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2026 Intel Panther Lake Laptop Comparison

Specs Comparison

Asus ExpertBook Ultra Dell XPS 14 HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 14 Lenovo X9 15p Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro 14
CPU Core Ultra X7 358H Core Ultra X7 358H Core Ultra X9 388H Core Ultra X7 358H Core Ultra X9 (Panther Lake) Up to Core Ultra X9 388H Core Ultra X7 358H
GPU Arc B390 (integrated) Arc B390 (integrated) Arc B390 (integrated) Arc B390 (integrated) Arc B390 (integrated) Arc B390 (integrated) Arc B390 (integrated)
RAM 32GB (up to 64GB) 32GB Up to 64GB Up to 64GB Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-9600 Up to 32GB LPDDR5x-9600 32GB LPDDR5X
Storage 2TB Samsung PM9E1 (PCIe 5) 1TB Samsung PM9C1b Up to 2TB M.2 2280 PCIe 5 (TBD) TBD Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 1TB NVMe
Display 14" 2.8K OLED 120Hz, matte 14" 2.8K OLED 120Hz, glossy touch 14" 3K OLED 120Hz, touch 14" 2.8K OLED 120Hz 15.3" 2.8K, 16:10 14" 2.8K OLED 120Hz, 1,100 nits 14" 3K AMOLED 120Hz, touch, anti-reflective
Battery 70Wh 70Wh 70Wh 58Wh 88Wh 75Wh 67Wh
Charger 90W USB-C ~100W USB-C (unconfirmed) 65W USB-C 65W USB-C GaN 100W USB-C GaN 65W USB-C 65W USB-C
Weight 1.11 kg (2.45 lbs) 1.44 kg (3.17 lbs) 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs) ~1.0 kg (2.2 lbs) 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs) 975g (2.15 lbs) 1.24 kg (2.73 lbs)
OS Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Windows 11 Windows 11 Windows 11 Windows 11 Windows 11

Performance

Asus ExpertBook Ultra Dell XPS 14 HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 14 Lenovo X9 15p Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro 14
Sustained TDP 41W PL1 28W base Not specified 30W 45W Not specified Not specified
Boost TDP 63W PL2 Up to 45W Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified

All seven laptops share Intel's Arc B390 integrated GPU, delivering near-RTX 4050-level graphics performance — a generational leap over Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake. Note: the Yoga Slim 7i Ultra's base config (Core Ultra 7 355) has only 4 Xe3 GPU cores vs 12 on the X-series chips, significantly reducing graphics performance. Performance drops significantly on battery across all models; AC power is required for full GPU throughput.

Sustained Performance Ranking

Scenario Ranking
Sustained workloads X9 15p (45W) > Asus (41W) > Lenovo X1 (30W) > Dell (28W)
Short burst performance Asus (63W) > Dell (45W) > X9 15p / X1 Carbon (TBD)
Performance per kg Asus (37W/kg) > X9 15p (32W/kg) > X1 Carbon (30W/kg) > Dell (19.4W/kg)

Battery Life (Tested)

Battery Tested Life Test Details
Dell XPS 14 70Wh ~16h 45m WLAN browsing, 150 nits (NotebookCheck)
Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro 14 67Wh ~18h 30m SDR video, 170 nits (Expert Reviews)
Asus ExpertBook Ultra 70Wh ~15h (video) / ~12h (real-world) Video loop 200 nits (PCWorld) / mixed dev use
Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 14 58Wh Not yet tested Expected ~12–14h based on prior gens
Lenovo X9 15p 88Wh Not yet tested Largest battery but highest TDP (45W)
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 70Wh Not yet tested —
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra 75Wh Not yet tested —

The Dell XPS 14's low 28W base TDP gives it the best efficiency ratio — Tom's Guide called it "the longest-lasting laptop we've ever tested." The X9 15p has the biggest battery (88Wh) but its 45W sustained TDP will consume it faster under load.

Design & Build

Asus ExpertBook Ultra Dell XPS 14 HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 14 Lenovo X9 15p Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro 14
Chassis Magnesium-aluminum, 9H nano-ceramic coating Aluminum, flatter edges, stiffer build Aluminum, forge-stamped, MIL-STD-810 "Space frame" design, modular keyboard All-metal chassis Magnesium-alloy Aluminum, 11.6mm thin
Webcam Standard 4K IR (Windows Hello) 10MP + IR + shutter 10MP 5MP + IR 2MP (Full HD)
Speakers Standard Quad (10W total) Quad (Poly Studio) Standard 6 user-facing speakers Quad stereo Stereo (Dolby Atmos)
Ports 2x TB4, 2x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio 3x TB4, 3.5mm audio 3x TB4, 3.5mm audio 3x TB4, USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, nano SIM, 3.5mm audio 3x TB4, USB-A, HDMI, full SD card, 3.5mm audio 3x TB4 only 2x TB4, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio
SD Card Slot No No No No Yes (full-size) No No
Trackpad Haptic (overly sensitive) Standard Large touchpad Larger haptic touchpad Haptic Force Pad (haptic) Haptic (large)
Keyboard Standard Improved but shallow feedback Standard Modular (magnetic/clamp) Standard 1.5mm travel Standard

Notable Design Details

  • Asus: Hinge rigidity reported as too weak (reportedly being fixed before retail).
  • Dell: Ditched controversial touch-sensitive function keys from prior generation. Simultaneously thinner and lighter but moved from 14.5" to 14.0" screen.
  • Lenovo X1 Carbon: Space frame allows components on both sides of the motherboard. Modular keyboard deck and replaceable USB-C ports, battery, speakers, and fans. Earned 9/10 iFixit repairability score.
  • Lenovo X9 15p: Positioned as a MacBook Pro competitor rather than MacBook Air rival. Full-size SD card slot is a standout for content creators.
  • Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra: Lightest of all seven at 975g in a magnesium-alloy chassis. Brightest display at 1,100 nits with 100% AdobeRGB. Ports are limited to 3x TB4 only — no USB-A, HDMI, or card reader.
  • HP OmniBook Ultra 14: MIL-STD-810 durability rated (20 tests). Forge-stamped aluminum with vapor chamber cooling. Ports limited to 3x TB4 only, like the Dell and Yoga.
  • Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro 14: Thinnest at 11.6mm. Only 2x TB4 (fewest Thunderbolt ports) but includes USB-A and HDMI 2.1. Weakest webcam at 2MP. Dolby Atmos stereo speakers.

Availability & Pricing

Dell XPS 14 HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro 14 Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 14 Lenovo X9 15p Asus ExpertBook Ultra
Available Now (since Jan 6, 2026) January 2026 Q2 2026 March 2026 March 2026 (US) / April 2026 (EU) March 2026 April 2026 (estimated)
Starting Price $1,600 – $2,200+ $1,549.99 $1,499.99 €1,799 (US TBD) $1,999 (US) / €1,779 (EU) $1,999 ~$2,500 (estimated, unconfirmed)

Review Scores

Score Status
Asus ExpertBook Ultra 88% (Very Good) Reviewed
Dell XPS 14 87% (Good) Reviewed
Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 14 — Not yet scored
Lenovo X9 15p — Not yet scored
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra — Not yet scored
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 — Not yet scored
Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro 14 — Not yet scored

Category Winners

Strength Winner
Lightest Yoga Slim 7i Ultra (975g)
Thinnest Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro 14 (11.6mm)
Most durable HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (MIL-STD-810)
Most powerful CPU ThinkPad X9 15p (Core Ultra X9, 45W)
Best sustained performance (14") Asus ExpertBook Ultra (41W)
Best battery capacity ThinkPad X9 15p (88Wh)
Best storage out of box Asus ExpertBook Ultra (2TB PCIe 5)
Best speakers ThinkPad X9 15p (6 speakers)
Best port selection ThinkPad X9 15p (SD, USB-A, HDMI, 3x TB4)
Best webcam ThinkPad X1 Carbon (10MP + IR + shutter)
Best anti-glare display Asus ExpertBook Ultra (matte OLED)
Brightest display Yoga Slim 7i Ultra (1,100 nits, 100% AdobeRGB)
Best repairability ThinkPad X1 Carbon (9/10 iFixit, modular)
Most affordable Yoga Slim 7i Ultra (from $1,499.99)
Available now Dell XPS 14
Best tested battery life Dell XPS 14 (~16h 45m WLAN)
Best reviewed (so far) Asus ExpertBook Ultra (88%)

Verdict

  • Asus ExpertBook Ultra — Best all-around 14" performer. Highest review score, strongest sustained power in its size class, most storage. The business power user's pick.
  • Dell XPS 14 — Available now and most affordable. Best multimedia experience with superior speakers (among 14" models), touchscreen, and 4K webcam. The most refined consumer-facing design.
  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 — The sub-1 kg ultraportable champion with class-leading repairability and the best webcam. Trade-off is the smallest battery (58Wh) and lowest sustained TDP (30W).
  • Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15p — The power and productivity pick. Biggest battery, best CPU, best ports, best speakers. A true MacBook Pro alternative that matches the Dell on weight (1.4 kg) despite the larger 15.3" screen and 88Wh battery.
  • Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra — The lightest and most affordable at 975g and $1,499.99. Brightest display (1,100 nits) with 100% AdobeRGB. Trade-offs are minimal ports (3x TB4 only), max 32GB RAM, and base config (Core Ultra 7 355) has significantly fewer GPU/CPU cores than the X-series chips.
  • HP OmniBook Ultra 14 — The durable pick. MIL-STD-810 rated with vapor chamber cooling, X9 388H chip, and up to 64GB RAM at 1.27 kg. Competitive pricing at $1,549.99. Ports limited to 3x TB4 only.
  • Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro 14 — The thinnest at 11.6mm, lightest X7 358H laptop at 1.24 kg. Anti-reflective AMOLED touchscreen with Dolby Atmos. Trade-offs are only 2x TB4, weakest webcam (2MP), and smallest battery among 14" models (67Wh).

MacBook Pro 14" M5 Comparison

Specs

MacBook Pro 14" M5 Panther Lake (X7/X9)
CPU M5 (10 cores: 4P + 6E) 16 cores (4P + 8E + 4LPE)
CPU TDP 15W 25W base
GPU 10-core M5 GPU Arc B390 (12 Xe3 cores)
RAM 16–32GB unified Up to 64GB LPDDR5x
Battery 72.4Wh 58–88Wh
Battery life ~18h+ real-world ~12–17h (varies by model)
Weight 1.55 kg (3.42 lbs) 0.975–1.44 kg
Price From $1,599 (16GB) / $1,799 (24GB) $1,499–$2,500
Ports 3x TB5, HDMI, SD card, MagSafe Varies by model
Display 14.2" Liquid Retina XDR, 120Hz 14–15.3" OLED/AMOLED, 120Hz

Benchmarks

Benchmark M5 Panther Lake X9 388H Winner
Single-core CPU Significantly ahead Behind (even M3 beats 388H) M5
Multi-core CPU Slightly ahead Close behind M5 (narrowly)
Cinebench 24 multi 922 1,285 Panther Lake
GPU (OpenCL) Behind Ahead Panther Lake
GPU (Metal/native) Optimized for macOS N/A M5 (on macOS)
Video transcode Faster Slower M5

Key Differences

  • Efficiency: M5 runs at 15W vs 25W — better battery life per watt. MacBook gets ~18h+ on 72.4Wh; most Panther Lake 14" laptops with 70Wh get 12–17h.
  • Battery on/off behaviour: Panther Lake loses ~20% performance on battery. M5 maintains near-full performance unplugged.
  • GPU/gaming: Arc B390 beats M5 in gaming benchmarks — near-RTX 4050 level.
  • Single-core: M5 remains the fastest single-threaded laptop chip.
  • Multi-core: Panther Lake closes the gap with 16 cores vs 10 and wins Cinebench multi-core.
  • RAM: Panther Lake offers up to 64GB vs 32GB max on base M5.
  • Weight: 5 of the 7 Panther Lake laptops here weigh less than the MacBook Pro's 1.55 kg.
  • Ports: MacBook Pro has TB5, SD card, and MagSafe. Most Panther Lake laptops have TB4; only the X9 15p has an SD card slot.
  • For dev work: M5 MacBook Pro is the safer pick for efficiency and battery consistency. Panther Lake is competitive if you need 64GB RAM, prefer Windows/Linux, or want better gaming.

Software Development Notes

For dev workloads (IDEs, Docker, browsers, terminals, video calls), key factors are sustained CPU performance, RAM ceiling, keyboard quality, ports for external monitors, and battery life.

Best for Software Development

Priority Recommended
Best overall dev laptop ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 — up to 64GB RAM, best keyboard (ThinkPad, modular), best repairability, best ports for monitors (3x TB4 + HDMI), ~1.0 kg, best webcam for calls
Best for heavy builds/compiles ThinkPad X9 15p — highest sustained TDP (45W), up to 64GB RAM, 88Wh battery, 15.3" screen shows more code
Best battery life for dev Dell XPS 14 — ~16h 45m tested, 28W base TDP is most efficient. Trade-off: weakest sustained performance when plugged in
Best value with X9 chip HP OmniBook Ultra 14 — X9 388H + 64GB RAM at $1,549.99, vapor chamber cooling. Trade-off: only 3x TB4 (need a dock for HDMI/USB-A)

Avoid for Dev Work

  • Yoga Slim 7i Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro 14 — capped at 32GB RAM, limiting for Docker, VMs, and heavy multitasking
  • Dell XPS 14 (for performance) — lowest sustained TDP (28W) means slower compiles when plugged in, and only 3x TB4 ports (no USB-A/HDMI without a dock)

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