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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize longer battery life and a lighter design, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i would be a better choice. However, if you plan on using the touchscreen feature and prefer a slightly larger battery, the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 might suit you more. Both have similar storage and memory capacities which should handle general use comfortably. For more performance-oriented tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering, both laptops offer comparable capabilities, but neither is tailored specifically for intensive gaming. The IdeaPad Slim 7i is usually a bit more expensive, while the Inspiron offers a more cost-effective option. Make your choice based on these considerations, aligning with what matters most for your daily computing needs. 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
- The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has no clear advantages over the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i.
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
- Good for engineering and design
- Very good battery life
- Good speakers
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.2
6.9
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
260.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
340.0 nits
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
If you prioritize a sharp, vibrant display for tasks like web browsing or document editing, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i's higher resolution and brightness offer a superior visual experience. For engineering and design work where color accuracy is crucial, the Lenovo holds an edge with wider color gamut coverage, ensuring more precise color representation. However, for gaming and 3D applications that demand fluid motion, both laptops fall short due to lower refresh rates, though the resolution and panel types are adequate for casual use.
Battery
7.5 Hours
11.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has 11.5 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
2.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 both have very good portability, though the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$801
$899
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i costs $899.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.5
7.7
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
260.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
340.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.9/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers a comfortable balance for general use with its ample CPU and RAM, high-resolution touchscreen, and features like backlit keyboard and webcam, but it lags slightly behind in portability and battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i, while also well-suited for general tasks with a similar CPU and RAM setup, excels in portability and battery life, and boasts a superior screen quality for color accuracy, though it lacks a touchscreen and doesn't offer as versatile a form factor as the Dell's 2-in-1 design.
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.2
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
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
9.5/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i both offer moderate gaming and 3D performance because they share integrated GPUs, which deliver less power than dedicated gaming graphics cards, and standard 60Hz screen refresh rates, which are lower than the higher refresh rates preferred for gaming. Additionally, while they have capable CPUs, their screen quality, despite being good, is not optimized for high-end gaming experiences.
Engineering and Design
6.9
7.1
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i to be good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is geared towards engineering and design with its 16 GB of RAM, capable CPU and a 2-in-1 convertible touchscreen making it versatile for different design tasks, although its GPU may limit highly intensive graphical work.
Content Creation
7.3
7.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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
7.5
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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.
Build Quality
7.4
7.8
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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 Slim 7i compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 7420 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$801 | $899 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | October 1, 2020 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.66'' | 12.6'' x 8.2'' x 0.59'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.61 lbs | 2.99 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 12.62" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 8.2" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel i7-1165G7 | |
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 | 11.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 60.7 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 | 340 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 8.9/10 | |
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 | 9.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
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 Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Inspiron 14 7420
See more
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 Slim 7i
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Ted Needleman
| January 2022
"Among Lenovo's multiple laptop brands, the IdeaPad family is decidedly the one designed for consumers: people who want decent performance at a reasonable price. Consider, then, this laptop a paragon for the pickier members of that crowd. With a 14-inch touch-enabled display, a comfortable keyboard, an Evo-certified Intel Core i7 11th Generation CPU, and the latest Windows 11 operating system, the IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro ultraportable ($1,199 as tested) is a slick mainstream machine at a bit of a premium price, and quite capable for everyday tasks."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
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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