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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers a balance of portability and performance at a slightly higher cost than the Gateway 15.6". It features a smaller screen size, making it easier to carry, and has a higher resolution screen which is also touchscreen. Its keyboard is backlit, enhancing usability in low-light conditions. Choose the Dell if you prioritize a more portable device with touch capabilities and a better screen. The Gateway 15.6", on the other hand, costs less and has a larger screen size which may be better for extensive viewing or multitasking, but it lacks a touchscreen. Opt for the Gateway if you're seeking a budget-friendly option and prefer a larger display over portability and advanced screen features. 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 software development
- Good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Gateway 15.6"
- The Gateway 15.6" has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 7420.
Key differences
General Use
7.5
7.0
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
260.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Gateway 15.6" are both good for general use, though the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers a higher-end CPU and a 2-in-1 convertible design, making it versatile for various tasks and environments, with a good balance of screen quality, storage, RAM, and portability, while maintaining long battery life. The Gateway 15.6" has similar storage and RAM but a slightly less powerful CPU; its larger screen benefits entertainment and productivity, though its weight affects portability and its battery life surpasses the Dell's, potentially making it a better fit for extended use away from power sources.
Engineering and Design
6.9
6.2
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Gateway 15.6" are both only fair for engineering and design, though the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is better suited for engineering and design due to its higher-end CPU, which translates to faster processing for complex tasks, and a higher-resolution screen that provides better clarity and more workspace, while the Gateway 15.6" has a lower-tier CPU and a standard resolution screen.
Software Development
7.3
6.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 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 15.6" is only fair.
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
6.1
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
260.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a better screen than the Gateway 15.6" for software development, and content creation.
When selecting a laptop for general use, both the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the Gateway 15.6" offer screens that have adequate resolution and brightness, making them suitable for everyday activities such as web browsing and document editing. However, for engineering and design tasks where precise color representation and a wider range of colors are crucial, these laptops may fall short as they likely don't cover professional-grade color gamuts extensively. Lastly, in gaming and 3D applications where fluid motion is key, both laptops may not meet the mark due to a lower refresh rate and just modest resolution and panel quality, which could diminish the gaming experience and the smoothness of 3D rendering.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.8 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has very good portability, while the Gateway 15.6" has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4
5.1
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has good build quality, while the Gateway 15.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$801
$600
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the Gateway 15.6" costs $600.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.0
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
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 and Gateway 15.6" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420's better-performing CPU and higher-resolution screen make it more suitable for gaming and 3D tasks compared to the Gateway 15.6", although both have fair gaming capabilities due to similar integrated GPUs with moderate power and standard refresh rates. However, their shared reliance on integrated graphics rather than dedicated gaming GPUs and limited refresh rates mean that neither is ideal for demanding gaming or high-end 3D work.
Content Creation
7.3
7.0
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Gateway 15.6" 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.
Battery
7.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Gateway 15.6" 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.
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How the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the Gateway 15.6" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 7420 | Gateway 15.6" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$801 | $600 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | August 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.66'' | 14.8'' x 9.5'' x 0.77'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.61 lbs | 4.8 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 14.75" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 9.5" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel i5-1135G7 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | Unknown | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 260 nits | 250 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Dell Inspiron 14 7420
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | June 2022
"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."
Gateway 15.6"
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Francisco Lahoz | July 2022
"Some concessions have to be made when shopping for a budget laptop. Walmart's Gateway Ultra Slim laptops succeeds on the affordability front and delivers serviceable specs and good battery life, though it's hard to claim it's the best (or even particularly good) at any particular aspect. Its build quality, especially the touchpad, is mediocre, and its performance is decent but doesn't lead the way. The Gateway does undercut the cost of some competitors and offers ample storage with good connectivity, so it's not to be ignored."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the Gateway 15.6"
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.
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