The ASUS Vivobook 15 is significantly less expensive, but the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a faster processor, more RAM and storage, and a better screen resolution with touchscreen capability. If cost is a major concern and you need a larger screen for basic tasks, the ASUS may suffice; however, if performance in more demanding applications and better screen quality are priorities, and you're willing to invest more, the Dell is the superior option. 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 Vivobook 15
The ASUS Vivobook 15 has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 7420.
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 7420
Good for general use
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Very good portability
Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.5/10
7.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
250.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
260.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
6.7/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for general use, while the ASUS Vivobook 15 is only fair.
The ASUS Vivobook 15 is equipped with a modest Intel i3 processor, less RAM, and a lower-quality display, which makes it fair for general use, whereas the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers a more powerful Intel i7 processor, double the RAM, and a higher-quality display suitable for various tasks, resulting in better general use performance. Additionally, the Dell Inspiron boasts better battery life and portability, which further supports its higher suitability for everyday activities and on-the-go use.
Engineering and Design
6.1/10
6.9/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and ASUS Vivobook 15 are both only fair for engineering and design, though the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is better suited for engineering and design work than the ASUS Vivobook 15 due to its superior CPU (an Intel i7 compared to an Intel i3), double the RAM, and a stronger integrated GPU (Iris Xe compared to UHD Graphics), which are very important for such tasks. Additionally, the Dell has a higher screen resolution and better brightness and contrast, enhancing the visual detail and clarity essential for design work, though it is slightly less portable due to its 2-in-1 convertible nature when compared to the traditional laptop form of the ASUS.
Content Creation
6.4/10
7.3/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for content creation, while the ASUS Vivobook 15 is only fair.
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
6.5/10
7.3/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
6.7/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for software development, while the ASUS Vivobook 15 is only fair.
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
6.3/10
6.2/10
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
250.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
260.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a better screen than the ASUS Vivobook 15 for content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the ASUS Vivobook 15 and Dell Inspiron 14 have screens that offer clear images and are bright enough for typical tasks like browsing and watching videos, but the resolution and panel type may not be the most advanced, leading to just a fair rating. Engineers and designers might find these laptops acceptable for occasional work, but the color accuracy and range may not meet professional standards due to the fair screen quality and lack of extensive color gamut coverage. When it comes to gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short as the refresh rate isn't high, and the moderate resolution and panel type don't offer the immersive and smooth experience gamers and 3D artists seek.
Battery
6.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The ASUS Vivobook 15 has 6 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.
Cost
$530
$801
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The ASUS Vivobook 15 has a price of $530 and the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 costs $801.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 14 7420 to be only fair for gaming and AI, while the ASUS Vivobook 15 is poor.
The ASUS Vivobook 15 is fair for gaming and 3D applications because it has an entry-level GPU and a standard screen refresh rate, suitable for casual gaming but not for high-end gaming or 3D work. The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 also offers fair performance in these areas due to its better integrated GPU and same standard refresh rate, alongside a higher resolution screen, but it's still not intended for demanding gaming or 3D tasks.
Portability
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 14 7420 to have very good portability, while the ASUS Vivobook 15 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.0/10
7.4/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and ASUS Vivobook 15 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 Vivobook 15 and the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 compare to other laptops
"The Asus VivoBook 15 is a quiet office notebook with a strong screen. However, the VivoBook 15 still has room for improvement. Office and internet applications as well as simple games do not pose any major challenges for the VivoBook - this is ensured by the built-in combination of Ryzen 7 5700U APU and 16 GB of RAM. Heat and noise emissions are acceptable. But, the laptop has weaknesses that should not be present at this level: lack of keyboard lighting, a slow memory card reader, no fast USB-C port (USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 4) with Power Delivery and DisplayPort. Battery runtimes can only be described as average."
"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 ASUS Vivobook 15 or the Dell Inspiron 14 7420
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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