CES 2026 wasn't about bombastic claims; it was a quiet revolution in laptop design. While the usual suspects showcased yearly updates, a sense of measured ambition permeated the show floor. The focus shifted from chasing sheer specs to refining experiences, and the results were genuinely compelling.
Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 3 processors emerged as a clear favorite among manufacturers. These chips powered a wave of thin, light, and surprisingly powerful laptops, promising extended battery life without sacrificing performance. Simultaneously, OLED displays continued their ascent, becoming increasingly affordable and boasting peak brightness levels exceeding 1,000 nits – a visual feast for the eyes.
Acer’s Swift 16 AI immediately stood out, boasting the world’s largest haptic touchpad. Measuring nearly seven inches across, this expansive surface isn’t just large; it’s incredibly responsive and supports stylus input, transforming the laptop into a versatile creative tool. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass ensures both durability and a silky-smooth feel.
Asus redefined the dual-screen laptop with the Zenbook Duo. The latest iteration features a sleek ceraluminum chassis, a redesigned hinge minimizing the gap between displays, and a more refined kickstand. Beneath the surface lies Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3 processing power and dual 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreens with a blazing 144Hz refresh rate, all fueled by an expanded 99-watt-hour battery.
For those prioritizing portability, the Asus ExpertBook Ultra is a revelation. Weighing under a kilogram and less than half an inch thick, this ultraportable doesn’t compromise on robustness. Its 14-inch 3K tandem OLED touchscreen delivers an astonishing 1,400 nits of peak brightness, and a unique low-gloss coating effectively combats glare, even in brightly lit environments.
The Asus Zenbook A16 is a stunning blend of aesthetics and performance. Its ceraluminum chassis, infused with magnesium-aluminum alloy, keeps the weight down to a mere 2.6 pounds for a 16-inch machine. Powering this beauty is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chip, boasting 18 CPU cores and an 80 TOPS NPU, alongside a vibrant 16-inch 3K 120Hz OLED display.
Dell’s XPS line made a triumphant return, abandoning a controversial design choice and reverting to traditional physical keys. The new XPS 14 and 16 embrace Intel hardware, offering Core Ultra Series 3 processors and Intel Arc graphics. Both models are remarkably slim, measuring under 0.6 inches thick, and offer the option of a tandem OLED panel for enhanced brightness and color accuracy.
HP’s gaming lineup underwent a brand evolution, consolidating under the HyperX banner while retaining the iconic Omen name. The HyperX Omen Max 16 is a powerhouse, capable of handling up to 300 watts of system power and equipped with Nvidia’s RTX 5090 graphics and Intel’s Core Ultra 200HX processor. It’s a machine built for uncompromising gaming performance.
Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition represents a significant leap forward in repairability. A redesigned Space Frame build allows for more efficient component placement and easier access for repairs, though Lenovo currently intends this to primarily benefit enterprise clients.
Lenovo truly captivated with the Legion Pro Rollable, a concept laptop that expands from a 16-inch widescreen OLED to a 21 or 24-inch ultrawide display. This innovative design addresses the inherent size limitations of large-screen laptops, offering a truly immersive experience.
The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition aims for all-around excellence. This 16-inch laptop packs high-end hardware, including Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processors, Nvidia RTX 5070 graphics, and a stunning 3.2K tandem OLED display. It also features a large touchpad with stylus support and a six-speaker sound system.
MSI’s Raider 16 Max HX pushes the boundaries of gaming laptop performance. It’s the first gaming laptop capable of handling up to 300 watts of power, delivering exceptional performance from its Nvidia RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 GPU and Intel Core Ultra 200HX processor. A sophisticated cooling system ensures optimal thermal management.
