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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is a slightly more expensive option known for solid performance in engineering tasks due to a robust processor, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 costs a bit less and offers a touchscreen along with longer battery life. If you require a laptop for intensive engineering work, you will appreciate the Dell's capabilities, but it falls short in terms of battery longevity and lacks a touchscreen. Conversely, the Lenovo with its touchscreen and better battery life may appeal to those valuing flexibility and longer work sessions away from a power source, though it has a less powerful processor. Both have a similar quality display and build, with the Lenovo being slightly larger and heavier, which impacts portability. 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
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo Flex 5 16
- Very good battery life
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.8
7.2
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo Flex 5 16 are both good for engineering and design, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus offers a robust CPU and larger internal storage, which can be ideal for demanding engineering and design software, while its compact size and high-quality IPS screen ensure sharp visuals. On the other hand, the Lenovo Flex 5 16, with a slightly less powerful CPU and less storage, compensates with a larger screen and 2-in-1 convertible flexibility, as well as offering a touchscreen, potentially enhancing design work and presentations.
Screen Quality
7.0
7.3
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
326.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a better screen than the Lenovo Flex 5 16 for software development, and content creation, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 has a better screen for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo Flex 5 16 have panels with sufficient resolution and brightness, as well as adequate panel types offering clear and vibrant displays for everyday tasks and professional design work, where color accuracy and detail are essential. However, both laptops may not cater well to the needs of gaming or 3D applications due to their screens' lower refresh rates, which can lead to less fluid motion and slower response times. Despite their capable resolutions and panel types, the importance of higher refresh rates for a smoother visual experience in fast-paced gaming and 3D environments is not met by these models.
Battery
6.0 Hours
11.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has 6 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Flex 5 16 has 11.5 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.
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 Lenovo Flex 5 16 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,200
$779
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a price of $1,200 and the Lenovo Flex 5 16 costs $779.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.9
7.6
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
326.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.4/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo Flex 5 16 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, with its powerful CPU and ample RAM, offers strong performance for general use, has a high-quality screen, and maintains portability with a reasonable size and weight, though with a shorter battery life. Meanwhile, the Lenovo Flex 5 16 matches in RAM, has a CPU suitable for everyday tasks, adds the versatility of a touchscreen as a 2-in-1 convertible, and boasts a longer battery life but is heavier, which might make it less convenient for constant travel.
Gaming and AI
6.6
6.2
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo Flex 5 16 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is better suited for gaming and 3D tasks because of its higher-end CPU, which supports superior gaming and 3D performance compared to the Lenovo Flex 5 16, which has a more modest CPU and is designed as a 2-in-1 convertible that emphasizes versatility over raw performance. Both laptops have similar GPUs and screen refresh rates, which are very important for gaming, but the superior CPU in the Dell makes it more capable in handling the demands of gaming and 3D applications.
Content Creation
7.9
7.6
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo Flex 5 16 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
7.7
7.5
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo Flex 5 16 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.
Build Quality
7.4
7.0
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo Flex 5 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 Plus and the Lenovo Flex 5 16 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 Plus | Lenovo Flex 5 16 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,200 | $779 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2022 | April 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.7'' | 14.1'' x 10'' x 0.74'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.7 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 14.09" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 9.99" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-12700H | Intel i7-1255U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 1 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 11.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 64 Wh | 52.5 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2240 x 1400 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 326 nits | 400 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | August 2022
"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."
Lenovo Flex 5 16
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | April 2023
"The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is a solidly equipped, 2-in-1 in the lower price segment. Performance is definitely sufficient for everyday tasks and in tests the battery proved itself to be very economical. That aside, there is a lot of standard fare on show and a search for real highlights ends in vain. The low color coverage and reflective display can be avoided by going for an optional 2.5K display but this also presumably results in poorer battery life. The cooling uses only one fan and leads to a raised temperature on one side of the device under load. Additionally, there is very loud fan noise, also under load or when gaming. On top of that, we also occasionally noticed electronic noises."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus or the Lenovo Flex 5 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 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.
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