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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 22, 2024·
If you are looking for value and affordability, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus can offer you solid performance for everyday tasks and some lighter creative work, without stretching your budget. On the other hand, the MSI Creator M14 typically demands a higher price, but it brings enhanced capabilities for demanding software used in 3D rendering, machine learning, and gaming, alongside a potentially better display for creative professionals. Keep in mind, the MSI's higher performance might reduce battery life compared to the Dell, and it may be heavier, affecting portability. Your choice should reflect a balance of your performance needs, portability preferences, and budget constraints. 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
- Good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Creator M14
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Good for gaming and AI
- Very good for content creation
- Good speakers
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.6
7.3
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.7/10
The MSI Creator M14 is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus may provide an acceptable gaming experience due to its decent graphics card, but the MSI Creator M14, with its superior GPU and higher screen refresh rate, offers smoother gameplay and better rendering for gaming and 3D applications. While both have capable processors and good screen quality, the MSI's emphasis on visual performance makes it more favorable for users focused on gaming and creative tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.8
8.4
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Creator M14 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is equipped with features suitable for engineering tasks, with strong CPU performance and ample RAM supporting demanding software, while its screen quality is adequate for detailed work; however, the MSI Creator M14, designed with creatives in mind, offers a superior GPU and even higher screen quality for intricate design tasks. Although both are serviceable in terms of portability and input quality, the quieter operation and better speakers of the MSI may make for a more pleasant long-term use experience, possibly at a higher cost.
Screen Quality
7.0
7.5
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
326.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
The MSI Creator M14 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and MSI Creator M14 both offer screens with resolutions that are crisp and clear, with panel types and brightness levels that are great for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption, which is why they're good for general use. For engineering and design work, where color accuracy is key, these laptops have displays that cover a wide range of color spectrums, making them suitable for professionals who work with visual content. However, for gaming and 3D work, both laptops lack high refresh rates, which can result in less smooth motion and responsiveness, thereby making them less ideal for these activities where fast, fluid visuals are important.
Battery
6.0 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has 6 hours of battery life. The MSI Creator M14 has 4.5 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.
Cost
$808
$1,500
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a price of $808 and the MSI Creator M14 costs $1,500.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.9
8.0
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
326.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Creator M14 to be very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, with a competent CPU and enough RAM, meets the needs for everyday tasks and is light enough to carry around, but its screen quality and battery life don't stand out as much as the MSI Creator M14, which offers superior display and longer usage times, making it a stronger choice for those prioritizing visual clarity and less frequent charging, despite it being slightly less portable. The MSI also benefits from having ample storage and a quieter, cooler operation, with a more comfortable keyboard and better speakers, enhancing the overall user experience for general use activities.
Content Creation
7.9
8.0
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Creator M14 to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good.
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
7.8
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The MSI Creator M14 and Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 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.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 14 Plus to have very good portability, while the MSI Creator M14 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4
7.8
The MSI Creator M14 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.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and the MSI Creator M14 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 Plus | MSI Creator M14 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$808 | $1,500 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2022 | March 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.7'' | 12.4'' x 9.2'' x 0.88'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.7 lbs | 3.53 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 12.39" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 9.19" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-12700H | Intel i7-13620H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 1 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 4.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 64 Wh | 53.5 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2240 x 1400 | 2880 x 1800 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 326 nits | 350 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
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 | 7.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
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 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
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."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus or the MSI Creator M14
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 MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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