Dell XPS 16 9640 vs HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026): Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Quick Verdict
The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) scores 8.0 versus 7.8 for the Dell XPS 16 9640, making it the stronger all-rounder. The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is the cheaper option at $2,399. Choose based on the use cases below: the OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) leads overall, while the XPS 16 9640 can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Key Differences
- Faster overall: HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) (Geekbench multi 16,800 vs 13,400).
- Longer battery: Dell XPS 16 9640 (9h vs 8.4h web).
- Lighter: HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) (1.63 kg vs 2.1 kg).
- Cheaper: HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) (saves about $800 CAD).
XPS 16 9640 vs OMEN Transcend 14 (2026): Full Breakdown
Performance: the HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is the stronger performer, posting a multi-core Geekbench score of 16,800 against 13,400 for the Dell XPS 16 9640 — roughly 25% faster in CPU-heavy work like exports and compiling. In our 1080p gaming suite, the HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) averaged 112 FPS versus 78 FPS. The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is the better pick if you game or edit video.
Battery and portability: the Dell XPS 16 9640 lasts longer away from a charger, running 9 hours in our web-browsing test versus 8.4 hours. The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is also easier to carry at 1.63 kg versus 2.1 kg, which matters if you commute or travel.
Display: the Dell XPS 16 9640 uses a 16.3-inch OLED panel (3840 x 2400, 90Hz), while the HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) has a 14-inch OLED panel (2880 x 1800, 120Hz). The Dell XPS 16 9640 measured brighter at 408 nits, and covered 100% of DCI-P3 — relevant for outdoor use and colour work.
Price and value: the HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is the cheaper option in Canada, about $800 less than the Dell XPS 16 9640. Weighed against our test scores (7.8 vs 8.0 overall), the HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) offers the better value for the money, while the HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is the stronger laptop outright if budget is not the deciding factor.
For the complete testing data, read our full Dell XPS 16 9640 review and HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) review.
Where these laptops rank
Both the XPS 16 9640 and the OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) feature in these BestLaptop.ca rankings:
Winner by Use Case
Specs & Scores Comparison
| Spec | XPS 16 9640 | OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.8 | 8.0 ✓ |
| Price (CAD) | $3,199 | $2,399 ✓ |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | Intel Core Ultra 9 285H |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (60W) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 (90W) |
| RAM | 32GB LPDDR5x | 32GB LPDDR5x |
| Storage | 1000GB | 1000GB |
| Display | 16.3" OLED | 14" OLED |
| Brightness | 408 nits ✓ | 398 nits |
| Battery (web) | 9 h ✓ | 8.4 h |
| Weight | 2.1 kg | 1.63 kg ✓ |
| Geekbench multi | 13,400 | 16,800 ✓ |
| Gaming (1080p) | 78 fps | 112 fps ✓ |
| OS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (onsite available) | 1-year limited |
Which Should You Buy?
The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) scores 8.0 versus 7.8 for the Dell XPS 16 9640, making it the stronger all-rounder. The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is the cheaper option at $2,399. Choose based on the use cases below: the OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) leads overall, while the XPS 16 9640 can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the XPS 16 9640 or the OMEN Transcend 14 (2026)?
The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) scores 8.0 versus 7.8 for the Dell XPS 16 9640, making it the stronger all-rounder. The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is the cheaper option at $2,399. Choose based on the use cases below: the OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) leads overall, while the XPS 16 9640 can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Which is better for school?
The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is the better choice for school.
Which is better for business?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 is the better choice for business.
Which is better for gaming?
The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is the better choice for gaming.
Which is better for multimedia?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 is the better choice for multimedia.
Which is better for programming?
The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is the better choice for programming.
Which is better for travel?
The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2026) is the better choice for travel.
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