Portability

N/A

N/A

Dimensions Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Dimensions Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Dimensions Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Size

Lock"

Lock"

Thickness

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Width

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Weight

Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Charger Size

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Charger Weight

Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Serviceability

N/A

N/A

Internals Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Internals Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Internals Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Ease Of Access

0.0

0.0

RAM Slots

Locked

Locked

Storage Slots

Locked

Locked

Replaceable Battery

Locked

Locked

Replaceable Wireless Adapter

Locked

Locked

In The Box

In The Box Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) In The Box Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) In The Box Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Display

Screen Specs

Display Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Display Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Display Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Resolution

Locked

Locked

Aspect Ratio

Locked

Locked

Pixel Density

Lock PPI

Lock PPI

Panel Type

Locked

Locked

Touch Screen

Locked

Locked

Screen-To-Body Ratio

Lock%

Lock%

Refresh Rate

N/A

N/A

Motion Blur

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Motion Blur Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Motion Blur Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Refresh Rate

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

Variable Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

Contrast

N/A

N/A

Contrast Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Contrast Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Contrast Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Native Contrast

Lock : 1

Lock : 1

Brightness

N/A

N/A

Maximum Brightness

Lock cd/m²

Lock cd/m²

Minimum Brightness

Lock cd/m²

Lock cd/m²

Reflections

N/A

N/A

Reflections Photo Off

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Reflections Photo Off Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Reflections Photo Off Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Reflections Photo Max

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Reflections Photo Max Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Reflections Photo Max Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Screen Finish

Locked

Locked

Total Reflections

Lock%

Lock%

Indirect Reflections

Lock%

Lock%

Calculated Direct Reflections

Lock%

Lock%

Black Uniformity

N/A

N/A

Black Uniformity Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Black Uniformity Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Black Uniformity Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Uniformity (Std. Dev.)

Lock%

Lock%

Out-Of-The-Box Color Accuracy

N/A

N/A

White Balance Screencap

Dell XPS 14 (2026) White Balance Screencap Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) White Balance Screencap Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Gamma Curve Screencap

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Gamma Curve Screencap Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Gamma Curve Screencap Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Color Screencap

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Color Screencap Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Color Screencap Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Avg. White Balance dE

Lock

Lock

Avg. Gamma

Lock

Lock

Avg. Color dE

Lock

Lock

Avg. Color Temperature

Lock K

Lock K

Color Gamut

N/A

N/A

Gamut SDR

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Gamut SDR Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Gamut SDR Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

sRGB xy

Lock%

Lock%

sRGB uv

Lock%

Lock%

Adobe RGB xy

Lock%

Lock%

Adobe RGB uv

Lock%

Lock%

Gamut HDR

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Gamut HDR Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Gamut HDR Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

DCI-P3 xy

Lock%

Lock%

DCI-P3 uv

Lock%

Lock%

Rec. 2020 xy

Lock%

Lock%

Rec. 2020 uv

Lock%

Lock%

Flicker

N/A

N/A

Flicker Graph

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Flicker Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Flicker Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Flicker-Free

Locked

Locked

Flicker Frequency

Locked

Locked

Flicker Active Below

Lock%

Lock%

Interface

Keyboard

N/A

N/A

Keyboard Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Keyboard Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Keyboard Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Typing Quality

0.0

0.0

Numpad

Locked

Locked

Backlighting

Locked

Locked

Key Switch Actuation Graph

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Key Switch Actuation Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Key Switch Actuation Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Operating Force

Lock gf

Lock gf

Actuation Force

Lock gf

Lock gf

Pre-Travel

Lock mm

Lock mm

Total Travel

Lock mm

Lock mm

Touchpad

N/A

N/A

Touchpad Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Touchpad Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Touchpad Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Tracking Quality

0.0

0.0

Size

Lock in² (Lock cm²)

Lock in² (Lock cm²)

Material

Locked

Locked

Dedicated Buttons

Locked

Locked

Speakers

N/A

N/A

Frequency Response Plot

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Frequency Response Plot Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Frequency Response Plot Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

Standard Error @ Normal Vol. (65 dB)

Lock dB

Lock dB

Slope @ Normal Vol. (65 dB)

Lock

Lock

Bass Extension (Low-Frequency Ext.)

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

Treble Extension (High-Frequency Ext.)

Lock kHz

Lock kHz

Dynamic Range Compression @ Max Vol.

Lock dB

Lock dB

Webcam & Microphone

N/A

N/A

Webcam Video Sample

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Webcam Video Sample Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Webcam Video Sample Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Video Quality

0.0

0.0

Resolution

Locked

Locked

Position

Locked

Locked

Privacy Cover

Locked

Locked

Face Unlock

Locked

Locked

Connectivity

Ports

N/A

N/A

Ports Photo

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Ports Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Ports Photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

USB-A Ports

Locked

Locked

USB-C Ports

Locked

Locked

Thunderbolt

Locked

Locked

USB-C Charging

Locked

Locked

USB-C Display Out

Locked

Locked

HDMI

Locked

Locked

DisplayPort

Locked

Locked

3.5mm Jack

Locked

Locked

Card Reader

Locked

Locked

Ethernet

Locked

Locked

Proprietary Port

Locked

Locked

Security Lock

Locked

Locked

Wireless Communication

Wi-Fi

Locked

Locked

Bluetooth

Locked

Locked

Configuration

CPU

Brand

Locked

Locked

Model

Locked

Locked

Core Count

Lock

Lock

Thread Count

Lock

Lock

GPU

Brand

Locked

Locked

Model

Locked

Locked

Dedicated/Integrated

Locked

Locked

VRAM Size

N/A

N/A

GPU Total Graphics Power (TGP)

N/A

N/A

RAM

Capacity

Lock GB

Lock GB

Modules

Locked

Locked

Type

Locked

Locked

Speed

Lock MHz

Lock MHz

Storage

Advertised Capacity

Lock GB

Lock GB

Usable Capacity

Lock GB

Lock GB

Drive 1

Locked

Locked

Drive 1 Type

Locked

Locked

Drive 2

Locked

Locked

Drive 2 Type

Locked

Locked

Performance

CPU/RAM Performance

N/A

N/A

Cinebench 2024 - Single Core

Lock points

Lock points

Cinebench 2024 - Multi Core

Lock points

Lock points

Geekbench 6 - Single Core

Lock

Lock

Geekbench 6 - Multi Core

Lock

Lock

Blender - CPU (Avg)

Lock samples/min

Lock samples/min

PassMark PT - CPU Mark

Lock

Lock

PassMark PT - Memory Mark

Lock

Lock

PassMark PT - Memory Mark (Android)

N/A

N/A

Mozilla Kraken

Lock ms

Lock ms

Low Tier Graphics

N/A

N/A

Geekbench 6 - GPU Compute

Lock

Lock

Basemark Web 3.0

Lock

Lock

PassMark PT - 2D Mark

Lock

Lock

PassMark PT - 2D Mark (Android)

N/A

N/A

PassMark PT - 3D Mark

Lock

Lock

PassMark PT - 3D Mark (Android)

N/A

N/A

Novabench 5 - GPU

Lock

Lock

mprep - Stress My GPU

Lock

Lock

High Tier Graphics

N/A

N/A

3DMark - Steel Nomad (DX12)

Lock

Lock

3DMark - Steel Nomad (Vulkan/Metal)

Lock

Lock

Basemark GPU (DX12)

Lock

Lock

Basemark GPU (Vulkan/Metal)

Lock

Lock

GFXBench - High Level Test (Vulkan/Metal)

N/A

N/A

Professional 3D (GPU Accelerated)

N/A

N/A

Blender - GPU (Avg)

Lock samples/min

N/A

Cinebench 2024 - GPU

N/A

N/A

CPU-Intensive Game Performance

N/A

N/A

Civilization VII - AI

Lock s/turn

Lock s/turn

Civilization VII - Graphics (Avg)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Civilization VII - Graphics (1% Low)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Total War: Warhammer III (Avg)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Baldur's Gate 3 (Avg)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Baldur's Gate 3 (1% Low)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Previous Methodology Score

N/A

N/A

Previous Methodology Score Converted

N/A

N/A

GPU-Intensive Game Performance

N/A

N/A

Cyberpunk 2077 (Avg)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Cyberpunk 2077 (Min)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Assassin's Creed Shadows (Avg)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Assassin's Creed Shadows (1% Low)

Lock fps

Lock fps

GTA V (Avg)

Lock fps

Lock fps

GTA V (1% Low)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Black Myth: Wukong (Avg)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Black Myth: Wukong (5% Low)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Resident Evil 4 (Avg)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Resident Evil 4 (1% Low)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Previous Methodology Score

N/A

N/A

Previous Methodology Score Converted

N/A

N/A

Ray Tracing Performance

N/A

N/A

Cyberpunk 2077 (Avg)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Cyberpunk 2077 (Min)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Assassin's Creed Shadows (Avg)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Assassin's Creed Shadows (1% Low)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Black Myth: Wukong (Avg)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Black Myth: Wukong (5% Low)

Lock fps

Lock fps

Storage Drive Performance

N/A

N/A

Sequential Write Speed

Lock MB/s

Lock MB/s

Sequential Read Speed

Lock MB/s

Lock MB/s

Random Write Speed

Lock MB/s

Lock MB/s

Random Read Speed

Lock MB/s

Lock MB/s

Battery

N/A

N/A

Capacity

Lock Wh

Lock Wh

Battery Life (Web Browsing)

Lock hrs

Lock hrs

Battery Life (Video Playback)

Lock hrs

Lock hrs

Battery Life (Gaming)

Lock hrs

Lock hrs

Charge Time

Lock hrs

Lock hrs

Thermals And Noise

N/A

N/A

Keyboard Temps Picture

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Keyboard Temps Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Keyboard Temps Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Keyboard Temp While Idle

Lock °C (Lock °F)

Lock °C (Lock °F)

Keyboard Temp Under Load

Lock °C (Lock °F)

Lock °C (Lock °F)

Fan Noise While Idle

Lock dBA

Lock dBA

Fan Noise Under Load

Lock dBA

Lock dBA

Power & Fan Control App

Locked

Locked

Performance Over Time

N/A

N/A

Performance Over Time Graph

Dell XPS 14 (2026) Performance Over Time Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026) Performance Over Time Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

CPU Temp (Cinebench)

Lock °C

Lock °C

CPU Perf. Loss (Cinebench)

Lock% loss

Lock% loss

GPU Temp (Heaven)

Lock °C

Lock °C

GPU Perf. Loss (Heaven)

Lock% loss

Lock% loss

Additional Features And Software

Software

Operating System

Locked

Locked

Additional Software

Locked

Locked

Extra Features

Biometrics

Locked

Locked

RGB Illumination

Locked

Locked

Touch Pen Support

Locked

Locked

Secondary Display

Locked

Locked

Check Price

Dell XPS 14 (2026)

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026)

Comments

Comparison

• Posted 2 days ago

Dell XPS 14 (2026) vs Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (2026): Main Discussion

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