If you prioritize performance for intensive engineering tasks and can invest more, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus with its superior processor and higher RAM is a better option. It also offers ample storage and a high-resolution display, but its portability is less favorable due to a heavier build. On the other hand, the HP 14" Laptop is more budget-friendly, lighter for carrying around, and has a longer battery life, which makes it suitable for general use and basic tasks, but it may not handle demanding software as efficiently with its less powerful processor and limited storage and RAM. 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
Good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the HP 14" Laptop
The HP 14" Laptop has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus.
Key differences
General Use
7.9/10
6.7/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
326.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
265.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
8.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good for general use, while the HP 14" Laptop is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is considered good for general use as it offers more RAM, a high-end CPU, and a higher resolution screen, which contribute to better multitasking, faster performance, and sharper visuals; however, it has less portability due to a heavier weight and a shorter battery life.
Gaming and AI
6.6/10
5.8/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is only fair for gaming and AI, while the HP 14" Laptop is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus offers better gaming and 3D performance thanks to its more powerful GPU and higher resolution display, which result in sharper images and more detailed graphics compared to the HP 14" Laptop which has a less capable GPU and lower screen resolution.
Engineering and Design
7.8/10
6.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good for engineering and design, while the HP 14" Laptop is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, with advanced CPU, double the RAM, and a stronger GPU, offers superior performance and screen quality, making it better suited for demanding engineering and design tasks compared to the HP 14" Laptop, which has a less powerful CPU and GPU, and lower RAM and resolution, though it is slightly more portable.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and HP 14" Laptop are both good for content creation, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is somewhat better.
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
6.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good for software development, while the HP 14" Laptop is only fair.
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
7.0/10
6.3/10
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
326.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
265.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a better screen than the HP 14" Laptop for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus likely has a higher resolution and better brightness, offering crisper and more vibrant visuals which enhance the experience for both general use and detailed engineering tasks, although it may lack the high refresh rates needed for smooth gaming and 3D applications. The HP 14" Laptop’s fair screen quality suggests it provides adequate resolution and brightness for everyday tasks and some level of precision for engineering, but it too falls short for gaming and 3D due to refresh rate limitations. Both laptops might not completely cover the color gamuts like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB, which are crucial for professional color work in design and engineering, with the Dell possibly having a slight edge in this aspect.
Battery
6.0 Hours
8.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has 6 hours of battery life. The HP 14" Laptop 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
7.4/10
6.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has good build quality, while the HP 14" Laptop has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$808
$380
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a price of $808 and the HP 14" Laptop costs $380.
"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."
"This feels like an ideal laptop for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a laptop and isn’t too bothered by things like build quality or construction. It’s a laptop that will be used to pay bills, keep track of expenses, do some online shopping, and will be tucked away in a spare bedroom/home office. It’s an appliance designed to do a job without fuss. It’s not a premium experience—the materials do feel a little cheap, the display won’t exactly wow you, and the battery life is nothing to write home about, especially if you’ve used more expensive devices. But overall it’s not too shabby, especially for the price."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus or the HP 14" Laptop
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 HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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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