If you need a laptop with higher performance for tasks such as engineering, 3D modeling, or machine learning, the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 would be the better choice as it has a more powerful processor and GPU. It also has more RAM for multitasking. However, it's heavier and has a larger screen, which may be less convenient for travel. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight. It's also less expensive but comes with less RAM and a less powerful GPU, making it more suitable for general use and less demanding engineering tasks. The Dell's display has a higher resolution, but the ASUS has better color coverage, which could be advantageous for creative work. The ASUS also has a longer battery life, making it more suitable if you're often away from power outlets. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for content creation
Very good speakers
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus
Very good portability
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.2/10
7.0/10
17.3in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
400.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
326.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus for general use, engineering and design, and content creation.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 and the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus both offer good screen quality for general use due to their high resolutions and bright displays, making them clear and easy to view. They are also well-suited for engineering and design tasks because they cover a wide range of colors, crucial for accurately representing designs. However, both are less suitable for gaming and 3D applications as they have lower refresh rates, which can result in less fluid motion and slower response times during fast-paced activities.
Battery
9.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has 9 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has 6 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
5.1 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has very good portability, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,500
$1,200
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 has a price of $1,500 and the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus costs $1,200.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 to be very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
6.9/10
6.6/10
5.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 and Dell Inspiron 14 Plus are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 is suitable for gaming and 3D due to its dedicated Nvidia RTX 3050 GPU, which outperforms the integrated Iris Xe graphics found in the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus; however, both laptops have similar refresh rates limiting fast-paced visual performance. While the Inspiron 14 Plus boasts a higher screen resolution and pixel density, which might offer crisper visuals, the ASUS has a more powerful GPU that's crucial for gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.8/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
5.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 to be very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 with its powerful AMD Ryzen CPU, high RAM, and dedicated Nvidia GPU is equipped for the demanding tasks of engineering and design, complemented by a screen with excellent color coverage, which is crucial for visual accuracy. Compared to this, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus's Intel i7 processor and Iris Xe graphics provide solid performance for similar tasks and it offers a higher pixel density display for sharp visuals, while being more portable and having a higher contrast screen, though it features a less powerful GPU and less RAM than the ASUS.
Content Creation
8.2/10
7.9/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good.
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
7.9/10
7.7/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2240 x 1400
6.7/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 and Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 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
7.4/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 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 Zenbook Pro 17 and the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus compare to other laptops
"The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is for power users on a budget. If you're looking to maximize CPU and GPU performance on your next 14-inch laptop, then consider the pricier Razer Blade 14 or Asus Zephyrus G14. If you're looking for a thin-and-light 14-inch Ultrabook, then the Asus Zenbook 14 or LG Gram 14 may be better options. For the best of both worlds, however, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7420 rides a fine line between extreme performance and portability while keeping prices at reasonable levels. Frequent travelers who rely on performance beyond what the Core U-series and integrated graphics series can offer will find the Dell to be a solid solution."
Get a great deal on the ASUS Zenbook Pro 17 or the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus
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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