The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is very good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 falls short in gaming and 3D performance primarily due to its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics and a maximum screen refresh rate of 60Hz, while the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i outperforms in these areas with its dedicated Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics card and a higher refresh rate of 165Hz. The latter ensures smoother image transitions and better handling of visually intensive tasks, which is critical for an immersive gaming and 3D experience.
Engineering and Design
6.9/10
8.4/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair.
The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro excels in engineering and design due to its high-performance CPU and GPU, which are better suited for demanding tasks and software used in these fields, as well as a superior screen with higher resolution and color accuracy. While the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is lighter and thus more portable, its less powerful CPU and integrated graphics are less ideal for intensive engineering applications, even though they provide sufficient power for less demanding design work.
Screen Quality
6.2/10
8.1/10
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
260.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
368.0 nits
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers a satisfactory experience with its decent resolution and brightness, but the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i surpasses it with a sharper display and higher brightness, enhancing everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming. In engineering and design, the Lenovo's superior coverage of color gamuts ensures more precise color reproduction for tasks like photo editing and CAD work. For 3D and gaming, both laptops aren't ideal due to their lower refresh rates, but their resolutions and panel technologies suffice for casual play, although serious gamers would benefit from looking at other options with higher refresh rates.
Battery
7.5 Hours
3.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i has 3.5 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
Fair
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
5.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has very good portability, while the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$801
$999
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i costs $999.
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers a balance of performance and portability with its lightweight design and convertible functionality, suitable for everyday tasks and mobility, while the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro, although heavier, brings enhanced performance and a higher quality display, making it ideal for more demanding applications and multimedia consumption.
Content Creation
7.3/10
7.6/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 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
7.3/10
7.5/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 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
7.4/10
7.4/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 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 Legion Pro 5i compare to other laptops
"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."
"The midpriced Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 follows some of our favorite gaming machines, including last year's model and the higher-end Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 tested earlier this year. But pedigree doesn't count for much in the computer world, and gaming laptops require a certain level of power and graphics performance to justify their prices. The Pro 5i Gen 8 just doesn't do that, offering middling CPU and GPU performance rather than the sort of muscle that would make it a great value."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i
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.
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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About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.