I Tested the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 Laptop and Loved Its Large Touchscreen Display, Processing Power, and Versatility

Not to be confused with the regular Dell 16 Plus laptop, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 laptop runs Windows 11 with the latest Copilot+ PC AI capabilities and offers a 16-inch vibrant touchscreen display. What sets the two models apart is that the 2-in-1 design has a display which flips up to 360-degrees. As a result, it can be used as a traditional laptop, in tent mode, or as a large tablet. And it comes with the Dell Active Pro pen-shaped stylus. 

These days, laptop computers come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Each gets powered using one of many different CPU, NPU, and GPU processor combinations. The size and resolution of the displays vary greatly, as do the selection of ports, amount of RAM, and internal storage space offered by a laptop’s SSD.

On the plus side, most new Windows laptops come with the latest Microsoft Copilot+ PC artificial intelligence integration, and a dedicated Copilot+ key as part of the keyboard. As a leading laptop manufacturer, Dell offers a vast selection of laptops. In fact, I have recently reviewed several of the company’s most popular models, including the Dell 14 Premium and Dell XPS-13 AI PC, which I enjoyed working with immensely. 

The folks at Dell recently provided me with both a Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 and Dell 16 Plus laptop. Both were configured almost identically and looked the same from the outside. However, I chose to focus here on the 2-in-1 model, because it can be used as a traditional laptop or as a large-screen tablet. Keep reading to discover why I prefer having the 2-in-1 capabilities, and why this design can positively impact how you interact with this laptop on a daily basis to achieve maximum productivity based on your workflow and habits.

Experience 2-in-1 Functionality from This Versatile Dell 16 Plus Laptop

At the same time I received the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 laptop to review, Dell provided me with the Dell 16 Plus laptop. There are many similarities between these two devices from a design, configuration, size, and weight standpoint.

What’s different is that, as its name suggests, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1’s display can rotate up to 360-degrees, so it can be flipped around allowing the device to be used as a tablet (shown below). The 2-in-1 model also offers a touchscreen display and comes with the Dell Active Pen stylus. Right out of the box, you can handwrite, draw, or annotate directly on the screen when using compatible apps, such as Microsoft Word.

Most 2-in-1 laptops with a larger size display are a bit heavy and cumbersome to use as a tablet. The benefit is that you get a lot of on-screen real estate to run a single app or multitask with two more apps (or browser windows) open and displayed at the same time.

Another perk is that you can position the laptop in “tend mode” (shown below), which makes it ideal for using the laptop for presentations, to play some games, or to watch streaming video. When placed on a table in this position, it’s easy to forget you’re watching a TV show or movie on a laptop, especially if you pair the device with high-quality Bluetooth headphones or wireless earbuds that offer spatial audio and active noise cancellation. 

Obviously, to accommodate the larger size display, the entire size and weight of the laptop is on the larger and heavier side, compared to a 2-in-1 laptop with a 14-inch or 15-inch display. However, Dell has done an excellent job keeping the thickness of the device to a minimum.

The functionality of the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 as a laptop or tablet is more practical and extensive than what the basic Dell 16 Plus offers (with its traditional laptop design and a display that rotates just 180-degrees, so it can lie flat).

Even if you don’t plan to use the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 as a tablet, the enhanced angle adjustability of the display can be convenient. I also love that you can annotate or sign documents on the display using the stylus, or read an eBook or PDF file in greater comfort. 

If given the choice between the Dell 16 Plus or Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 laptop, I’d choose the 2-in-1 option hands down, even though the price is slightly higher. The price difference also varies based on the other configuration options selected.

One of the most confusing things about purchasing the Dell 16 Plus or Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is that from the Dell website, you can custom configure the laptop and there are numerous options to choose from. Meanwhile, most authorized dealers (and Amazon) offer a variety of preconfigured options.

You need to clearly understand your needs and budget, and then choose a configuration that matches both, keeping in mind that from the outside, all of the Dell 16 Plus models look virtually identical to the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 models.

Who Will the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 Appeal To?

It’s easy to say that the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 appeals to creatives and content creators, but thanks to its long battery life and slim design, I also found it can appeal to people with everyday computing needs. This laptop has the processing power to handle more advanced applications, along with an impressively detailed and vibrant 2.5K resolution touchscreen display with a 90Hz refresh rate.

Sure, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 can be used as a traditional laptop, but what I found convenient is that the display can be positioned in several different ways to greatly expand the versatility of the device, whether you’re using it as a tablet, laptop, or a computer for gaming and streaming TV shows and movies.

What you get with the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is a powerful machine with the latest Copilot+ PC AI tools and features. This 2-in-1 laptop and tablet combo is excellent for anyone looking for a mid-priced Windows machine, who doesn’t mind dealing with a slightly larger housing and more spacious 16-inch touchscreen (compared to laptops with a 14-inch or 15-inch non-touchscreen display).

Based on my testing, I can confidently state that the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 will appeal to business professionals, students, creatives, content creators, casual gamers, and anyone else looking for a nicely equipped and versatile laptop that can be positioned and used in a handful of different ways.

For example, being able to use the device’s tablet’s capabilities with the Dell Active Pen makes it more convenient to read, annotate, and sign documents while on the move, a perk most traditional laptops don’t offer. I am also a fan of the laptop’s fingerprint sensor that’s built into the power button on the keyboard, along with its face recognition (via the webcam), passcode, and password options for unlocking the computer and helping to maintain security and privacy. 

Key Features of the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 Laptop

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 comes with the latest features you want from a laptop and large-size tablet, including an Intel CPU, NPU, and GPU capable of handling complex AI-driven tasks, in addition to the applications that most people use in their everyday personal or professional lives.

What I like most about this laptop is that it’s designed to provide versatility, making it intuitive to interact by typing, working with the touchpad, writing or drawing using the styles, or using your voice. And of course, you can easily connect a wired or wireless mouse and external keyboard, plus additional monitors if you choose.

While I would have liked to see more ports, and perhaps a memory card slot integrated into the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1, what is provided is adequate to handle the needs of most users. Plus, you always have the option of connecting the device to an external hub that offers the additional ports you need to handle a specific work load. One thing I found particularly appealing is that the laptop makes very little noise.

Another attractive feature is the laptop’s all-day battery life. Of course, this varies greatly based on how it’s being used, but you can expect to get a full day’s work done or enjoy an extended gaming session in between charges. Dell promotes that this device can offer a battery life of up to 21 hours between charges, but in real-world use, I’d expect a bit more than half that, which is still very respectable for a laptop of this size and with this much processing power.

And for business users, the numeric keypad integrated into the keyboard is a perk when it comes to efficient data entry and calculations.

Using the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 Laptop

As part of my testing, I used the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 with Microsoft 365 apps, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. I also edited photos using Microsoft Photos and Adobe Photoshop, surfed the web using the Edge web browser, and played a handful of games (using the keyboard and touchpad, or a wireless Xbox controller).

I streamed a variety of music and video content using services like Spotify and Netflix. Of course, I also tinkered with the Microsoft Copilot+ PC AI capabilities integrated into the Windows 11 operating system and various apps, and used the device for creating and publishing social media content.

In addition to using the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 as a traditional laptop, I positioned it in tent mode to stream video and play games (using a wireless controller), and also annotated and digitally signed several documents using the device as a tablet in conjunction with the included stylus. Regardless of how this laptop was being used, it consistently offered impressive performance and speed. 

The display consistently showcased bright, detailed, and color accurate graphics, smooth animations, and sharp video content. All displayed text appeared sharp and easy to read.

As a tablet, the size and weight of this device can be a bit cumbersome. It was more comfortable to rest the device on my lap, or place it flat on a desk than hold it in my hands.

My biggest complaint with this laptop is the sound quality offered by the two, 2.5-watt stereo speakers. They lack bass and oomph. As a result, the audio often sounded tinny. These days, many laptops offer four or even six speakers that provide more robust and rich sound.

That said, I easily compensated for this using Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. I alternatively used the Audeze M Series MM-100 ($399 on Amazon) over-ear headphones (shown above) or the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds ($319 on Amazon), which easily paired with the laptop and provided robust and more lifelike sound.

Overall, the backlit keyboard was a pleasure to type on, while the touchpad proved to be both sensitive and precise. While I would not recommend this laptop to serious gamers, it’s certainly suitable for casual gaming, and so much more.

Even though the laptop has a larger size display, it’s still able to provide all-day battery life. And the included power adapter is more compact than what comes with many competing laptops. When transporting the laptop, it fits nicely in the padded compartment of larger-size laptop bags and backpack.

Meanwhile, the port selection is decent, but not as robust as what you’d find in higher-end laptops. The ports are, however, adequate for the average user. Plus, you get the benefit of Wi-Fi 7 support for fast wireless internet connectivity. 

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 Offers Microsoft Copilot+ PC AI Integration

There’s been a lot of hype lately about how artificial intelligence tools and functionality are now being integrated into computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices we use in our everyday lives. Since the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is a Windows laptop and tablet combo, it comes with the latest Microsoft Copilot+ PC AI functionality integrated into the device and operating system. There are many ways you can take advantage of these AI tools to streamline everyday tasks. As with many of the newest laptops, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 has a Copilot+ PC key integrated into the keyboard. Anytime you press it, you have access to a powerful AI powered digital assistant.

Copilot+ PC continues to evolve quickly, so what it’s capable of doing today is only a preview of what’ll be possible in the months and years to come. I’ve discovered that just about anyone can benefit from using at least some of the AI tools and features currently offered, but you can opt to deactivate these functions if you’re not yet comfortable relying on AI. That said, Copilot+ PC can handle a wide range of tasks, plus it integrates with virtually all Microsoft apps and services. So, behind-the-scenes, your laptop can share data between apps, anticipate some of your needs, make certain decisions on your behalf, and help you become a better communicator.

Lately, I have been impressed with how nicely the AI tools and features offered by Copilot+ now seamlessly integrate into some of the most popular apps people use everyday, from Microsoft 365 applications, to the Edge web browser, Adobe applications and Microsoft Photos to name just a few. It’s just as convenient to type prompts and requests, as it is to speak in a conversational style directly with the AI in a way that helps users achieve their desired results more efficiently. 

My Final Thoughts: Is the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 Laptop Worth It?

Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to test many 2-in-1 devices. The ones I’ve liked the most have had a 14-inch or 15-inch touchscreen display, and a more compact overall design. That is, until now.

The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 was the first laptop with a 16-inch display I found was convenient to use in laptop mode, tent mode, or tablet mode. While I would not give up my 11-inch tablet just yet (because it’s lighter, thinner, and easier to hold in my hands), I’ve liked the option of being able to switch between this device’s various positions in seconds, based on how I chose to use it at any given time.

The 16-inch display provides plenty of room for multitasking. Whether you’re running two or three apps at the same time and they’re all displayed on the screen at once, or you opt to keep several web browser windows open at the same time, the display offers plenty of on-screen real estate combined with the clarity and brightness I’d expect from a mid-printed laptop.

I did notice that the display reflects ambient light and causes unwanted glares, which can be annoying, but the ability to position the display at different angles helps to compensate for this. 

Based on my testing, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 is a powerful, nicely designed, and versatile mobile computing device that can be configured with less expensive components to make it more affordable, or upgraded at the time of purchase to provide it with extra computing power, processing speed, RAM, and internal storage.

Whichever configuration options you choose, you know you’re getting a really good value for the investment. Chances are, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 can serve you well today, and for a handful of years to come.