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What we think
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Updated January 12, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is the pricier option that delivers significantly better performance thanks to a superior processor and dedicated graphics card, making it well-suited for intensive tasks like engineering, gaming, or 3D work. With a higher resolution display, it provides a sharper image which can be important for detailed work. However, its higher capabilities come with a heftier build, so portability is somewhat compromised compared to the lighter HP Stream 14". The HP Stream 14", with its budget-friendly price and modest specs, is adequate for general use such as web browsing, light productivity tasks, and streaming, but it may struggle with demanding software. Moreover, its lower screen resolution and less powerful graphics mean it's not ideal for media-intensive activities. If long battery life is crucial, HP's option might be better since the lower-powered components typically use less energy. Choose the Dell for high-performance needs and if you're okay with a bulkier laptop and a higher cost, or the HP if you prefer a more portable, cost-effective machine for everyday tasks. 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 HP Stream 14"
- The HP Stream 14" has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 5420.
Key differences
General Use
7.6
6.5
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
279.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
8.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.1/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is good for general use, while the HP Stream 14" is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is well-suited for general use due to its powerful Intel i7 processor, dedicated Nvidia graphics, higher resolution IPS display, and longer battery life; these features ensure a smooth and visually pleasing experience. In contrast, the HP Stream 14" has a less capable Intel Celeron processor, integrated graphics, lower resolution TN display, and shorter battery life, which can lead to less efficient multitasking and a less vibrant display.
Gaming and AI
6.4
5.7
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the HP Stream 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is fair for gaming and 3D because it has a dedicated Nvidia MX570 graphics processor, which is more capable for these tasks, and it includes a higher quality IPS display with a higher resolution. On the other hand, the HP Stream 14" is poor for gaming and 3D, as it uses a less powerful Intel UHD Graphics 600 integrated into a lower-tier Intel Celeron N4120 processor, and it sports a lower resolution TN panel; these specs result in less graphical processing power and a lower screen quality.
Engineering and Design
7.1
5.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.4/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is good for engineering and design, while the HP Stream 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420, with a more powerful Intel i7 processor, better graphics card, and a high-resolution IPS display, offers the performance and screen quality needed for engineering and design tasks. In contrast, the HP Stream 14" is equipped with a less capable Intel Celeron processor, basic integrated graphics, and a lower-resolution TN display, making it less suitable for such demanding applications.
Content Creation
7.5
6.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.4/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is good for content creation, while the HP Stream 14" is only fair.
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
6.5
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is good for software development, while the HP Stream 14" 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
6.5
5.2
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
279.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a better screen than the HP Stream 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420's screen is adequate for general tasks due to its reasonable resolution and brightness, but for engineering and design, it falls short in delivering the wide color gamuts necessary for precision work. In contrast, the HP Stream's lower resolution and dimmer screen make it less suitable for any use, particularly straining for detailed activities like reading or web browsing. For gaming and 3D applications, the Inspiron's lack of a high refresh rate diminishes the experience with less fluid motion, while the HP Stream's screen limitations make it even less appropriate for these high-intensity visual tasks.
Battery
10.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has 10 hours of battery life. The HP Stream 14" 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.
Build Quality
7.0
5.5
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has good build quality, while the HP Stream 14" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$971
$299
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a price of $971 and the HP Stream 14" costs $299.
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Key similarities
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and HP Stream 14" both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and the HP Stream 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 5420 | HP Stream 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$971 | $299 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.7'' | 12.8'' x 8.9'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.4 lbs | 3.5 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 12.76" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 8.86" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel Celeron N4120 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 320 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | TN | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2240 x 1400 | 1366 x 768 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 279 nits | 220 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
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 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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."
HP Stream 14"
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Zachary Cuevas | November 2021
"With half of the main system memory and a fraction of the storage that we recommend in any budget Windows laptop, the HP Stream 14 does not impress. Perhaps it doesn't need to, depending on your reference point. For the price, you're getting a functional laptop with Windows 10, which already places the HP Stream 14 above most Chromebooks on that merit alone. Still, in this price range, you can't do much worse, but you can do better. In fact, for just $100 more, you can grab the much superior budget option, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 or the HP Stream 14"
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 HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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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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