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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the MSI Prestige 14 are similarly priced with comparable storage, RAM, and screen sizes. The Dell model has a slight edge in display resolution and touchscreen capability, which might make it preferable for tasks that benefit from finer detail or direct interaction with the screen. However, the MSI Prestige has a superior battery life and portability, making it more suitable for those who are often on the move and need their laptop to last longer on a single charge. If your work involves color-sensitive tasks, the MSI's display covers a wider color spectrum, which could be a deciding factor. Both have ample power for general use and would be adequate for 3D/machine learning tasks and engineering software, but neither is particularly suited for intensive gaming. If a high-quality keyboard and build are important to you, both models have good ratings in these areas, with the Dell having a marginally better keyboard and the MSI having a stronger build. 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 keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 14
- Good for engineering and design
- 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
313.0 nits
The MSI Prestige 14 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
For general use, the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers an adequate display but may not be as sharp or vivid due to its resolution and brightness levels, while the MSI Prestige 14 provides a clearer and brighter image, making it better for tasks like browsing or watching videos. When it comes to engineering and design, the MSI Prestige 14's display reproduces colors more accurately with broader color gamuts, essential for precise visual work, whereas the Dell might fall short for professionals needing true-to-life color representation. For gaming and 3D applications, neither laptop is optimal due to their lower refresh rates, which can result in less fluid motion, although they both maintain moderate performance for resolution and panel quality.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The MSI Prestige 14 and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 both have very good portability, though the MSI Prestige 14 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$801
$1,040
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the MSI Prestige 14 costs $1,040.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.5
7.5
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
260.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
313.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The MSI Prestige 14 and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 offers a solid balance for general use with a high-performance CPU, sufficient RAM, and an IPS screen with a higher resolution, contributing to clearer visuals and effective multitasking; it's a 2-in-1 device which enhances portability but has a slightly shorter battery life. In contrast, the MSI Prestige 14 also suits general use with a similarly capable CPU, ample RAM, and a quality IPS display, though with a lesser resolution; it stands out with a longer battery life and better color coverage, making it ideal for content where color accuracy is key, and is lighter, boosting its portability.
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
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 14 and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and the MSI Prestige 14 are both equipped with integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, which provide modest gaming and 3D capabilities suitable for less demanding titles. While both have similar 60Hz refresh rates that are adequate for casual gaming, they're not designed for highly competitive gaming where higher refresh rates are beneficial; the Dell has a slightly higher resolution display, which can result in sharper images, but the MSI offers superior screen quality, boasting higher color accuracy and contrast, which is beneficial for vivid and sharp visuals in games and 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
6.9
7.1
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.1/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Prestige 14 to be good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair.
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
7.5
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.1/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Prestige 14 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
7.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 14 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.
Battery
7.5 Hours
8.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Prestige 14 has 8.5 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.
Build Quality
7.4
7.4
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and MSI Prestige 14 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 MSI Prestige 14 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 7420 | MSI Prestige 14 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$801 | $1,040 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | April 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.66'' | 12.6'' x 8.6'' x 0.63'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.61 lbs | 2.84 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 12.56" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 8.62" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel i5-1240P | |
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 | 8.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 53.8 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 | 313 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 7/10 | |
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 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
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."
MSI Prestige 14
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Dig into reviews and images
Tech Radar
Collin Probst | September 2022
"The MSI Prestige 14” is excellent for productivity and business use cases, but it is not ideal for creators or visual content editors. The Prestige was able to power through days of email, spreadsheets, and text documents without breaking a sweat and was a joy to use. The additional ports were a breath of fresh air, as most laptops seem to be moving towards just Thunderbolt ports. The security options made signing in effortless, with two quick, more secure, and faster options than even the most complex alphanumeric passcode."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the MSI Prestige 14
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 MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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