The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus offers high performance with superior processor and more storage space, suitable for more intensive engineering tasks and heavier workloads, but it's less portable due to its higher weight. Conversely, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i, while more affordable and offering longer battery life, is equipped with a less powerful processor and less storage, making it adequate for general use and everyday tasks. Neither machine is optimal for intensive gaming, but both are equipped with ample RAM for multitasking. The IdeaPad is marginally lighter, possibly making it more suitable for frequent travelers. 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 overall display quality
Very good portability
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus.
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.8/10
7.0/10
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 IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for engineering and design, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is equipped with a high-end Intel i7 processor and strong Iris Xe graphics, making it suitable for demanding engineering and design work; the high-resolution IPS display ensures crisp visuals critical for precision tasks. Meanwhile, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i, while slightly less powerful with an Intel i5 processor, still offers capable Iris Xe graphics and adequate screen quality for such tasks, with a lighter design that enhances portability for users on the move.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i 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.
Screen Quality
7.0/10
6.4/10
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
326.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
315.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
When considering a laptop for general use, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus delivers a superior viewing experience, offering a blend of higher resolution and brightness compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i, ensuring clearer and more vibrant visuals. For engineering and design applications where color accuracy is critical, the Dell Inspiron surpasses the Lenovo as it likely covers a wider range of color gamuts, ensuring that designers see more precise shades and tones. However, for gaming and 3D applications where fluid motion is key, both laptops fall short due to lower refresh rates, even though Dell's stronger resolution and panel quality provide slightly better clarity and color quality for those tasks.
Battery
6.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has 6 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i 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
16.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has very good portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus offers solid performance with a powerful CPU and ample RAM, has high-quality screen resolution and brightness for sharp visuals, and manages to be relatively light and slim for portability, but its battery life is shorter than some alternatives.
Gaming and AI
6.6/10
6.3/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
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 IdeaPad Slim 5i are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is equipped with a more powerful GPU and a CPU from the higher-tier 'H' series, offering superior gaming and 3D performance, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has a more modest GPU and CPU from the lower-powered 'U' series, resulting in just fair performance for gaming and 3D tasks. Both laptops have a similar screen refresh rate and screen quality which are important for smooth visuals during gaming, but the better GPU and CPU in the Dell make it a more suitable choice for demanding applications.
Software Development
7.7/10
7.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i 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
7.6/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and Dell Inspiron 14 Plus both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$808
$828
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a price of $808 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i costs $828.
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How the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i 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 device is made for average work loads and if your work has a lot to do with online browsing, using apps that are not power-hungry and streaming videos. The looks are really good and the device in itself is not a heavy one. And with Intel 11th-gen Core processor, you might sail through most of your work without complaints."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i
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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