If budget is a key concern, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus offers affordability while providing capable performance for general use and some light engineering tasks. However, the Framework Laptop 16 is designed for upgradability and repairability, so it could be a long-term investment, particularly if you foresee needing to update components. It's also better suited for more demanding engineering projects and applications that benefit from a larger screen. Keep in mind the Framework's focus on sustainability which might appeal if that aligns with your values, but this does come at a higher initial cost. 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 Plus
Very good portability
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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 overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.0/10
8.4/10
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
326.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus provides satisfactory visuals for everyday tasks and design work thanks to its decent resolution and brightness, but its lower refresh rate holds it back for fast-paced gaming and 3D visualization. Meanwhile, the Framework Laptop 16 boasts a display with higher resolution and excellent color accuracy, making it a more vivid choice for both general tasks and professional design, but like the Dell, its refresh rate isn't suited for the demands of gaming or 3D content creation. Therefore, if you prioritize general computing and engineering tasks, the Framework Laptop 16's superior color and clarity will serve you well, but for gaming and 3D work, you may want to consider alternatives with higher refresh rates.
Battery
6.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has 6 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 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.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has very good portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4/10
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$808
$1,699
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a price of $808 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, with its decent CPU and RAM, provides reliable performance for everyday tasks, while its portability and battery life make it a solid choice for users on the go. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) steps up with a superior CPU and RAM for more demanding applications, enhanced screen quality for sharper visuals, and still maintains good portability, although it might be slightly heavier and have a larger footprint due to its screen size.
Gaming and AI
6.6/10
6.8/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 14 Plus are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, with its dedicated graphics card, offers decent performance for gaming and 3D applications, but its screen refresh rate may not be as high as dedicated gaming laptops, which can limit the smoothness of fast-paced visuals. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) also supports fair gaming and 3D workloads through a good graphics card and processor, but similar to the Dell, it may be held back by a lower refresh rate, despite having a high-quality screen that enhances overall visual experience.
Engineering and Design
7.8/10
8.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus offers robust processing power and ample memory, facilitating efficient engineering tasks, as well as a high-quality GPU which is beneficial for design work; its screen displays crisp visuals, but its weight and bulk reduce its ease of carrying around. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) provides similar capabilities with a strong focus on upgradability and repairability, including an exceptional screen, at a slight tradeoff in increased size which may affect portability, and has a well-built keyboard that enhances typing experience, though its speakers and operating noise are acceptable without standing out.
Content Creation
7.9/10
8.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 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
7.7/10
8.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 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.
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How the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is for power users on a budget. If you're looking to maximize CPU and GPU performance on your next 14-inch laptop, then consider the pricier Razer Blade 14 or Asus Zephyrus G14. If you're looking for a thin-and-light 14-inch Ultrabook, then the Asus Zenbook 14 or LG Gram 14 may be better options. For the best of both worlds, however, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7420 rides a fine line between extreme performance and portability while keeping prices at reasonable levels. Frequent travelers who rely on performance beyond what the Core U-series and integrated graphics series can offer will find the Dell to be a solid solution."
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus or the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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 Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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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