The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a brighter screen and longer battery life, making it suitable for everyday tasks and some light engineering work, all at a lower price point. However, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) with its high-resolution 3:2 display, lightweight design, and exceptional build and speaker quality, may be more appealing for those who prioritize portability and screen real estate, despite being slightly more expensive, but note that it comes with less default storage and RAM. Neither laptop is ideal for intensive gaming, but both handle general use and engineering tasks competently. 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 7420
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 13 (2023).
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Good for engineering and design
Good overall display quality
Very good speakers
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.2/10
7.4/10
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
260.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and content creation.
The Dell Inspiron's screen may offer enough clarity and brightness for everyday tasks, but its limited color range can hinder detailed engineering and design work. The Framework Laptop, with its higher resolution and broader color gamut, provides crisper visuals and better color reproduction which is key for professionals in fields that depend on accurate colors. However, while suitable for their dedicated applications, neither laptop has a high refresh rate display required for the smooth visuals critical in gaming and 3D rendering.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 both have very good portability, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$801
$1,079
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 provides a balance of efficient CPU and sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking, has a high-quality screen for clear visuals, and is light enough to carry around easily, with a battery that can last through typical work or school days. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers similar CPU and RAM performance in an even more portable package, allows easy upgrades with its modular design, and has a high-resolution screen, while maintaining decent battery life, satisfying keyboard, and manageable heat and noise levels.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
6.3/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both suited for casual gaming and 3D applications, mainly because of their similar integrated GPUs which provide decent but not top-tier graphics performance. However, their standard screen refresh rates won't deliver the smooth visuals demanded by high-end games or professional 3D work, even though their CPUs and screen quality can handle general tasks effectively.
Engineering and Design
6.9/10
7.3/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 13 (2023) to be good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 stands out for engineering and design due to its 2-in-1 versatility, strong processor, ample memory, and dedicated graphics capabilities, paired with a high-quality screen, making it well-suited for demanding software applications. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is noted for its customizable and repairable design, efficient processor, sufficient memory, and integrated graphics, alongside a premium screen, balancing performance for engineering tasks with a focus on portability and sustainability.
Content Creation
7.3/10
7.5/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 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
7.3/10
7.6/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 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.
Battery
7.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 13 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
7.4/10
7.8/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
"Notable qualities of the Inspiron 7420 2-in-1 include the 16:10 aspect ratio, strong hinges, 12th gen Intel CPU with optional GeForce MX graphics, and easy serviceability. Such features would typically cost hundreds of dollars more on higher-end alternatives from competing manufacturers. The value proposition is therefore relatively high for users looking to maximize bang for the buck."
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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 Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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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CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.