Dell Inspiron 14 5420 vs MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio

The Dell Inspiron 14 5420, with adequate processing power and memory, delivers sufficient screen quality and battery life for routine tasks, making it well-suited for everyday use, and its smaller size enhances portability. On the other hand, the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, with a more robust CPU and increased memory, is excellent for demanding applications and provides superior screen quality, though it's less portable and may have a shorter battery life, which is a critical factor for users needing mobility.

The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio offers a superior GPU and higher screen refresh rate, which are crucial for smooth and immersive gaming and 3D experiences, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a modest GPU and standard screen refresh rate that provides an adequate but less impressive performance. Although both laptops have capable CPUs and good screen quality, the GPU and refresh rate differences make the MSI Stealth better suited for demanding gaming and 3D tasks.

The Dell Inspiron 14 5420, with a competent CPU and RAM setup, handles engineering tasks well and offers a decent screen for design work, but if you need top-tier performance for more complex projects, the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio outshines it with superior CPU, RAM, and GPU capabilities, as well as higher screen quality. Although the Dell is more portable and likely quieter, the MSI's keyboard and speakers are of better quality, tipping the scales for those prioritizing a high-end engineering and design experience over travel-friendliness.

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.

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.

If you prioritize color accuracy for tasks like photo editing or engineering, the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio is ideal since it offers superior color coverage, including the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB color gamuts. However, if you're into gaming or working with 3D applications, neither the Dell Inspiron nor the MSI Stealth will satisfy you fully due to their poor refresh rates, which are critical for a smooth visual experience. For general use where you're consuming media or handling everyday tasks, both laptops have appropriate screens, but the MSI's higher resolution and greater brightness will offer a more vivid and sharp display.

Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.