The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 offers slightly higher performance for general use, engineering, and 3D/machine learning tasks compared to the Gateway 15.6". The Dell has a larger screen with a higher resolution and a taller aspect ratio, which may be better for productivity tasks, though both have IPS panels for good viewing angles. The Gateway is a bit heavier and thicker, which could affect portability. The Inspiron operates very quietly, making it a good fit for quiet environments. Both laptops have backlit keyboards, but only the Dell offers a white backlight option. If you need a more portable option and are okay with a smaller screen, the Gateway could suffice, otherwise, the Dell Inspiron 16 5625 appears to be the better choice for most usage scenarios. 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 16 5625
Good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Good overall build quality
Very good speakers
Good keyboard
Advantages of the Gateway 15.6"
The Gateway 15.6" has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 16 5625.
Key differences
General Use
7.7/10
7.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
265.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 and Gateway 15.6" are both good for general use, though the Dell Inspiron 16 5625 is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 offers solid performance with its AMD Ryzen 7 processor and Vega 8 graphics, paired with a high-resolution screen and a lightweight design that boosts its portability; it's ideal for users needing a reliable workhorse for everyday tasks. In contrast, the Gateway 15.6" packs a capable Intel i5 processor and Iris Xe graphics, adequate for general use, but its lower screen resolution and slightly heavier build may not appeal to those prioritizing display sharpness and ease of carrying.
Engineering and Design
7.1/10
6.2/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 is good for engineering and design, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 is considered good for engineering and design due to its higher-quality screen and performance-boosting features like a better CPU, more RAM, and a more capable GPU compared to the Gateway 15.6", which only offers fair performance for engineering and design as it has a lower screen quality and less powerful specs in these critical areas. Portability and other factors such as keyboard and speaker quality don't weigh as heavily as the primary performance components, but still contribute to the overall user experience with these tasks.
Content Creation
7.6/10
7.0/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 and Gateway 15.6" are both good for content creation, though the Dell Inspiron 16 5625 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
7.5/10
6.7/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 is good for software development, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
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
6.2/10
6.1/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
265.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 has a better screen than the Gateway 15.6" for software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize a clear and vibrant display for everyday tasks, both the Dell Inspiron and the Gateway offer adequate resolution and brightness. However, for engineering and design, where precise color representation is crucial, they may fall short as they don't cover the wider color gamuts professionals often require. When it comes to 3D and gaming, the lower refresh rates of these screens may not deliver the smooth motion sought after in high-paced visuals, despite having suitable resolution and panel types for moderate use.
Build Quality
7.0/10
5.1/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 has good build quality, while the Gateway 15.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$800
$600
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 has a price of $800 and the Gateway 15.6" costs $600.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 and Gateway 15.6" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625, equipped with a decent GPU and acceptable screen refresh rate, can handle moderate gaming and some 3D applications fairly well, but may not provide the smoothest experience for high-end games or professional 3D work. Conversely, the Gateway 15.6" also offers an adequate GPU and screen responsiveness for fair gaming and 3D tasks, but due to somewhat less powerful processing capabilities and screen quality, it might struggle with more demanding software and detailed graphics.
Battery
8.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 has 8 hours of battery life. The Gateway 15.6" 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
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
4.8 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 16 5625 and Gateway 15.6" both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 16 5625 and the Gateway 15.6" compare to other laptops
"I think there is fair value in the Inspiron 16 this year. Very little has changed with the laptop and my opinion hasn’t really changed either. In other words, I like it. Overall, I think the pros far outweigh the cons of this laptop and the price is certainly justifiable. I found this to be a great typer and I could potentially work all day on this machine, provided I don’t need a graphics card."
"Some concessions have to be made when shopping for a budget laptop. Walmart's Gateway Ultra Slim laptops succeeds on the affordability front and delivers serviceable specs and good battery life, though it's hard to claim it's the best (or even particularly good) at any particular aspect. Its build quality, especially the touchpad, is mediocre, and its performance is decent but doesn't lead the way. The Gateway does undercut the cost of some competitors and offers ample storage with good connectivity, so it's not to be ignored."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 16 5625 or the Gateway 15.6"
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 Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
130,695
Recommendations made
28,318
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.