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Updated January 10, 2024·
If your priority is performance for engineering tasks and you have a higher budget, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is equipped with a better processor, more RAM, and a higher storage capacity than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14", and also offers a higher resolution display. However, it is heavier and has shorter battery life, making it less portable. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is more affordable and lighter with a longer battery life, which makes it more portable and better suited for general use, but it has lower performance capabilities and less storage space. Consider what’s more important for your needs—higher performance and better display at the expense of portability and cost, or affordability and portability with adequate performance for everyday tasks. 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 overall display quality
- Good overall build quality
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14"
- Very good battery life
Key differences
General Use
7.9
6.9
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
326.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
313.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.2/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus outperforms the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" in CPU power and RAM, which are critical for smooth multitasking and general performance, while also offering a better screen with higher resolution and color accuracy, enhancing visual tasks. Although both have good portability, the IdeaPad 3 offers a longer battery life which may appeal to those who prioritize extended use without charging, but it compromises on CPU performance and screen quality, which might affect user experience during demanding tasks or when higher visual fidelity is needed.
Gaming and AI
6.6
6.0
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
9.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
7.8
6.1
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 Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" 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
7.9
7.1
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 Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" 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
7.1
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
6.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both good for software development, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is somewhat better.
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
6.4
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
326.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
313.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus likely has higher resolution and brightness, making it suitable for general use and ensuring detailed and clear visuals for engineering tasks, with a panel type that vividly represents colors. However, its poorer performance for gaming and 3D likely stems from a lower refresh rate that can't match the smooth motion required for these activities. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3, with fair screen quality across the board, offers acceptable visuals for diverse tasks but lacks in high-end color accuracy for professional design and the high refresh rate necessary for immersive gaming experiences.
Battery
6.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has 6 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has 10 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
6.5
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,162
$490
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a price of $1,162 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" costs $490.
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Key similarities
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" and Dell Inspiron 14 Plus both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 Plus | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,162 | $490 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2022 | October 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.7'' | 12.8'' x 8.5'' x 0.78'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.7 lbs | 3.1 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 12.76" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 8.49" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-12700H | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 1 | 1 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 64 Wh | 45 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2240 x 1400 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 326 nits | 313 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | |
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 | 9.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
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 IdeaPad 3 14"
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Marvin Gollor | February 2023
"The low-priced IdeaPad 3 14 delivers on core functionality. Lenovo's IdeaPad 3 14 meets all the basic requirements for an inexpensive office laptop. The matte IPS display is bright enough, the performance is high for the class, and the input devices are rock solid. In addition, the mostly quiet operation including the useful performance modes, cool surface temperatures, easy maintainability as well as expandable working and mass storage all contribute to the IdeaPad 3 14's value proposition."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus or the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 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 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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