If you're looking for a laptop with a higher resolution display that will also give you smoother visuals for tasks like video editing or gaming due to a faster screen refresh rate, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro will serve you well, plus it's lighter for better portability. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a stronger processor, which will be better for demanding engineering applications and multitasking. Remember though, a more powerful processor typically leads to shorter battery life. Both offer quality IPS displays and are equipped with capable integrated graphics, suitable for general use and light media creation tasks. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has no clear advantages over the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro.
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro
Good speakers
Key differences
General Use
7.9/10
7.3/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
326.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
395.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.7/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro are both good for general use, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
6.6/10
6.1/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
90Hz
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 7i Pro are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a more powerful main processor which is better for gaming and 3D applications, but both laptops share a similar integrated graphics unit that provides modest gaming performance; however, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro offers a higher screen refresh rate that can make games appear smoother, although its less capable CPU could limit performance in CPU-intensive scenarios.
Engineering and Design
7.8/10
7.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.0/10
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 7i Pro 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 robust Intel i7 processor, which offers significant performance benefits for engineering and design programs, and a high-resolution IPS display, ensuring detailed and accurate visuals. While the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro offers a more portable design with a higher screen refresh rate and a touch-enabled display, its Intel i5 CPU may not be as powerful as the Dell's for demanding tasks; both laptops feature quality speakers and keyboards, but prioritize performance and screen quality.
Screen Quality
7.0/10
7.7/10
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
90Hz
326.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
395.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro for software development, and content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro has a better screen for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a screen suitable for general tasks and engineering due to its resolution and brightness, ensuring sharp, clear images and comfortable visibility. Its design capabilities are supported by decent color accuracy, making it apt for professionals who deal with color-critical work, but it has a lower refresh rate, which is less ideal for fast-paced gaming or 3D rendering. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro offers superior screen quality with excellent resolution, brightness, and color reproduction for general use and design tasks, but like the Dell, its lower refresh rate limits its effectiveness for high-end 3D applications and gaming.
Battery
6.0 Hours
8.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has 6 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro 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.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro and Dell Inspiron 14 Plus both have very good portability, though the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro 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
5.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro 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
7.8/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro 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
$799
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a price of $808 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro costs $799.
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How the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro 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 main selling point of the IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro versus a regular IdeaPad Slim 7 is its faster Core H-series CPU. In reality, the Core i7-11370H is only marginally faster than the U-series Core i7-1165G7 to the point where most users are not likely to notice the benefits. The slight performance uptick comes at the cost of slightly higher power consumption as well meaning owners will have to deal with potentially warmer temperatures or louder fans to compensate. Unless if you happen to be a power user, then the regular non-Pro model will be more than enough. Once you go 90 Hz, you can't go back."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro
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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