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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is at a lower midrange price and offers better performance with more storage, a stronger processor, and better graphics capabilities, making it suitable for intensive tasks and some 3D applications. Its touchscreen and higher resolution also make for a more premium display experience. On the other hand, the HP 14" Laptop is more budget-friendly, with less storage and a less powerful processor and graphics, but it still provides adequate performance for general use and is slightly more portable due to its lighter weight and better battery life. If you prioritize budget and portability over performance and display quality, then the HP 14" Laptop is a pragmatic choice; otherwise, the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is a better pick for demanding tasks and better user experience. 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 overall build quality
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the HP 14" Laptop
- The HP 14" Laptop has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 7420.
Key differences
General Use
7.5
6.7
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
260.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
265.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for general use, while the HP 14" Laptop is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 outshines the HP 14" Laptop for general use, mainly due to its superior CPU and larger RAM, which enable better performance, as well as a better screen with higher resolution and touchscreen capability which can enhance user experience. While the Dell has a slightly heavier build, affecting portability, it also offers a backlit keyboard and a convertible 2-in-1 design, giving it extra versatility compared to the more straightforward build of the lower-storage and lower-RAM HP model.
Engineering and Design
6.9
6.0
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and HP 14" Laptop are both only fair for engineering and design, though the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers better performance for engineering and design due to its superior processor, ample memory, and high-quality graphics, coupled with a better screen that is both larger and has a higher resolution compared to the HP 14" Laptop.
Screen Quality
6.2
6.3
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
260.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
265.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a better screen than the HP 14" Laptop for software development, and content creation.
For general use, laptops like the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the HP 14" Laptop typically offer decent display resolution and brightness but may not have the top-tier panel type that provides the crispest image; these displays are suitable for daily tasks but lack exceptional detail. When it comes to engineering and design, both laptops might not cover the wider color gamuts needed for precision work, as they generally prioritize cost over professional-grade color accuracy. For gaming and 3D applications, they fall short due to lower refresh rates, which can make fast-paced visuals less smooth, and while their resolution and panel type are adequate, they don't offer the high performance necessary for optimal gaming and 3D rendering.
Build Quality
7.4
6.0
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has good build quality, while the HP 14" Laptop has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$801
$414
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the HP 14" Laptop costs $414.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.2
5.8
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
8.7/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 14 7420 to be only fair for gaming and AI, while the HP 14" Laptop is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is fair for gaming and 3D because it has an integrated Intel i7-1255U Iris Xe GPU, which is decent for light gaming and basic 3D tasks but not for high-end performance, and a 60Hz screen refresh rate which limits the smoothness in fast-paced games.
Content Creation
7.3
7.0
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and HP 14" Laptop 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
6.8
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 14 7420 to be good for software development, while the HP 14" Laptop 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.
Battery
7.5 Hours
8.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The HP 14" Laptop has 8.5 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.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.2 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The HP 14" Laptop and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the HP 14" Laptop compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 7420 | HP 14" Laptop |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$801 | $414 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | October 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.66'' | 12.8'' x 8.9'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.61 lbs | 3.22 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 12.76" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 8.86" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.5 Hours | 8.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14" | |
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 | 265 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 8.3/10 | |
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 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 6/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
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."
HP 14" Laptop
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Dig into reviews and images
Consumer Reports
Nicholas De Leon | October 2022
"This feels like an ideal laptop for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a laptop and isn’t too bothered by things like build quality or construction. It’s a laptop that will be used to pay bills, keep track of expenses, do some online shopping, and will be tucked away in a spare bedroom/home office. It’s an appliance designed to do a job without fuss. It’s not a premium experience—the materials do feel a little cheap, the display won’t exactly wow you, and the battery life is nothing to write home about, especially if you’ve used more expensive devices. But overall it’s not too shabby, especially for the price."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the HP 14" Laptop
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 HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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