The Dell Latitude 5430, while more expensive, is lighter and smaller, which improves portability, has a professional design suitable for business environments, and comes with Windows 11 Pro. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i is less expensive, offers a larger screen with a higher resolution and more workspace due to its aspect ratio, double the storage and RAM for better performance in multitasking and more demanding applications, and has a dedicated numeric keypad. Consider the Dell if you prioritize a lightweight and business-oriented machine, and the Lenovo if a larger display, more power, and budget-friendliness are your main concerns. 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 Latitude 5430
Very good portability
Very good speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i
Good for engineering and design
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.1/10
6.4/10
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
248.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
315.0 nits
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has a better screen than the Dell Latitude 5430 for general use, engineering and design, and content creation.
For general use, the Dell Latitude 5430 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i offer screens that are sufficiently clear and bright, but they might not provide the sharpness or color range that come with higher-resolution displays or more premium panel technology. In engineering and design, where color accuracy and wider color gamuts are crucial for precise visual work, both laptops have limitations due to less coverage of professional color spaces like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB. When it comes to gaming and 3D applications, the lack of high refresh rates can lead to less fluid motion, which is critical for a smooth visual experience, making both models less suitable for those particular demands.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Latitude 5430 has very good portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and Dell Latitude 5430 are both good for general use.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i offers higher RAM and a larger, more vibrant screen which are pivotal for a smoother and more visually pleasing general use experience over the Dell Latitude 5430, although the latter is lighter and slightly more compact, which may appeal to users prioritizing portability and ease of travel. Both laptops have comparable CPU and screen resolution, but the IdeaPad Slim 5i enhances multitasking and content viewing with its advantages in critical areas while maintaining similar battery life.
Gaming and AI
6.0/10
6.3/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and Dell Latitude 5430 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Latitude 5430 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are considered fair for gaming and 3D because they both have integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics which provide acceptable but not high-end gaming performance, and standard screen refresh rates of 60Hz, which is fine for casual gaming but not optimal for fast-paced games that benefit from higher refresh rates. While both have good screen quality and decent processors, neither has the dedicated GPU or high refresh rates that serious gaming and advanced 3D applications demand.
Engineering and Design
6.5/10
7.0/10
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i to be good for engineering and design, while the Dell Latitude 5430 is only fair.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i is considered better for engineering and design use than the Dell Latitude 5430 primarily because it has double the RAM and a more advanced CPU, which contribute to faster performance and more efficient multitasking, both crucial for engineering and design software. Additionally, while both laptops feature integrated GPUs adequate for light to moderate design tasks, the Lenovo's superior screen quality with higher resolution and brightness enhances visual detail, further making it a better choice for such use cases; however, the Dell Latitude scores higher in portability and has slightly lower operating noise, which might benefit users who prioritize mobility and a quieter working environment.
Content Creation
7.2/10
7.4/10
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and Dell Latitude 5430 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
7.1/10
7.4/10
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and Dell Latitude 5430 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
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Latitude 5430 has 9 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.
Build Quality
7.4/10
7.6/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and Dell Latitude 5430 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$790
$828
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Latitude 5430 has a price of $790 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i costs $828.
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How the Dell Latitude 5430 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 Latitude 5430 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
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.