Choosing between the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 depends on your preferences and needs. The MacBook Pro typically offers a sleek design, great build quality, and a strong ecosystem for users already invested in Apple products; however, it often comes at a higher price point. It also runs macOS which is preferred for certain creative software and is generally good for battery life. The Dell Inspiron, running on Windows, offers more flexibility in software and may provide better value for a wider range of connectivity options. It's usually less expensive but might not have the same build quality or battery efficiency. If your work involves software only available on Windows or you prefer a more affordable yet capable machine, the Dell Inspiron might suit you. If you desire a more premium feel, better screen quality, and are engaged in an Apple-centric workflow, the MacBook Pro could be a better fit. Consider what software you use, your budget, and whether you value portability and battery life over hardware flexibility and cost savings. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022)
Good for engineering and design
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 7420
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022).
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.5/10
6.9/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is well-suited for engineering and design tasks due to its powerful Apple M2 processor, which excels in CPU and GPU tasks with good screen quality, though it has less RAM compared to the Dell. The Dell Inspiron 14 7420, with its Intel i7 chip and more RAM, offers strong performance for demanding applications and also features a quality screen, with added portability benefits due to its slightly larger screen but lower total weight.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.3/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both good for content creation, though the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is somewhat better.
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
7.3/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both good for software development, though the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is somewhat better.
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.
Screen Quality
7.6/10
6.2/10
13.3in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
497.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
260.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the MacBook Pro 13's screen stands out due to its high resolution, brighter display, and superior panel type, offering crisper and more vibrant visuals than the Dell Inspiron 14 7420. For engineering and design, the MacBook's wider color gamut coverage, including DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB, ensures more accurate color reproduction, a critical aspect for these tasks, compared to the Dell's fair performance. However, for 3D applications where refresh rate is key, the MacBook Pro 13 falls short as it prioritizes resolution and color accuracy over the high refresh rates that are more beneficial for 3D rendering and gaming, an area where neither laptop excels.
Battery
20.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has 20 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 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
3.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 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
7.4/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) has best in class build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,219
$801
$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 7420 costs $801.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is highly regarded for general use due to its efficient Apple M2 CPU, 8 GB RAM, and high-quality Retina display, which, combined with excellent battery life and light weight, make it very portable. Conversely, the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers more RAM at 16 GB and double the storage capacity, plus the flexibility of a touchscreen and 2-in-1 design, sacrificing some battery efficiency and screen color accuracy when compared to the MacBook.
Gaming and AI
6.5/10
6.2/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) with its M2 GPU provides smooth visuals for 3D applications, but the lack of popular game compatibility for macOS could limit its gaming utility. Meanwhile, the Dell Inspiron 14 7420, though it has an integrated Iris Xe GPU suitable for light gaming and 3D work, it may not handle high-end gaming as well due to its graphics capabilities and typical screen refresh rates.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 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."
"Notable qualities of the Inspiron 7420 2-in-1 include the 16:10 aspect ratio, strong hinges, 12th gen Intel CPU with optional GeForce MX graphics, and easy serviceability. Such features would typically cost hundreds of dollars more on higher-end alternatives from competing manufacturers. The value proposition is therefore relatively high for users looking to maximize bang for the buck."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) or the Dell Inspiron 14 7420
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 Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
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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Laptops Expert
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