The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is generally more expensive, offering a higher performance with a better processor, increased memory and storage, and a higher resolution, touchscreen display which may be suitable for more demanding tasks like engineering and 3D applications. On the other hand, the Gateway 14.1" is much less expensive, but comes with lower performance capabilities due to a less powerful processor and less memory and storage, making it better suited for basic general use and not intensive tasks. 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
Good for general use
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Good overall build quality
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Gateway 14.1"
The Gateway 14.1" has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 7420.
Key differences
General Use
7.5/10
5.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
260.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
208.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for general use, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is favored for general use because it has a more powerful Intel i7 processor, more RAM for multitasking, and a higher quality IPS screen, alongside better portability with a lighter weight and potential for longer battery life. In contrast, the Gateway 14.1" falls short due to its basic Intel Celeron processor, lower RAM which may limit performance, and although it has a good screen, its lesser storage, and poorer evaluations in keyboard and speaker quality may affect overall user experience.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
5.4/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a better GPU with Intel Iris Xe graphics which is more suitable for gaming and 3D applications compared to the Gateway 14.1" which has Intel UHD Graphics 600, offering significantly less power for such tasks. Both laptops have the same screen refresh rate, but the GPU largely influences their gaming and 3D capabilities, and the Dell's superior CPU and screen quality also contribute to a better experience in these areas.
Engineering and Design
6.9/10
5.5/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair for engineering and design, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.3/10
5.8/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for content creation, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
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
5.8/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for software development, while the Gateway 14.1" is poor.
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.
Screen Quality
6.2/10
6.0/10
14.0in
SIZE
14.1in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
260.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
208.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a better screen than the Gateway 14.1" for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
When considering screen quality for general use, both the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the Gateway 14.1" offer adequate resolution and brightness, making them suitable for activities like browsing and office work. For engineering and design tasks, neither laptop excels in displaying a wide color range, limiting the precision for color-critical work like photo editing or graphic design. However, for gaming and 3D applications, where high refresh rates are essential for smooth motion, both models fall short, which can hinder the experience in fast-paced visual environments.
Build Quality
7.4/10
5.1/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has good build quality, while the Gateway 14.1" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$801
$99
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the Gateway 14.1" costs $99.
"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."
"The Gateway Ultra Slim 14" is surprisingly quiet with long battery life. The inexpensive Gateway excels at maximizing performance per dollar with lots of RAM and storage, super-quiet fan, and a long battery life. It can even house up to two M.2 SSDs which we weren't expecting from such a cheap system. However, the iffy reliability of the keyboard and USB-C port on our test unit means users should double-check for these potential issues immediately after purchasing."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the Gateway 14.1"
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 Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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