The ASUS Vivobook 17 is typically less expensive and comes with a larger 17.3-inch screen, making it better for those who want a big display and are on a budget, but it has a lower-end processor and less powerful integrated graphics. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is more expensive, has a more powerful i7 processor and dedicated Nvidia graphics, which makes it better suited for performance-demanding tasks like engineering and 3D work, despite its smaller 14-inch screen size. The Dell also has a longer battery life, a higher resolution display, double the storage, and more RAM, enhancing overall performance and multitasking capabilities. However, with these extra features, the Dell is heavier and less portable than the ASUS. Choose the Dell if you need power and better screen quality for complex tasks, or the ASUS for basic use and savings. 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 17
The ASUS Vivobook 17 has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 5420.
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 5420
Good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Good overall build quality
Very good portability
Very good battery life
Good speakers
Good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.0/10
7.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
263.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
279.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
6.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.2/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and ASUS Vivobook 17 are both good for general use, though the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offers a more powerful CPU and double the RAM of the ASUS Vivobook 17, which contributes to its better performance for general use; additionally, the Dell has a higher resolution and more compact screen, making it more portable with better screen quality, while also boasting a longer battery life. In contrast, the ASUS Vivobook, despite its larger screen, falls behind in CPU performance, has less RAM and lower screen resolution, and offers less portability and shorter battery life, which makes it a less desirable option for general use.
Engineering and Design
6.3/10
7.1/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.3/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is good for engineering and design, while the ASUS Vivobook 17 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is preferable for engineering and design due to its superior main processor and dedicated Nvidia graphics, which provide better performance for demanding tasks, as well as twice the RAM and higher-resolution screen compared to the ASUS Vivobook 17, which only offers an entry-level processor and integrated graphics, suitable for less intensive use. While the Vivobook 17 has a larger screen, it might not be as portable or have screen quality as high as the Dell; additionally, the Inspiron's storage is double that of the Vivobook, further enhancing its capability for engineering and design workloads.
Software Development
6.9/10
7.4/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
6.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is good for software development, while the ASUS Vivobook 17 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
6.2/10
6.5/10
17.3in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
263.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
279.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a better screen than the ASUS Vivobook 17 for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the ASUS Vivobook 17 and the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offer fair screen quality, meeting basic requirements, but their panels, resolution, and brightness may not satisfy users seeking a more vibrant and sharp display. In the context of engineering and design, while the resolution and screen size are appropriate for detailed work, the color accuracy and range may fall short for professionals needing precise color representation for projects that demand high color fidelity. For 3D applications and gaming, neither of these laptops excels, as their refresh rates are likely lower than what's desirable for smooth visuals, and although their resolution and panel type may be adequate, they don't provide the top-notch experience gamers and 3D designers look for.
Battery
6.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The ASUS Vivobook 17 has 6 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
17.3in
SIZE
14.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.4 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has very good portability, while the ASUS Vivobook 17 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$429
$971
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The ASUS Vivobook 17 has a price of $429 and the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 costs $971.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and ASUS Vivobook 17 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Vivobook 17 has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics card, which is less powerful than the dedicated Nvidia MX570 GPU in the Dell Inspiron 14 5420, making the Dell better suited for gaming and 3D tasks despite both having the same screen refresh rate.
Content Creation
7.0/10
7.5/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and ASUS Vivobook 17 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.
Build Quality
6.5/10
7.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 14 5420 to have good build quality, while the ASUS Vivobook 17 has only fair 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 17 and the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 compare to other laptops
"The ASUS Vivobook 17 is an affordable 17-inch laptop with passive cooling. On one hand, you get a really quiet and cool work device with a good system performance, many connections, good maintenance options, speakers acceptable for multimedia enjoyment, and a sharp and clear matte FHD IPS display with the Asus VivoBook 17 (F712JA). On the other hand, the USB-C port lacks Power Delivery and DisplayPort, and the display, a higher brightness and better color space coverage."
"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 Vivobook 17 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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
99,795
Recommendations made
21,623
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.