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The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 13, 2024·
When considering the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, think about how much you value battery life and portability versus cost savings. The Dell Inspiron may save you some money and offers a robust build, suitable for daily tasks and moderate workloads. However, if you often travel and need a lighter, more compact laptop with a longer battery life, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x could be worth the extra investment. For power users who run heavier software, the additional cost might also bring better performance suited for more demanding applications. 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 Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
- Excellent portability
- Very good speakers
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.1
7.9
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both good for engineering and design, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offers a robust CPU, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU, essential for demanding engineering software and design tasks, while also providing a high-quality screen for precise visuals. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while also equipped with a powerful CPU and good RAM, emphasizes portability and has a solid keyboard, making it a strong choice for on-the-go professionals who still require performance for complex applications.
Content Creation
7.5
8.0
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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
8.2
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
279.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x offers a sharper and brighter display, enhancing the experience whether you're browsing the web, working on documents, or watching videos. With engineering and design, the ThinkBook's superior color accuracy with wider color gamuts makes it ideal for tasks requiring precise color representation, like photo editing or CAD work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x fall short due to their lower refresh rates, which can result in a less smooth visual experience in fast-paced scenarios.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has 10 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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.
Portability
Very Good
Excellent
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has excellent portability, while the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.0
7.6
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 both have good build quality, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$971
$1,399
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a price of $971 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.6
7.9
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
279.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
8.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offers a balance of portability and performance, with a processor and memory capable of handling everyday tasks and a screen that's clear and vivid, making it suitable for a variety of general use scenarios. On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while similarly equipped in terms of CPU and RAM, boasts a higher emphasis on portability with a sleeker design and potentially longer battery life, all of which are essential for users who prioritize mobility and also expect a solid performance for general tasks.
Gaming and AI
6.4
6.6
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a capable GPU which supports moderate gaming and 3D applications, though its screen refresh rate is not optimal for high-level gaming that requires smoother visuals. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while also having a decent GPU for fair gaming experiences, similarly offers a standard screen refresh rate that isn’t tailored for the most demanding gaming or 3D tasks.
Software Development
7.4
7.9
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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 ThinkBook 13x compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 5420 | Lenovo ThinkBook 13x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$971 | $1,399 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | January 30, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.7'' | 11.6'' x 8.1'' x 0.5'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.4 lbs | 2.7 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 11.6" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 8.1" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 74 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2240 x 1400 | 2880 x 1920 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 279 nits | 500 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 9.4/10 | |
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 | 8.4/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 3 | |
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 Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
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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