Dell Inspiron 14 7420 vs Lenovo Legion Slim 5i

The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has an integrated Intel GPU and a lower screen refresh rate, making it less suitable for demanding games and 3D applications, while the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i is equipped with a more powerful Nvidia dedicated GPU and a higher screen refresh rate, providing a smoother and more immersive gaming and 3D experience.

The Lenovo Legion Slim 5i is ranked higher for engineering and design use primarily due to its superior CPU and GPU, which are essential for intensive tasks, and its high-resolution screen, enhancing detailed work. Meanwhile, the Dell Inspiron 14 7420, while offering a good CPU and GPU for moderate workloads, also provides the versatility of a 2-in-1 design and better portability, making it a more flexible option for users who prioritize convenience alongside performance.

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.

The Dell Inspiron 14 7420's screen, while suitable for day-to-day tasks due to its resolution and brightness, may not deliver the color accuracy needed for engineering and design tasks, and its lower refresh rate dims its appeal for gaming and 3D applications. The Lenovo Legion Slim 5i, on the other hand, shines for general use and remains a strong competitor for engineering and design with a vibrant display that covers a wide color gamut, though it doesn't quite meet the high refresh rates preferred for smooth gaming and 3D rendering. Both laptops have made compromises; the Dell prioritizes cost-effective general use, while the Lenovo pushes towards better visual performance in creative fields, with gaming taking a backseat in both cases.

The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is deemed suitable for general use due to its balance of decent CPU, RAM, and a quality screen, combined with its portability and long battery life, while the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i, although heavier and with a shorter battery life, also serves well in general use by offering a robust CPU, plentiful RAM, high-quality screen, and ample storage. Both laptops come with considerations for storage, keyboard, speaker quality, and manage operating noise and heat fairly, which are secondary but supportive aspects for a good general-use laptop.

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 life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.