If your priority is performance for engineering work or 3D and machine learning tasks, the MSI Prestige 16 stands out with a more powerful processor and more RAM, which can significantly boost your productivity. However, it is heavier and less portable compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 7420, which is lighter and has a higher portability rating. The Dell is also less expensive, making it a budget-friendly option with decent performance for general use. Both laptops have a similar battery life and are suitable for intensive gaming, but the MSI has a higher resolution and better color coverage, which might benefit creative professionals. 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 portability
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 16
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good speakers
Key differences
General Use
7.5/10
8.4/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
260.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The MSI Prestige 16 is very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good.
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is good for general use as it offers a balance between performance and portability, with sufficient CPU and RAM for everyday tasks, decent screen quality, and reasonable battery life, though it doesn't excel in any specific area. The MSI Prestige 16, on the other hand, is rated as very good for general use primarily due to its more powerful CPU, larger amount of RAM, superior screen quality, and its strengths in portability and battery life, making it a better fit for more demanding applications and longer usage away from power sources.
Engineering and Design
6.9/10
8.2/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Prestige 16 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 is only fair.
The MSI Prestige 16 excels in engineering and design due to its more powerful processor, double the RAM, and a larger, higher-resolution screen with superior color coverage compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 7420; however, the Dell is lighter and possibly more portable, with both offering a similar battery life and build quality.
Content Creation
7.3/10
8.3/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Prestige 16 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
8.1/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 16 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
8.3/10
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
260.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The MSI Prestige 16 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's display provides adequate resolution and brightness, making it suitable for daily tasks like web browsing and office work, but the MSI Prestige offers higher resolution and brightness, enhancing the visual experience for sharper text and more vivid images. When it comes to engineering and design work, the MSI Prestige's display covers a broader color gamut, ensuring more accurate color representation critical for professional photo editing and graphic design, while the Dell Inspiron's color range is less extensive. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops' screens fall short on refresh rate, which is essential for smooth motion rendering, even though their resolutions and panel types might be suitable for moderate gaming and 3D usage.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.2 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has very good portability, while the MSI Prestige 16 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$801
$1,611
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has a price of $801 and the MSI Prestige 16 costs $1,611.
The MSI Prestige 16 and Dell Inspiron 14 7420 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The MSI Prestige 16 offers better performance for gaming and 3D tasks due to a higher screen refresh rate and superior screen quality compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 7420. While both have integrated graphics, the MSI's larger screen offers a more immersive experience and its higher max refresh rate allows for smoother motion, making it more suitable for gaming and 3D applications.
Battery
7.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Prestige 16 has 7.5 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
7.4/10
7.4/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 7420 and MSI Prestige 16 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 16 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 MSI Prestige 16 Evo: 2023's best value 16” thin & light laptop with i7-13700H. One of the top choices for professionals and students seeking a high-performance, portable computing solution in 2023. While the MSI Prestige 16 Evo A13M may not boast the most striking design compared to some other 16" options, its relatively "safe" styling lends itself well to professional and educational environments. Significantly, it doesn't compromise on essential features like port selection or cooling performance, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient thermal management. The 16 Evo A13M offers an excellent combination of performance, portability, and functionality, making it a compelling choice for professionals and students alike."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 7420 or the MSI Prestige 16
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.
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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