One of the coolest laptops seen at CES in January was the new Dell XPS 16, which boasts a unique 1–120Hz display and impressive battery life. It drew as little as 1.5 watts at idle and lasted nearly 27 hours during web browsing tests.

According to Notebookcheck's tests, this model outperforms any MacBook or MacBook Pro in terms of battery efficiency, with only two other laptops matching it in the past decade—though one relied on a larger battery and less advanced screens. Dell's system integration is key, but LG Display and Intel are pushing this tech into wider use.

While the display technology has been adopted in smartwatches and smartphones for years, with Apple introducing 1-120Hz screens on their pro iPhones as recently as 2022, it’s now making a significant leap to laptops. LG Display plans to mass-produce an OLED version of this tech by 2027, and Intel is working with BOE on similar advancements.

This breakthrough in energy efficiency could revolutionize the way we use laptops, potentially extending battery life without compromising performance or screen quality. The Dell XPS 16 with its Core Ultra 325 processor offers a glimpse into what’s to come, where every refresh rate adjustment maximizes our device's longevity.

For now, it seems Dell is leading the charge, but as these technologies become more widespread, we can anticipate a future where battery life isn't just an afterthought but a core feature of our devices.