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Updated January 12, 2024·
If you prioritize high performance for tasks like video editing or advanced computations, the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 would be a better choice because it has a powerful Intel processor and more memory, allowing it to handle demanding software smoothly. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" offers remarkable value for everyday use such as browsing, document editing, and media consumption, especially with its noticeably lower price point. However, the Lenovo has a more modest processor and less memory, so it's less well-suited for heavy multitasking or resource-intensive tasks. Additionally, the Dell Inspiron offers a higher resolution display and the versatility of a 2-in-1 design that can switch between laptop and tablet modes, whereas the Lenovo has a lower resolution screen and more traditional laptop design. If battery life and portability are crucial, consider the weight and battery size differences: the lighter Lenovo may be easier to carry around, but the Dell has a larger battery capacity that could offer longer use between charges. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
- The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 7420.
Key differences
General Use
7.5
6.1
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
260.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers better performance for general use with its higher-quality screen and significantly more powerful CPU and GPU, allowing for smoother multitasking and higher productivity, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a lower-resolution screen and modest performance hardware that may struggle with more demanding tasks. Although the Lenovo has a longer battery life and silent operation, the limited RAM and storage, along with its basic build, make it less capable for varied and intensive use than the Dell, which boasts a better screen, more RAM and a robust CPU, suited for a wider range of activities.
Gaming and AI
6.2
5.5
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
10.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers a more powerful GPU in the form of Intel Iris Xe graphics, and a higher-quality IPS display panel, which can enhance the gaming and 3D experience, compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" that has a less capable Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU and a lower-quality TN display panel.
Engineering and Design
6.9
5.5
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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is better suited for engineering and design because it has a more powerful processor, more RAM for multitasking, and a superior integrated graphics chip, along with a higher-resolution screen which enhances detail and workspace area.
Content Creation
7.3
6.2
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
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
6.4
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" 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
5.3
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
260.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, where clarity and readability are key, the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers a better experience due to its higher resolution and brightness compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14", making text and images sharper and easier to view. In engineering and design, accurate color representation is crucial, and the Dell's screen, while only fair, supports broader color gamuts offering better color fidelity than the Lenovo, which is critical for precise visual work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is a priority, the Dell falls short with a modest refresh rate, which is less ideal for fast-paced visuals compared to higher refresh rate screens, though the Lenovo doesn't provide an advantage in this aspect either.
Battery
7.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has 9 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
6.0
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$801
$150
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" costs $150.
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Key similarities
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 7420 | Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$801 | $150 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.66'' | 12.9'' x 9.3'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.61 lbs | 3.09 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 12.88" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 9.25" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel Celeron N4020 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 4 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 64 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 32 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | TN | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1366 x 768 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 260 nits | 239 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 | 10/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 6/10 | |
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."
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Tom Brant | August 2021
"The IdeaPad 1 14 is a simple machine, but it’s well-designed and has nearly everything you’d expect from a no-nonsense laptop that allows you to check emails and get schoolwork or other light tasks done with relative ease. A "true" 128GB SSD (as opposed to an eMMC drive) and a roomy 14-inch full HD display are arguably the star attractions, with the comfortable keyboard and reasonably modern styling playing important backup roles."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
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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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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