The Dell Latitude 5431 offers a newer processor and a support for a modern operating system which may result in better performance for demanding tasks, but it is more expensive. The Dell Latitude 14 7490 includes a larger storage capacity and comes with a slightly older, but still capable processor, and it might offer better value for general use, especially if budget is a consideration. The 14 7490 is also marginally lighter, which might be preferable for portability, while the 5431 likely has some additional features aligned with its higher price. Ultimately, if newer technology and potentially better performance are priorities and you're willing to invest more, go with the Latitude 5431; if you're looking for a cost-effective option that still meets general use requirements, the Latitude 14 7490 may suffice. 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 5431
The Dell Latitude 5431 has no clear advantages over the Dell Latitude 14 7490.
Advantages of the Dell Latitude 14 7490
Very good portability
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.1/10
6.7/10
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
241.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has a better screen than the Dell Latitude 5431 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
When considering a laptop for general use, screen resolution and brightness are the driving factors behind display quality; a fair screen suggests the Dell Latitude 5431 has decent image clarity and visibility in various lighting conditions, likely similar to the Latitude 14 7490. The good screen quality of the Dell Latitude 14 7490 for engineering and design implies that it covers a wider color gamut, rendering it more capable of producing accurate colors needed for precise design work compared to the Latitude 5431. Neither laptop is well-suited for gaming or 3D applications due to inadequate refresh rates, which means neither can display fast-moving visuals as smoothly as required for those activities.
Cost
$950
$300
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Latitude 5431 has a price of $950 and the Dell Latitude 14 7490 costs $300.
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Dell Latitude 14 7490 are both good for general use.
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
6.2/10
5.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Latitude 5431 to be only fair for gaming and AI, while the Dell Latitude 14 7490 is poor.
The Dell Latitude 5431 is equipped with an Iris Xe GPU and a screen refresh rate of 60Hz, while the Dell Latitude 14 7490 comes with an Intel UHD Graphics 620 and also offers a 60Hz refresh rate. Both laptops have graphics capabilities and display rates that are generally adequate for casual gaming and 3D applications but may struggle with high-end gaming or advanced 3D tasks, which require more powerful GPUs and higher refresh rates.
Engineering and Design
6.9/10
6.5/10
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Dell Latitude 14 7490 are both only fair for engineering and design.
The Dell Latitude 5431 is favored for engineering and design because it has a stronger and newer CPU, the Intel i5-1250P, and better integrated graphics, Iris Xe, which are very important for performance and visual fidelity in demanding applications.
Content Creation
7.4/10
7.3/10
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Dell Latitude 14 7490 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
7.3/10
7.1/10
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Dell Latitude 14 7490 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
9.5 Hours
The Dell Latitude 5431 has 9 hours of battery life. The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has 9.5 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
Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.3 lbs
WEIGHT
3.1 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.8in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Latitude 14 7490 to have very good portability, while the Dell Latitude 5431 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4/10
7.4/10
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Dell Latitude 14 7490 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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How the Dell Latitude 5431 and the Dell Latitude 14 7490 compare to other laptops
"The Dell Latitude 7490's got the speed you need (and then some), a keyboard that's comfortable enough for writing all day long and a battery that supports a full 8-hour workday. If only the display were brighter and it managed heat better. If you need every minute of battery life you can get, the extended-battery version of the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 lasts 8 hours longer than the Latitude 7490, but its display is much less colorful."
Get a great deal on the Dell Latitude 5431 or the Dell Latitude 14 7490
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.
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.
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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.
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.