Dell 14 Plus (DB14250, Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB, 1TB)

Dell 14 Plus (DB14250, Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB, 1TB)

By Dell · Laptops · Phones & Computers

  • Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, Intel Arc graphics
  • 14-inch QHD+ 2560x1600, 120Hz, 300 nits, anti-glare
  • 32GB LPDDR5x + 1TB SSD
  • 64Whr battery, Wi-Fi 7

Lowest price seen
~$1,659.99 (approx.)
from $1,659.99 at Amazon

Prices are snapshots. Check the current price with the store.

Summary

A 14-inch Windows productivity laptop built around Intel’s Core Ultra 7 258V with 32GB of soldered memory and a 2.5K 90Hz display. Check the display brightness before you buy: at 300 nits it is the most common complaint across every professional review.

Strengths

  • Battery life is strong: Tom’s Guide measured 13+ hours in real-world use, PCMag hit 20:06 in video playback.
  • The keyboard and touchpad are comfortable and consistently praised across reviews.
  • The aluminum chassis feels sturdy and the laptop is slim at 0.67 in thick.
  • 32GB of memory and a 1TB SSD give ample headroom for multitasking and storage.
  • Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 4 and a practical port selection cover most connectivity needs.
  • Dell frequently discounts this configuration well below list price.

Weaknesses

  • The 300-nit display is dim for bright rooms and outdoor use; every professional review flags it.
  • Audio is described as hollow, thin and underwhelming by multiple reviewers.
  • The touchpad draws mixed feedback: shallow according to Laptop Mag, too firm according to CNET.
  • Plastic bezels and palmrest look cheap for a Plus-branded laptop, and the chassis flexes under pressure.
  • Memory is soldered and not upgradeable, so 32GB is fixed at purchase.
  • The 64Wh battery is relatively small for a 14-inch laptop.

Verified specifications

ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 7 258V, 8 cores (4P + 4E), up to 4.8 GHz, 12MB cache, 17W.
NPUIntel AI Boost, up to 47 TOPS.
GraphicsIntel Arc Graphics 140V (integrated).
Display14-inch 2.5K (2560x1600), IPS, anti-glare, 300 nits, 90Hz, non-touch.
Memory32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (soldered, not upgradeable).
Storage1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD.
Battery4-cell 64Wh (integrated).
Weight3.42 lb (1.55 kg) starting.
Dimensions12.36 × 8.90 × 0.67 in (314.00 × 226.15 × 16.95 mm).
Operating systemWindows 11 Home, Copilot+ PC.
Camera1080p at 30 fps, dual-array microphones, privacy shutter.
AudioDual speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro and Dolby Atmos Cores, 5W total.
KeyboardBacklit, with AI key.
Fingerprint readerYes (integrated in power button).
ConnectivityWi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4.
Ports1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1x Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1x universal audio jack.
ChassisAluminum LCD cover and base; plastic bezel and palmrest.
Warranty1-year Basic Onsite.
In the boxLaptop, 65W USB-C adapter, power cord, documentation.
Full research notes and sources

Performance and everyday use

The Core Ultra 7 258V handles general productivity, media consumption and light creative work without complaint. Tom’s Guide measured a Geekbench 6.4 multi-core score of 10,890 and a Handbrake 4K-to-1080p transcode time of 8 minutes 2 seconds on this exact configuration. PCMag, Laptop Mag and CNET tested the base 256V/16GB model and posted similar multi-core results. The integrated Intel Arc Graphics 140V is fine for everyday tasks but there is no discrete GPU option. Laptop Mag measured a surface temperature of 95.2°F between the G and H keys under load.

Display and audio

The 14-inch 2.5K (2560x1600) IPS panel runs at 90Hz, a bump over standard 60Hz but not as smooth as 120Hz+ panels. Tom’s Guide measured 308.6 nits average brightness and 78.9% DCI-P3 color gamut; Laptop Mag measured 309 nits, 111.4% sRGB and 78.9% DCI-P3. CNET measured 353 nits max brightness. The 300-nit rating is the single most consistent complaint across all reviews. The dual speakers are bottom-firing and lack a software equalizer; multiple reviewers call the audio hollow and underwhelming.

Battery life and running costs

Battery life varies widely by workload and test methodology. PCMag measured 20 hours 6 minutes in local video playback at 50% brightness. Laptop Mag measured 13 hours 25 minutes in web surfing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits. CNET measured 14 hours in online streaming. Tom’s Guide reported 13+ hours in real-world use. The 64Wh battery is integrated and not user-replaceable without disassembly. The SSD is M.2 NVMe and potentially upgradeable. Dell includes a 1-year Basic Onsite warranty. Dell SupportAssist and Dell Optimizer software handle system management.

Is it worth it?

Dell’s US store lists the 258V/32GB/1TB configuration at $1,069.99, but the laptop frequently sells for less. Tom’s Guide reviewed it at $849 on sale in July 2025. Windows Central noted sale prices as low as $699.99 for the base config in April 2026. Laptop Mag recommends the 258V/32GB configuration, calling the $200 jump from the base configuration a steal for the performance, RAM and display gains. The main compromises are the 300-nit display, integrated graphics and soldered memory. For buyers committed to Windows and Dell’s ecosystem, it is a solid choice.

Which model this is

This page covers the Dell 14 Plus Laptop, model DB14250, configured with Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5x memory, 1TB SSD and Intel Arc Graphics 140V. It is a Copilot+ PC. The model was previously sold under the Inspiron brand. The DB14250 is distinct from the Dell 14 DC14250, which uses different processors.

Sources

Manufacturer:

Independent reviews:

Owner reports:

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