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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offers a dedicated Nvidia graphics card, more storage, and more RAM, which could be a better choice for performance-intensive tasks like engineering software and some lighter gaming. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is lighter, more portable, and has a slightly better battery life, making it a more travel-friendly option for general use. The Framework also emphasizes repairability and upgradeability. If portability and future-proofing are your priorities, the Framework Laptop could suit you well; however, if you need better performance out of the box for more demanding applications, the Dell Inspiron might be the way to go. 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 Dell Inspiron 14 5420
- Very good battery life
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
- Good overall display quality
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.5
7.4
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
279.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and content creation.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420's screen may not have the high resolution, brightness, or panel type that makes the display pop for everyday tasks, and it lacks the wide color gamut essential for precision in engineering and design work. The Framework Laptop 13 (2023), on the other hand, comes equipped with a screen that offers better resolution and brightness for sharp and vibrant images in daily use and a broader color gamut helpful for professional creative work. However, neither laptop is ideal for gaming or 3D applications, since they don't provide the high refresh rates required for smooth motion and quick response times.
Battery
10.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has 10 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 13 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
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 both have very good portability, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.0
7.8
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 both have good build quality, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$971
$1,079
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a price of $971 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.6
7.5
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
279.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
8.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offers a balance for general use with its solid CPU and GPU combo, ample RAM, and high-quality screen, alongside good portability and battery life, but with a somewhat heavier build. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) prioritizes portability and screen quality with a high-resolution display and a lighter frame, while offering customization options, although with a slightly less powerful CPU and less RAM which might limit performance in more demanding tasks.
Gaming and AI
6.4
6.3
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420, with a dedicated Nvidia MX570 GPU, offers decent gaming and 3D performance, but is less portable due to its size and weight compared to the Framework Laptop 13 (2023), which also offers fair gaming and 3D capability with an integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU, benefits from better portability, and has a screen with higher brightness and wider color coverage.
Engineering and Design
7.1
7.3
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both good for engineering and design.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.5
7.5
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 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
7.4
7.6
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 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.
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How the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 5420 | Framework Laptop 13 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$971 | $1,079 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.7'' | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.4 lbs | 2.95 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 11.7" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 9.01" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel i5-1340P | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 55 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2240 x 1400 | 2256 x 1504 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 279 nits | 472 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Inspiron 14 5420
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Dig into reviews and images
Smarthouse
Nick Ross | March 2023
"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."
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 or the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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.
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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