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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420, being more expensive, offers a higher storage capacity, more memory, a more powerful Intel i7 processor, and an Nvidia MX570 graphics card, making it suitable for more intensive tasks like engineering, 3D modeling, or gaming. It comes with Windows 11 Pro, which is the latest version. In contrast, the Gateway 14.1" is less expensive, but has less storage, less memory, a basic Intel Celeron processor, and integrated graphics, which are fine for tasks like web browsing, office work, and media consumption but not for high-end tasks; it runs Windows 10S, an operating system optimised for security and performance that only allows apps from the Windows Store. 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
- Good for general use
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for software development
- Good for content creation
- Good overall build quality
- Very good battery life
- Good speakers
- Good keyboard
Advantages of the Gateway 14.1"
- The Gateway 14.1" has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 5420.
Key differences
General Use
7.6
5.6
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
279.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
208.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
8.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is good for general use, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 features a high-end CPU, ample RAM, and an advanced screen quality that contribute to a better general use experience compared to the Gateway 14.1", which has a lower-end CPU, less RAM, and a lower screen resolution, resulting in a less capable performance for day-to-day tasks.
Gaming and AI
6.4
5.4
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offers better gaming and 3D capabilities, mainly due to its more powerful Nvidia MX570 graphics card, compared to the Gateway 14.1"'s weaker Intel UHD Graphics 600. Additionally, the Dell has a higher quality CPU which contributes to better overall performance for demanding tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.1
5.5
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is good for engineering and design, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
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
5.8
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is good for content creation, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
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
5.8
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is good for software development, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
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
6.5
6.0
14.0in
SIZE
14.1in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
279.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
208.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a better screen than the Gateway 14.1" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, both the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Gateway 14.1" provide adequate screen quality with resolutions that are sharp enough for everyday tasks, but their brightness and panel types may not stand out in brightly lit environments. In engineering and design, while these laptops can handle basic tasks, professionals may find their color accuracy lacking as they do not cover wider color gamuts like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB, which are crucial for precision work. When it comes to 3D applications and gaming, the lower refresh rates on both models mean less fluid visuals, which is a disadvantage for dynamic or fast-paced content where refresh rate is key.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has 10 hours of battery life. The Gateway 14.1" has 8 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
5.1
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has good build quality, while the Gateway 14.1" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$971
$99
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a price of $971 and the Gateway 14.1" costs $99.
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Key similarities
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.1in
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
3.3 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Gateway 14.1" both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and the Gateway 14.1" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 5420 | Gateway 14.1" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$971 | $99 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | August 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.7'' | 13.1'' x 8.8'' x 0.75'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.4 lbs | 3.35 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 13.1" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 8.78" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel Celeron N4020 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 4 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 64 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | Unknown | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14.1" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2240 x 1400 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 279 nits | 208 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
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."
Gateway 14.1"
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | September 2021
"The Gateway Ultra Slim 14" is surprisingly quiet with long battery life. The inexpensive Gateway excels at maximizing performance per dollar with lots of RAM and storage, super-quiet fan, and a long battery life. It can even house up to two M.2 SSDs which we weren't expecting from such a cheap system. However, the iffy reliability of the keyboard and USB-C port on our test unit means users should double-check for these potential issues immediately after purchasing."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 or the Gateway 14.1"
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 Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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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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