The ASUS Vivobook 16 is typically less expensive and offers more storage than the Dell Inspiron 14 7420, but the Dell has a better portability score and a touchscreen, which the ASUS lacks. The ASUS has a larger 16-inch screen, while the Dell has a more compact 14-inch screen, which may be preferable for mobility and ease of use on-the-go. Both have similar RAM and processors capable of general use and engineering applications, with the Dell slightly edging out in performance scores but the ASUS leading in battery life. The Inspiron's higher resolution webcam and speaker quality may benefit video calls and multimedia, while both have good build and heat management. Overall, if portability and interactive screen use are priorities, consider the Dell, but if budget and screen size are more important, the ASUS could be the better choice. 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 16
Good for engineering and design
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 7420
Very good portability
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.4/10
6.2/10
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
295.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
260.0 nits
The ASUS Vivobook 16 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 for general use, engineering and design, and content creation.
For general use, both the ASUS Vivobook and Dell Inspiron offer adequate screen quality as their resolutions and brightness levels are suitable for everyday tasks such as browsing, video streaming, and document editing. However, for engineering and design work where color accuracy is crucial, neither laptop's display covers the wider color gamuts like DCI-P3 or Adobe RGB fully, making them less ideal for professional color work. When it comes to gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short because they don’t have high refresh rates, which are essential for smooth visuals during fast-paced action, although their resolutions and panel types are acceptable.
Portability
Good
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has very good portability, while the ASUS Vivobook 16 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$660
$801
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The ASUS Vivobook 16 has a price of $660 and the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 costs $801.
The ASUS Vivobook 16 and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both good for general use.
The ASUS Vivobook 16 offers ample screen real estate with a high-definition 16-inch display, making it suitable for everyday tasks while its AMD Ryzen processor and 16GB of RAM ensure smooth performance; however, it is less portable due to its larger size and weight. The Dell Inspiron 14 7420, on the other hand, provides similar solid performance with its Intel i7 processor and same RAM capacity, alongside added flexibility as a 2-in-1 convertible with a smaller, lighter frame for better portability, though it sacrifices some screen size and battery longevity in comparison.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.2/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS Vivobook 16 and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Vivobook 16, with its AMD Ryzen 7 7730U Vega 8 graphics, and the Dell Inspiron 14 7420, equipped with an Intel i7-1255U Iris Xe GPU, both deliver modest gaming and 3D performance, largely limited by their integrated GPUs and 60Hz screen refresh rates. While both laptops can run less demanding titles and 3D tasks, their CPUs and screen quality—although sufficient for general use—fall short of what's typically required for high-end gaming or intensive 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
7.0/10
6.9/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS Vivobook 16 to be good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair.
The ASUS Vivobook 16 is favored by those in engineering and design for its stout AMD Ryzen CPU and dedicated Vega GPU, with ample RAM and a high-resolution 16:10 display enhancing multitasking and detail work. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 also appeals to similar professionals with its capable Intel i7 CPU and integrated Iris Xe graphics, along with a touchscreen convertible design for flexibility and a lightweight form factor that boosts portability.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.3/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Vivobook 16 and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 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
7.3/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
6.7/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The ASUS Vivobook 16 and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 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.
Battery
8.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The ASUS Vivobook 16 has 8 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.
Build Quality
7.0/10
7.4/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and ASUS Vivobook 16 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the ASUS Vivobook 16 and the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 compare to other laptops
Olivier Martin, Ryan Lim, Yannick Khong | May 2023
"The ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 (2023) is a budget Windows laptop. It's available with various AMD Ryzen 5000 and 7000 U-series CPUs and integrated graphics. You can only get 8GB of RAM; however, there's an empty SO-DIMM slot if you want to upgrade it. It has an FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 16:10 IPS display, a full-size keyboard with a Numpad, a 720p webcam, and Wi-Fi 6E wireless connectivity. Ports include three USB-As, one USB-C, an HDMI, and a headphone jack. The USB-C supports charging but no video output."
"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 16 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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
116,295
Recommendations made
25,198
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.