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Updated January 10, 2024·
If your priority is longer battery life and you're looking for something more economical, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" could suit your needs. However, it has a larger screen which impacts portability and comes with half the RAM of the Dell model, which may affect multitasking and performance in demanding applications. The Dell Inspiron 14 7420, while more expensive, offers a more compact design with a smaller screen, making it more portable, and comes with more RAM, which can be beneficial for more intensive tasks. Both have touchscreens and similar storage, but the Dell's higher RAM could provide a smoother experience for engineering and multitasking. 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
- Very good portability
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15"
- Very good battery life
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.2
6.5
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
260.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
341.0 nits
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 for general use, and engineering and design.
For general use, both laptops have adequate resolution and brightness which makes them suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing, but they may not stand out for more vibrant multimedia experiences. When it comes to engineering and design, their color range may fall short for professionals who need precise color accuracy for tasks like photo editing or CAD work. As for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops lack high refresh rates which are crucial for smooth visuals and gameplay, making them less ideal for those purposes.
Battery
7.5 Hours
11.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" has 11 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.
Cost
$801
$690
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" costs $690.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.5
7.4
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
260.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
341.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 stands out for general use due to its higher RAM and more portable design with a smaller screen and lighter weight, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" offers a larger screen with better brightness, which might be more suitable for users favoring screen real estate over portability. Both possess ample storage and quality CPUs for everyday tasks, but the Dell's additional RAM favors multitasking and the Lenovo's extended battery life supports longer use away from power outlets.
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.2
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
7.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" are both fair for gaming and 3D tasks due to their integrated graphics, namely the Intel i7-1255U Iris Xe and the AMD Ryzen 7 5825U Vega 8 respectively, which provide moderate power suitable for lighter gaming demands but not for high-end gaming or intensive 3D applications. They also have displays with basic 60Hz refresh rates and good screen quality, which are sufficient for casual gaming and general use but may not deliver the smooth visuals serious gamers seek.
Engineering and Design
6.9
6.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" are both only fair for engineering and design.
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
7.3
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" 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
7.3
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" 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.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.0 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 14 7420 to have very good portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4
7.6
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" 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.
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How the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 7420 | Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$801 | $690 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | August 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.66'' | 14'' x 9.2'' x 0.67'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.61 lbs | 4.08 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 14.01" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 9.18" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | AMD Ryzen 7 5825U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 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 | 11 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 57 Wh | |
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 | 341 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 | |
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 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 3 | |
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 5 15"
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Marcus Schwarten | August 2021
"The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is convincing due to its long battery life. The device scores points especially with its large battery and long battery runtimes combined with its low consumption. The CPU and GPU perform in the test as one would expect, and in line with what was familiar from the somewhat smaller 14-inch sister model, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 14."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15"
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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