The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is a more expensive option that provides better performance for intensive tasks with its higher-spec processor. The tradeoff for this higher performance is lower portability due to its slightly heavier weight compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i. The IdeaPad Slim 5i, on the other hand, being less expensive, offers solid performance for general use with a processor that's still capable but not as powerful as the Dell’s. Each has a solid build and similar battery life, with the Lenovo having a slight edge in this area. Choose the Dell for more demanding work and the Lenovo for everyday tasks and value. 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 5630
Very good for general use
Very good for content creation
Very good speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i
Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
8.2/10
7.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
300.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
315.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i is good.
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.
Engineering and Design
7.7/10
7.0/10
8.2/10
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 16 5630 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for engineering and design, though the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.4/10
8.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i 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.
Screen Quality
6.8/10
6.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
300.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
315.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 offers a higher resolution and brighter display, making it appealing for general use and detail-oriented tasks like engineering and design, while its color coverage satisfies professionals who need precision in color work. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i provides a decent display that manages everyday tasks and moderate design work effectively, although it doesn't stand out in any specific area. However, neither laptop is suited for gaming or 3D applications as they lack high refresh rates, which are critical for smooth motion and fast-paced visuals in these scenarios.
Build Quality
7.0/10
7.6/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and Dell Inspiron 16 5630 both have good build quality, though the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are considered fair for gaming and 3D primarily because both use integrated Iris Xe graphics, which are adequate for casual gaming but not for intensive games or advanced 3D applications, and both have a standard screen refresh rate of 60Hz, which doesn't provide the smoothness sought by serious gamers. While both have good CPUs and screen quality, these features play a less influential role in gaming and 3D performance compared to GPU power and higher refresh rates.
Software Development
7.9/10
7.4/10
8.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 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.
Battery
8.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has 8 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
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$849
$828
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has a price of $849 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i costs $828.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i compare to other laptops
"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 16 5630 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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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
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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.
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Laptops Expert
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