If price is a priority and you're interested in gaming or tasks requiring a dedicated GPU, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a more budget-friendly option with a graphics card suitable for gaming and 3D applications. However, it has less storage and RAM compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, which might make multitasking or handling large projects less efficient. The Dell is priced higher but offers a more powerful main processor and more RAM for better general, engineering, and multitasking performance. The Dell also has a higher resolution and pixel density for sharper image quality, although its refresh rate is lower than the Lenovo's, which could be less smooth in fast motion scenarios like gaming. Both laptops have similar battery life, but the Dell's lighter weight and smaller size could make it more portable if you travel frequently. The Lenovo, with its Ethernet port and higher refresh rate, might be preferable for connectivity and gaming. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus.
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.8/10
7.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 are both good for engineering and design, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is well-equipped for engineering and design tasks with its powerful Intel i7 CPU, ample 16GB of RAM, and high-resolution IPS screen, which is conducive for detailed work; however, its Intel Iris Xe graphics are less suited for graphically intensive applications than the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3’s Nvidia RTX 2050 GPU. In contrast, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 offers a good balance with its AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, dedicated Nvidia graphics, and a decent 8GB of RAM, making it a solid choice for both engineering software and gaming, though its lower screen resolution might not be ideal for high-precision design work.
Screen Quality
7.0/10
7.2/10
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
326.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
329.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 for software development, and content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus offers a balance of resolution and brightness suitable for most tasks and fine details important in engineering, while its limited color gamut can suffice for non-professional design work but might not fully satisfy specialized design needs. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3, geared toward gamers, likely has similar attributes regarding resolution and brightness, making it versatile for daily activities and some engineering applications, but its screen doesn't prioritize the high color accuracy important for professional design. Both laptops, falling short in refresh rate, do not cater to the fluid visual experience that dedicated gaming and 3D rendering demand, which would be especially noticeable in fast-paced games or high-frame-rate 3D simulations.
Battery
6.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has 6 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has 8 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
15.6in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
5.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has very good portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$808
$549
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a price of $808 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 costs $549.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus boasts a high-resolution screen, substantial RAM, and a top-tier CPU that suit a wide range of tasks while remaining lightweight and offering a better portability score, yet it falls short in battery life compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3. The IdeaPad Gaming 3 provides a larger screen and solid gaming capabilities with its dedicated GPU, has decent battery life, but compensates with a heavier build and lower portability, making it less convenient for frequent travel.
Gaming and AI
6.6/10
6.5/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is geared more towards productivity with higher screen quality but has an integrated GPU which is not ideal for gaming and 3D applications, whereas the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 includes a dedicated Nvidia GPU and a higher screen refresh rate making it better suited for gaming and 3D tasks despite having a lesser CPU and screen quality.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
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 Gaming 3 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
7.7/10
7.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 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
7.4/10
7.2/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 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 IdeaPad Gaming 3 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is one of the most powerful RTX 3050 Ti laptops. If you disregard the mediocre quality of the case in terms of the material and workmanship, Lenovo has created a successful budget gaming laptop with the IdeaPad Gaming. Thanks to high TDPs and constant performance development, the Core i5-12500H and GeForce RTX 3050 Ti are able to show their full power, while in contrast, the (mostly slower) competitors deliver a better battery life. However, hardly any of the alternative laptops are able to reach the image quality of the Gaming 3. Most of the competitors are left behind in terms of the color space and brightness."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus or the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
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.
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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