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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is a premium option with superior display quality, better build, and higher performance for 3D and machine learning tasks, which aligns well with intensive engineering and general use. It offers a robust battery life and cutting-edge features like a high refresh rate Mini LED display and exclusive Apple ecosystem benefits but at a higher price and without a touchscreen. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 14 7435 is more affordable with ample storage and a touchscreen, suited for general use and capable for engineering, but with lower performance for 3D tasks, a less vibrant display, and shorter battery life, which may impact its suitability for all-day use without charging. Both laptops weigh similar and offer 16GB of RAM and similar port options, but the MacBook stands out with its array of Thunderbolt ports. If budget isn't an issue and you're after the highest performance and screen quality for professional tasks, choose the MacBook Pro. If you prefer a balance between cost and capabilities with the flexibility of a touchscreen, consider the Dell Inspiron. 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 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 Inpsiron 14 7435
- The Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021).
Key differences
General Use
8.4
7.8
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
479.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
216.0 nits
13.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.1/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for general use, while the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) outperforms the Dell Inspiron 14 7435 with its more powerful CPU, superior screen quality including a mini LED display for vibrant colors and high brightness, and significantly better battery life, which contribute to its excellence in general use.
Engineering and Design
8.2
7.1
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
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 Inpsiron 14 7435 is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) with its high-performance Apple M1 Pro chip, abundant storage and RAM, sophisticated GPU, and superior screen quality, including high brightness and color coverage, makes it very good for demanding engineering and design tasks. In comparison, the Dell Inspiron 14 7435, while offering ample storage and good RAM, has a less powerful AMD Ryzen processor and GPU, and lower screen quality, suggesting it'll handle engineering and design work well but might not be as smooth or visually detailed as the MacBook Pro.
Content Creation
8.4
7.6
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
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 Inpsiron 14 7435 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
7.4
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for software development, while the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 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
6.1
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
216.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) boasts a high-resolution, bright display with a wide color gamut, making it excellent for general use and engineering tasks that require color accuracy for detailed design work; however, its refresh rate isn't suitable for the high frame rates needed in 3D environments. The Dell Inspiron 14 7435, with fair screen quality, provides an adequate display for general use and some engineering applications but lacks the extensive color range and superior brightness that professionals may need. Its screen is also not optimized for gaming and 3D tasks, as it falls short on the high refresh rates crucial for smooth visuals in these scenarios.
Battery
13.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 has 8 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
7.4
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has best in class build quality, while the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,905
$779
$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 Inpsiron 14 7435 costs $779.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.8
6.3
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 Inpsiron 14 7435 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is better suited for 3D work given its more powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate, enhancing fluid visuals and rendering; however, it's limited for gaming as many popular games aren't compatible with MacOS. The Dell Inspiron 14 7435, while it offers fair gaming and 3D performance due to its decent integrated GPU and adequate screen refresh rate, falls short for more demanding tasks compared to the MacBook Pro and has lower screen quality.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.2in
SIZE
14.0in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
3.4 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) | Dell Inpsiron 14 7435 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,905 | $779 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.3'' x 8.7'' x 0.61'' | 12.4'' x 8.9'' x 0.73'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.5 lbs | 3.48 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.31" | 12.36" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.71" | 8.92" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Apple M1 Pro (8C) | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 13.5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 69.6 Wh | 54 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14.2" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | Mini LED | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 479 nits | 216 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 10/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | Yes | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | January 2023
"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."
Dell Inpsiron 14 7435
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Eric Grevstad | August 2023
"We see no shame in an economy laptop missing the four-star mark. Frankly, we considered giving the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 three-and-a-half stars for its low price, competitive performance, and long battery life. Unfortunately, working with a screen that can't deliver at least 300 nits of brightness is simply no fun to the point of detrimental. Still, if you're looking for a convertible laptop on a tight budget, it's worth keeping an eye on Dell's sales and discounts. That Lavender Blue model is fairly tempting."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the Dell Inpsiron 14 7435
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.
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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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