TECH

Dell releases new 15-inch laptop internationally with AMD Ryzen processors and up to 32 GB RAM

Dell has released a new 15-inch laptop internationally featuring AMD Ryzen 200 processors. Also equipped with a 400-nit display and up to 32 GB of RAM, the Dell 15 D15266 contains upgradeable RAM and storage within a housing that weighs just over 1.5 kg.

Dell continues to expand its budget laptop division with new models. Yesterday, we reported that the company had released a new 14-inch laptop in the form of the Dell 14 D14261 to rival the MacBook Neo. Simultaneously, the company began selling a 15.3-inch alternative with the same Intel Wildcat Lake processors.

As it turns out, Dell also launched the Dell 14 D14265 in Oceania and Southeast Asia. Additionally, the company has complemented this 14-inch laptop with a 15.3-inch alternative. Mirroring its 14-inch counterpart, the Dell 15 D15266 is only available in selected markets. However, Dell's website indicates that the 15.3-inch laptop will eventually launch elsewhere, including in the US.

Dell Technologies announced on August 18 four new models in its standard notebook PC lineup, the "Dell 14" and "Dell 15" series, with sales beginning sequentially. Designed for everyday use, the laptops feature 14-inch and 15.6-inch LCD displays and adopt a plastic chassis that is lighter than previous models.

The four configurations announced include the 14-inch "D14261" and 15.6-inch "D15261" powered by Intel's Core 3 304, and the 14-inch "D14265" and 15.6-inch "D15266" powered by AMD's Ryzen 3 210. The Core 3 304 operates with 5 cores at up to 4.3GHz, while the Ryzen 3 210 features 4 cores and 8 threads running at up to 4.7GHz.

All models come standard with 8GB of memory and a 512GB SSD, running Windows 11 Home. Pricing starts at ¥135,900 (approximately $850) for the D14261, ¥146,900 (approximately $920) for the D15261, and ¥129,900 (approximately $810) for the D14265 (all prices include tax). The D15266 is listed with a release date of "September 0," which is clearly a typographical error, and the actual release timing has not been disclosed.

All models feature displays supporting 1920×1200 pixel resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing a generous workspace. Despite being standard models, they offer sufficient performance for everyday tasks such as video streaming, document creation, and online meetings.

Higher-end model launched simultaneously...Dell is also introducing a new configuration of its higher-performance 13.4-inch "XPS 13" laptop around the same time. This model is powered by Intel's Core Ultra 7 355 processor, with LPDDR5X memory options of 16GB or 32GB and storage choices of 512GB or 1TB SSD, offering a total of four combinations.

The XPS 13 features a 13.4-inch touchscreen display with 2560×1600 pixel resolution, a refresh rate of 30–120Hz, and 500 nits of brightness. It covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and supports VESA DisplayHDR 400 and Dolby Vision. Weighing approximately 1kg with a thickness of 12.7mm, it is lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Air M5 at 1.23kg.

The battery capacity is 52Wh, and a 65W USB-C GaN slim AC adapter is included. Cooling employs a dual-fan design, and the laptop is equipped with 8W quad speakers (Dolby Atmos compatible), a 2MP full HD infrared camera, and two Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB-C ports.

Product strategy and market impact...This new product launch is seen as part of Dell's broader effort to refresh its product lineup across a wide price range, from entry-level to premium. The "Dell 14" and "Dell 15" series, priced between ¥120,000 and ¥150,000 (approximately $750–$940), aim to capture replacement demand from students, general households, and business users.

Meanwhile, the XPS 13 configuration with the Core Ultra 7 355 is being sold first in the Chinese market, with rollout timing for other markets yet to be determined. In the Japanese market, Dell appears to be starting with standard models and gradually expanding its lineup.

As manufacturers focus on AI-capable PCs and high-performance laptops, Dell is simultaneously strengthening its affordable lineup to reach a broader user base. Particularly in the Japanese market, where PC prices have been trending upward amid the weak yen, a 14-inch laptop starting in the ¥120,000 range (approximately $750) is expected to hold a certain level of competitiveness.

The confusion regarding the D15266 release date is likely a typographical error in the press release, and further information from Dell on the official release date is awaited.

mundophone