The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is a better choice if you need a laptop for gaming or tasks that require a powerful graphics processing unit (GPU), like 3D rendering or machine learning. It also has a faster refresh rate which makes fast-moving visuals smoother and a larger screen for an immersive experience, but it is heavier, making it less portable. On the other side, the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is more suitable for general use and is lighter, thus more portable; it also offers a higher resolution screen, which is advantageous for tasks that benefit from sharper image detail, such as photo editing. However, its GPU is less powerful than the ASUS, making it less ideal for intensive gaming or 3D tasks. The battery capacity of the Dell is also smaller, which can mean less time between charges compared to the ASUS. Both devices are well-suited for engineering tasks but with the ASUS pulling slightly ahead due to better performance hardware. 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 ASUS TUF Gaming A16
Good for gaming and AI
Good overall display quality
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 5420
Very good portability
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.4/10
6.4/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.3/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is superior for gaming and 3D applications because of its higher GPU performance and a screen refresh rate that significantly exceeds that of the Dell Inspiron 14 5420, which has a lesser GPU and a standard screen refresh rate, making it less optimal for demanding gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.7/10
7.1/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both good for engineering and design, though the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is somewhat better.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 offers a higher-end GPU which is beneficial for graphics-intensive engineering tasks, whereas the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a less powerful GPU but a more portable design that may appeal to those prioritizing ease of transport and general engineering use. Both laptops feature quality screens and sufficient RAM for engineering and design, but the ASUS model leans more towards performance with potentially louder operating noise, while the Dell is a balance of performance and portability.
Screen Quality
7.5/10
6.5/10
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
294.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
279.0 nits
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
For general use, the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 likely offers a sharp display with a high resolution and bright panel, making it suitable for everyday tasks, whereas the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offers decent clarity and brightness, but not as high-quality as the ASUS. When it comes to engineering and design, the ASUS probably features a wide color gamut, presenting accurate colors crucial for professional design work, an area where the Dell might offer satisfactory but not exceptional color precision. However, for Gaming and 3D, the lower refresh rate of the ASUS screen would deter smooth gameplay or fluid 3D rendering, areas where a higher refresh rate, as might be found in dedicated gaming laptops, is essential.
Battery
12.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has 12 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
Good
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
4.8 lbs
WEIGHT
3.4 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has very good portability, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$838
$971
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a price of $838 and the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 costs $971.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both good for general use.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is suited for general use due to its strong CPU and ample RAM, which provide smooth performance for everyday tasks, a high-quality, high-refresh-rate screen enhancing visual experience, and substantial battery life, though it's less portable than some models. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 also offers a robust CPU and plenty of RAM, a high-resolution IPS screen with excellent pixel density for sharp images, and is lighter and easier to carry around, but it has a shorter battery life compared to the ASUS.
Content Creation
7.6/10
7.5/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 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
7.3/10
7.4/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and ASUS TUF Gaming A16 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.
Build Quality
7.2/10
7.0/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 compare to other laptops
"The A16 makes an excellent case against more expensive laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 and the MSI Katana GF76, especially if you’re into 1080p gaming. However, although its affordable, it doesn’t skimp on performance or a robust chassis. But for me, the biggest factor that sets it apart from these options is its incredible battery life. In my time reviewing laptops, I can’t remember when I last saw a gaming laptop lasted 11 and a half hours on a single charge, which makes the A16, in my book, truly outstanding."
"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 ASUS TUF Gaming A16 or the Dell Inspiron 14 5420
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
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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