The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is a high-performing laptop with a better screen, longer battery life, and faster processing power for tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, and engineering software, making it suitable for professionals needing intensive computing capabilities. It also offers better build quality, speakers, keyboard feel, and overall performance for general use compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 5425, which comes at a lower price and has good performance for everyday tasks like browsing, office applications, and media consumption. The MacBook's Mini LED display outshines the Dell's IPS screen, especially in color accuracy, brightness, and contrast. The Dell Inspiron, however, may appeal to those who prefer Windows over MacOS and are looking for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much on the performance for everyday activities. Both laptops have similar portability, but the MacBook has a slightly longer battery life, which could be crucial for those regularly working on the go. Additionally, the MacBook's ability to handle demanding applications makes it a versatile choice for both work and leisure, including non-intensive gaming, although neither laptop is specifically built for that purpose. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Excellent overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Excellent battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 5425
The Dell Inspiron 14 5425 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021).
Key differences
General Use
8.4/10
7.7/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
479.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
279.0 nits
13.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
12.0 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
8.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.1/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5425 is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) offers higher screen quality with its Mini LED display, superior color coverage, and a higher contrast ratio, which alongside its exclusive CPU and GPU provides better performance compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 5425, which has an IPS screen with lower color accuracy and contrast. However, the Dell Inspiron has the advantage of extra RAM and storage slots for possible upgrades, potentially extending its useful life; it's also slightly less heavy, making it more portable than the MacBook Pro.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.2/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Dell Inspiron 14 5425 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is somewhat better.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) excels in 3D applications due to its superior GPU and a high refresh rate display, offering smoother visuals and better overall performance for 3D rendering and tasks. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 14 5425, although suitable for gaming and 3D with its decent CPU and GPU, is limited by a lower refresh rate screen and may not run many popular games that are incompatible with its operating system, ultimately offering a fair experience in gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
7.0/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5425 is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) provides superior performance for engineering and design due to its powerful Apple M1 Pro processor and highly capable integrated GPU, complemented by a high-quality Mini LED screen which offers exceptional brightness and color accuracy. In comparison, the Dell Inspiron 14 5425 also delivers good performance with its AMD Ryzen processor and integrated Vega 8 graphics, but its IPS screen, while adequate, does not match the MacBook's in brightness or color coverage, making the MacBook a better choice for tasks that demand high-fidelity visuals.
Content Creation
8.4/10
7.5/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5425 is good.
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
8.3/10
7.5/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5425 is good.
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
9.2/10
6.3/10
14.2in
SIZE
14.0in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
279.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 5425 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 excels in screen quality for general use and engineering due to its high-resolution display that offers bright and crisp visuals, along with wide color gamuts that ensure accurate color reproduction essential for design work. However, its refresh rate is lower, making it less ideal for 3D applications where smooth motion is key. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 14 5425 provides fair screen quality with adequate resolution and brightness for general use and engineering tasks, but like the MacBook, it falls short for gaming and 3D because of its modest refresh rate.
Battery
13.5 Hours
12.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 14 5425 has 12 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.
Build Quality
10.0/10
7.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has best in class build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5425 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,905
$479
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has a price of $1,905 and the Dell Inspiron 14 5425 costs $479.
"In the Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023, the M2 Pro is slowed down. From the improved 5nm process, the new M2 Pro is a very solid upgrade. Graphics performance has increased by about 25% in tandem with a clear improvement in efficiency. The processor has also seen a performance leap of up to 20%, but this is accompanied by an increase in consumption of up to 25%. Fundamentally, Apple its maintaining its advantage over AMD and Intel, particularly in optimized applications where the results are very good in view of the comparatively low power consumption."
"A slim chassis, an acceptable weight (1.6 kg) and a real-world battery life of almost 13 hours turn the Inspiron into a mobile companion. Good: The battery can not only be charged using Dell's proprietary power adapter, but also with a universal USB-C power adapter (min. 45 watts). Office and Internet applications are handled by the built-in combination of Ryzen 5 5625U APU and 16 GB of RAM just as easily as modest computer games. Heat and noise development are generally okay, but the laptop should work a bit quieter under full load."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the Dell Inspiron 14 5425
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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