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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 14, 2024·
If you're looking to save money and need a laptop for everyday tasks, the Dell Inspiron may suit you well, while the MSI Prestige with its higher price point typically offers enhanced performance suitable for more demanding applications like 3D work, machine learning, or gaming. The MSI also generally has a sleeker build, making it more portable, but this can come at the expense of shorter battery life compared to the Dell, which might prioritize endurance over slim design. Consider what's more important to you: cost savings and battery life or higher performance and 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
- Very good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo
- Very good for general use
- Very good for content creation
- Good overall display quality
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.1
7.8
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both good for engineering and design, though the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420, with its robust CPU, ample RAM, and high-quality GPU, excels in handling the demanding computational loads typical in engineering and design work while also offering a crisp screen for detailed visuals. The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo, similarly equipped in terms of CPU and memory but with a particular focus on high screen quality and a reliable GPU, ensures smooth graphics rendering and color accuracy for design tasks, and its lightweight build, comfortable keyboard, and lower operating noise make it a convenient choice for professionals on the go.
Content Creation
7.5
8.0
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo is very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 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.
Screen Quality
6.5
7.8
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
279.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
415.0 nits
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a display that provides enough clarity and brightness for daily tasks and productivity software, which is sufficient for general use; however, its limited color gamut means it's not ideal for color-critical engineering and design work. The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo offers a more vibrant display with higher color accuracy, making it a better option for professionals in engineering and design who need precise color representation for their projects. Neither model is optimal for gaming and 3D endeavors due to their lack of high refresh rates, which can hinder the smoothness and responsiveness critical for these activities.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has 10 hours of battery life. The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo 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.
Cost
$971
$1,300
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a price of $971 and the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo costs $1,300.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.6
8.0
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
279.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
415.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
8.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo to be very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is good.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offers a balance between performance and affordability, with a decent processor, memory, and satisfactory screen quality, making it suitable for routine tasks, albeit with average battery life and portability. The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo, on the other hand, excels with a stronger CPU and better RAM for more demanding applications, superior screen quality, enhanced portability and longer battery life, justifying its higher price, while also providing ample storage, a comfortable keyboard, and good heat management, though its speakers and operating noise are comparable to the Dell.
Gaming and AI
6.4
6.8
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420, while suited for moderate gaming and 3D tasks, is limited by a GPU that isn't top-of-the-line and has an average screen refresh rate, which may not deliver the smoothest visuals during high-speed gaming or intense 3D modeling. The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo also has limitations in its GPU and screen refresh rate that affect performance, yet the higher quality CPU and screen could offer a slightly better experience for less demanding games and 3D applications.
Software Development
7.4
7.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo 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.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.0
7.4
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 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 Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 5420 | MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$971 | $1,300 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | February 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.7'' | 12.3'' x 7.5'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.4 lbs | 3.7 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 12.3" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 7.46" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 90 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2240 x 1400 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 279 nits | 415 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
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 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | |
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 | 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."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 or the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo
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 MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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