When choosing between the Dell Inspiron 14 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14, consider that the Lenovo typically offers a more robust build quality and keyboard, making it preferred for heavy typing and business environments, while the Dell might offer a better value for general use with a slightly lower price point. If you prioritize durability and a professional-grade machine, the Lenovo may be worth the extra cost. However, for everyday tasks and media consumption, the Dell might be sufficient and more budget-friendly. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 7420
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has no clear advantages over the Lenovo ThinkPad T14.
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall build quality
Good speakers
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.5/10
8.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
260.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 provides balanced performance for everyday tasks thanks to its adequate CPU and RAM, but the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 excels in general use with a stronger processor and more memory, leading to smoother multitasking and better handling of demanding applications. While both have high-quality screens, the ThinkPad's superior keyboard and battery life make it more comfortable for extended use and less tethered to power outlets, albeit often at a higher price point and with a slight trade-off in portability compared to the lighter Inspiron.
Engineering and Design
6.9/10
8.0/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 typically offers robust processing power and high-quality graphics, which are essential for demanding engineering software and design work; it also usually comes with a crisp, high-resolution screen that benefits precise visual tasks. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14, on the other hand, generally combines strong CPU and RAM capabilities essential for engineering, with the added advantages of being more portable, having a well-regarded keyboard for comfortable typing, and maintaining a quieter operating noise, though its speakers might not be as high-quality as those in some multimedia-focused laptops.
Content Creation
7.3/10
8.3/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good.
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
8.3/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good.
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
6.2/10
6.9/10
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
260.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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 Lenovo ThinkPad T14's superior screen resolution, panel type, and brightness provide a more vivid and clearer display compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 7420. In engineering and design tasks, the ThinkPad T14 offers better color accuracy and a wider range of colors, making it suitable for precision work where color representation matters. However, neither of these laptops is ideal for gaming and 3D applications due to their lower refresh rates, which don't support the smooth visual experience critical for these highly visual and fast-paced activities.
Battery
7.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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
7.4/10
8.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has very good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$801
$1,241
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 costs $1,241.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and Lenovo ThinkPad T14, while equipped with GPUs sufficient for moderate gaming and 3D tasks, don't have high-end GPUs or high screen refresh rates expected by serious gamers or professionals in 3D graphics. However, they offer decent CPUs and screen quality, making them suitable for casual gaming and lighter 3D work without breaking the bank.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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 ThinkPad T14 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."
"We like a lot about this laptop. It has many ports, with the inclusion of RJ45-Ethernet as a defining feature. WWAN is upgradable for maximum flexibility and the ThinkPad has many security functions. Working with the ThinkPad input devices is a lot of fun, and Lenovo puts in a serviceable Low Power panel. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840U delivers a great performance and does not drain the battery fast. Fan noise and temperatures are nothing special, but also far away from bad. With the user replaceable keyboard, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 has a special feature rarely present on most modern laptops."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
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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