If performance is crucial and you primarily use productivity applications or content creation software that benefit from Apple's ecosystem, the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) with its M2 chip is an excellent choice, especially with its longer battery life and higher display quality. However, if you need more storage and RAM for multitasking or more complex tasks, and you prefer Windows 11 Pro, the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offers these features, along with the versatility of Windows-compatible software and a dedicated Nvidia graphics card suitable for light gaming. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022)
Good overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Best in class battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 5420
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022).
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.6/10
6.5/10
13.3in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
497.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
279.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The MacBook Pro 13's high-resolution display with its vivid color gamut suits engineering and design tasks by offering precise color representation, but its standard refresh rate limits its performance in 3D applications. The Dell Inspiron 14 5420, while fair for general tasks with its adequate resolution and brightness, might not satisfy users in engineering and design due to less coverage of professional color spaces. Additionally, the lower refresh rate on the Inspiron makes it less ideal for gaming and 3D work, where smoother motion portrayal is vital.
Battery
20.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has 20 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has 10 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
13.3in
SIZE
14.0in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
3.4 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 both have very good portability, though the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
7.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) has best in class build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,219
$971
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) has a price of $1,219 and the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 costs $971.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) offers a high-quality screen, long battery life, and excellent portability, making it ideal for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 provides double the storage and more RAM which is advantageous for multitasking, but its battery life is shorter and screen quality isn't as vibrant compared to the MacBook Pro. Both models are well-regarded for their build quality and keyboard, with the MacBook boasting better speakers and silent operation, whereas the Dell offers additional RAM slots and storage expansion options which could be beneficial for users looking to upgrade their laptop in the future.
Gaming and AI
6.5/10
6.4/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022), while offering a decent GPU and screen quality, is limited in gaming and 3D applications due to a lower screen refresh rate and a macOS environment that doesn't support many popular games. Contrastingly, the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 may have a more suitable GPU and a higher screen refresh rate for gaming and 3D rendering but may still face limitations due to its CPU performance and screen quality.
Engineering and Design
7.5/10
7.1/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.3/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is equipped with Apple's M2 processor and a high-quality screen, making it suitable for design tasks that need a color-accurate display and a reliable, integrated GPU for engineering work. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offers a stronger CPU from Intel and a dedicated Nvidia GPU, along with more RAM, which can provide better performance for complex engineering applications, but with a screen less suited to color-critical design work.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.5/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.8/10
7.4/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 compare to other laptops
"The MacBook Pro 13 is still a very good subnotebook. The 2022 MacBook Pro 13 might look like recycling at first, because the device is completely identical to the old model expect for the new M2 SoC. We have to admit that we were surprised to see another iteration of the MBP 13 as well. The laptop is obviously familiar, but this does not change the fact that it is still a very good subnotebook. You get an excellent chassis with good stability, a very good display, good input devices and the new M2 chip is very powerful and efficient."
"If laptops were food, then the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is arguably a Big Mac. There are cheaper and more expensive options, but this arguably represents the baseline of quality and value in the world of mobile computing… something that’s underlined by the attractive $1,279 price tag."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) or the Dell Inspiron 14 5420
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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