Considering the ASUS Vivobook 17 versus the Dell Inspiron 14 7420, choose the ASUS if a larger screen and a more budget-friendly price are important, but be aware that it offers lower performance due to its Intel i3 processor, which may limit intensive tasks like 3D rendering or engineering simulations. The Dell, on the other hand, provides a more powerful Intel i7 processor and twice the RAM, enhancing performance for demanding applications. It also offers better portability, a higher resolution, touchscreen, and longer battery life, but at a higher price. The Dell is the better choice for more intensive computing needs and portability, while the ASUS is suited for general use and cost 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 7420.
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 7420
Good for software development
Good overall build quality
Very good portability
Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.0/10
7.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
263.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
260.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
6.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and ASUS Vivobook 17 are both good for general use, though the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 outshines the ASUS Vivobook 17 in general use due to its more powerful processor, double the RAM, and higher storage capacity, which deliver better overall performance and multitasking capabilities. The Dell also offers a superior screen with a touchscreen option and higher pixel density, contributing to sharper images, while its smaller size and lower weight make it more portable and convenient to carry; its battery also lasts longer on a single charge compared to the ASUS, enhancing its usability on the go.
Engineering and Design
6.3/10
6.9/10
6.2/10
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 17 are both only fair for engineering and design, though the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is somewhat better.
The ASUS Vivobook 17 provides a larger screen for design work but with less powerful CPU, half the RAM, and a lower-tier GPU compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 7420, which offers a higher-end CPU, double the RAM, and a better integrated graphics solution, which are crucial for engineering tasks. While the Vivobook is less portable due to its size and weight, the Inspiron gains an edge in portability, and additionally, its screen offers higher resolution and touchscreen capability, enhancing design interactions.
Screen Quality
6.2/10
6.2/10
17.3in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
263.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
260.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a better screen than the ASUS Vivobook 17 for content creation, and software development.
The ASUS Vivobook 17 and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 have screen characteristics that provide satisfactory clarity and detail for everyday tasks and work-related engineering and design programs, thanks to their respective resolutions and panel types which contribute to overall decent visual quality. However, professionals in engineering and design might find the color reproduction lacking, as these laptops do not excel in displaying the full spectrum of colors found in more specialized color gamuts, making them less ideal for high-precision color work. For gaming and 3D applications, both laptops are not optimal choices; their lower refresh rates can lead to less smooth visuals, which is a significant drawback for fast-paced games and dynamic 3D rendering.
Battery
6.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The ASUS Vivobook 17 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.
Portability
Good
Very Good
17.3in
SIZE
14.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has very good portability, while the ASUS Vivobook 17 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.5/10
7.4/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 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.
Cost
$429
$801
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The ASUS Vivobook 17 has a price of $429 and the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 costs $801.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and ASUS Vivobook 17 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Vivobook 17 and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are considered fair for gaming and 3D because both have integrated graphics, with the ASUS featuring an Intel UHD GPU and the Dell an Iris Xe GPU, which don't offer the same performance as dedicated gaming GPUs. Furthermore, both laptops have a screen refresh rate of 60Hz, which is adequate for casual gaming but may not suffice for high-frame-rate gaming that professional gamers seek.
Content Creation
7.0/10
7.3/10
6.2/10
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 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.
Software Development
6.9/10
7.3/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
6.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 14 7420 to be 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.
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How the ASUS Vivobook 17 and the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 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."
"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 17 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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