Does the Dell XPS 16 9640 work with Linux?

Not cleanly: there are significant gaps, so we don't recommend it for Linux as-is. The ArchWiki page lists the two known traps: the IPU6 camera needs the out-of-tree stack and stays flaky, and the cs35l56 SoundWire amps need the codec firmware before the speakers work.

What does the Dell XPS 16 9640 cost?

RRP is about 3399 USD (3699 EUR in the EU); street price is often lower.

How heavy is the Dell XPS 16 9640?

2.31 kg (5.09 lb). That's heavy for a daily commute.

What's the battery life like?

A 99 Wh pack, around 13.5 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 8/10.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?

RAM is soldered, so the 16 GB it ships with is the RAM it dies with. Storage starts at 512 GB on this configuration.

Photo: Dell press / product page

Dell · 2024

Dell XPS 16 9640

Name: Dell XPS 16 9640
Brand: Dell
SKU: XPS 16 9640
Price: 3399 USD

A 4K OLED 16 inch with a 60W RTX 4070, priced like a workstation.

from € 3.699 $3,399 RRP

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Shown in EURUSD, switch with the currency toggle in the header. This is an indicative RRP, not a live price.

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Best for creative work programming gaming
Linux: gaps

Compiled & edited by Dennis de Kruijf · updated 2026-05-18 · how we rate

Scorecard

7.3 / 10

Mean of six category scores, 0 to 10. Compiled from public sources. How we rate.

Strongest on display, with no category below average.

Battery 8/10
Display 9/10
Build 8/10
Keyboard 6/10
Speed 8/10
Value 5/10

Worth knowing

Stands out

OLED display, deep contrast
Bright 500-nit screen, readable in sunlight
120Hz screen, smoother motion
Wide 100% P3 colour, creative-grade

Watch for

Linux needs significant work on this hardware
NVIDIA needs the proprietary driver on Linux
RAM is soldered, no upgrade later

Compare with other laptops

Linux: significant gaps, expand for details

Linux readiness5.1

Works · Best on arch. Confidence: medium · How we score

Specs

Specifications for Dell XPS 16 9640
CPU	Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop (60W)
RAM	16 GB (soldered, not upgradeable)
Storage	512 GB
Screen	16.3" 3840x2400 @ 90Hz, 500 nitsvery bright, easy in direct sun, smoother scrolling and motion
Weight	2.31 kgheavy for daily carry
Battery	99 Wh, around 13.5 h real-world

Common questions

Does the Dell XPS 16 9640 work with Linux?: Not cleanly: there are significant gaps, so we don't recommend it for Linux as-is. The ArchWiki page lists the two known traps: the IPU6 camera needs the out-of-tree stack and stays flaky, and the cs35l56 SoundWire amps need the codec firmware before the speakers work.
What does the Dell XPS 16 9640 cost?: RRP is about 3399 USD (3699 EUR in the EU); street price is often lower.
How heavy is the Dell XPS 16 9640?: 2.31 kg (5.09 lb). That's heavy for a daily commute.
What's the battery life like?: A 99 Wh pack, around 13.5 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 8/10.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?: RAM is soldered, so the 16 GB it ships with is the RAM it dies with. Storage starts at 512 GB on this configuration.
Which operating systems are supported?: Ships with Windows.