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Updated January 10, 2024·
When choosing between the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i, consider the following tradeoffs: the Dell has a dedicated graphics card, which is better for tasks that require more graphics power like 3D rendering or machine learning, but the Lenovo has a slightly longer battery life and is lighter, making it more portable. Both have similar processors and memory, supporting general use and engineering software well. However, the Lenovo typically comes at a lower price, yet the Dell's display is superior in resolution, which could be important if your work benefits from a higher resolution screen. If you prioritize portability and value, the Lenovo could serve you better, but if you need better graphics support and a sharper screen, you may lean towards the Dell despite its higher price and slightly less portability. 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
- The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has no clear advantages over the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i.
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.5
6.9
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
279.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
340.0 nits
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 for general use, engineering and design, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a screen that's bright and clear enough for daily tasks and some design work, but its limited color accuracy and average resolution might not satisfy professional designers or engineers. Meanwhile, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i offers a more vibrant display with better color coverage, making it suitable for more demanding graphic design and engineering software while not specifically tailored for gaming due to a standard refresh rate. Neither laptop has the high refresh rate desired by gamers, which can lead to less fluid visuals in fast-paced games, but general users and professionals focused on visual accuracy for design work would find the IdeaPad's superior color gamut more appealing.
Battery
10.0 Hours
11.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has 10 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has 11.5 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
14.0in
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 both have very good portability, though the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.0
7.8
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 both have good build quality, though the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$971
$899
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a price of $971 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i costs $899.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.6
7.7
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
279.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
340.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.5 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.9/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is noted for its robust performance, including a high-quality screen and a dedicated graphics card, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, yet it is heavier and has a shorter battery life than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i, which is incredibly portable and has a longer battery life, making it ideal for on-the-go use while still providing ample power for general use through its integrated graphics.
Gaming and AI
6.4
6.2
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
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
9.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 uses a dedicated Nvidia MX570 GPU which is more capable in handling gaming and 3D tasks compared to the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics found in the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i; however, both laptops have similar screen refresh rates that are standard for casual gaming but not ideal for high-end gaming where higher refresh rates provide smoother visuals.
Engineering and Design
7.1
7.1
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i are both good for engineering and design.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 stands out for engineering and design thanks to its dedicated Nvidia MX570 GPU and high-resolution screen making it better for graphical tasks, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i, although it also offers a high-quality IPS screen, relies on integrated graphics, which may not be as powerful for intensive design work. However, the IdeaPad Slim 7i is lighter and quieter, potentially offering a more portable and comfortable experience for extended use.
Content Creation
7.5
7.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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
7.5
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 5420 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$971 | $899 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | October 1, 2020 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.7'' | 12.6'' x 8.2'' x 0.59'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.4 lbs | 2.99 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 12.62" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 8.2" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel i7-1165G7 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 11.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 60.7 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14" | |
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 | 340 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 8.9/10 | |
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 | 9.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
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 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
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."
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Ted Needleman
| January 2022
"Among Lenovo's multiple laptop brands, the IdeaPad family is decidedly the one designed for consumers: people who want decent performance at a reasonable price. Consider, then, this laptop a paragon for the pickier members of that crowd. With a 14-inch touch-enabled display, a comfortable keyboard, an Evo-certified Intel Core i7 11th Generation CPU, and the latest Windows 11 operating system, the IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro ultraportable ($1,199 as tested) is a slick mainstream machine at a bit of a premium price, and quite capable for everyday tasks."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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