What if your next laptop could outlast a full workday on battery, deliver AI smarts without compromise, and weigh less than most 13-inch models—while packing a massive 16-inch screen? On January 7, 2026, Day 2 of CES in Las Vegas delivered exactly that vision. As a tech journalist specializing in future computing for VFutureMedia.com, I spent the day hands-on with the show floor’s biggest reveals, and CES 2026 laptops day 2 proved Windows PCs are hitting back hard against Apple dominance.
Powered by Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite, the standout machines—Dell XPS 2026 CES revival, Samsung Galaxy Book6 lineup, and Asus Zenbook A16 Snapdragon—focus on thinner designs, marathon battery life, and on-device AI. These aren’t incremental updates; they’re bold statements in a year where performance, portability, and intelligence converge.
Dell XPS Revival: Back and Better Than Ever
Dell listened to fans and reversed last year’s controversial rebrand—XPS is officially reborn.
Hands-On with the New Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16
- Key Upgrades:
- Thinnest XPS ever: XPS 14 at ~14.6mm, lighter than comparable MacBook Pro.
- Physical function row returns (ditching the divisive touch bar).
- XPS logo stamped on the lid for iconic appeal.
- Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with enhanced Intel Arc graphics.
- Up to 40+ hours battery on LCD configs; stunning OLED options.
- Premium CNC aluminum and Gorilla Glass build.
- Benefits — Seamless premium experience for creators and pros; physical keys improve usability; smarter power management extends real-world runtime.
- Challenges — Launch configs start ~$2,050 (XPS 14) and $2,200 (XPS 16); higher-end variants later.
- Real-World Example — Ideal for video editors juggling 4K timelines or executives in endless meetings—battery that truly lasts.
- Expert Quote — Dell exec: “We’re getting back to our roots.”
- Original Insight — This revival isn’t just nostalgia; it’s Dell admitting user feedback matters, setting a precedent for 2026’s consumer-focused wave.
An XPS 13 teaser promises even thinner, more affordable entry later in 2026.
Samsung Galaxy Book6 Series: Serious MacBook Rivals
Samsung went all-in on refinement, claiming up to 30 hours battery.
Spotlight on Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro and Ultra
- Key Specs:
- Models: Book6 (standard), Pro (14/16-inch), Ultra (16-inch flagship).
- Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (up to X9); optional RTX 50-series GPUs on Ultra.
- Vibrant AMOLED 2X touch displays (up to 2880×1800, 120Hz, 1,000 nits).
- Thinner than predecessors (Pro at 11.9mm); haptic trackpads across lineup.
- Advanced cooling: Vapor chambers, dual fans.
- Benefits → Exceptional battery (30+ hours video); brighter, anti-reflective screens; Galaxy AI integration for seamless ecosystem.
- Challenges → Pricing TBD; enterprise edition delayed to April.
- Real-World Example — Remote workers editing photos or streaming—stays cool and powered all day.
- Future Prediction → With RTX options and thermals, Ultra could dominate creator/gaming hybrids.
(Insert infographic here: Galaxy Book6 vs. MacBook Pro – battery, thickness, display comparison.)
Samsung positions this as “performance defines the PC experience.”
Asus Zenbook A16: Snapdragon Power in Featherweight Form
Asus expands its award-winning ultralight series with a big-screen stunner.
Deep Dive into Asus Zenbook A16 Snapdragon
- Key Specs:
- 16-inch 3K Lumina OLED (2880×1800, 120Hz, up to 1,100 nits peak).
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme (18-core, 80 TOPS NPU, up to 5GHz).
- Ultra-light: ~2.65 lbs (1.2kg) with Ceraluminum chassis.
- Up to 48GB RAM, full I/O including SD reader.
- 70Wh battery for all-day use.
- Benefits — Insane portability for large screen; whisper-quiet cooling; marathon efficiency from Arm architecture.
- Challenges — Availability Q2 2026; app compatibility improving but not perfect.
- Real-World Example — Photographers on location—big vivid display, light carry, fast edits via NPU.
- Expert Quote — Asus: “Redefining the ultralight 16-inch laptop.”
- Original Insight — Snapdragon X2 Extreme exclusivity gives Asus early lead in efficient big-screen Windows.
A refreshed Zenbook A14 keeps sub-1kg weight with similar power.
Comparisons: How They Stack Against MacBooks
Dell XPS 14
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra Series 3
- Screen: OLED / Tandem options
- Weight/Thickness: ~3 lbs / ~14.6 mm
- Battery Claim: ~40+ hours
- Starting Price: ~$2,050
Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro 16
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra Series 3
- Screen: 16″ AMOLED 120 Hz
- Weight/Thickness: Slimmer than previous models
- Battery Claim: ~30 hours
- Starting Price: TBD
Asus Zenbook A16
- Processor: Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme
- Screen: 16″ 3K OLED 120 Hz
- Weight/Thickness: ~2.65 lbs
- Battery Claim: All-day+
- Starting Price: TBD
MacBook Pro 14 (M5 estimated)
Starting Price: ~$1,999These CES 2026 laptops day 2 often beat Apple on battery, screen brightness, and ports—while matching premium build.
Processor: Apple M5
Screen: Mini-LED
Weight/Thickness: ~3.4 lbs
Battery Claim: ~22 hours
Future Predictions and Broader Trends
2026 laptops prioritize sustainability (recyclable materials like Ceraluminum), repairability hints, and hybrid AI (on-device + cloud). Challenges include rising RAM costs potentially hiking prices.
FAQ: People Also Ask About CES 2026 Laptops Day 2
When does the new Dell XPS release? Select XPS 14/16 configs available January 6, 2026; broader in February.
What is the Samsung Galaxy Book6 battery life? Up to 30 hours video playback on Pro/Ultra.
Is the Asus Zenbook A16 Snapdragon good for gaming? Efficient for light gaming; Adreno GPU strong but not RTX-level.
Best CES 2026 laptop for creators? Samsung Galaxy Book6 Ultra for AMOLED + optional discrete GPU.
Dell XPS vs MacBook 2026? XPS wins on battery and physical keys; Mac on ecosystem.
Day 2 of CES 2026 redefined premium laptops—exciting times ahead! Which one are you eyeing: XPS revival, Galaxy Book6 power, or Zenbook lightness? Comment below, share this post, subscribe to VFutureMedia.com for ongoing coverage, or dive into our Top AI Innovations in 2026. Let’s geek out over tomorrow’s tech!
Leave a Comment