For better performance in intensive engineering tasks or if you frequently use 3D modeling or machine learning applications, the Dell Latitude 5431 would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a laptop that's more affordable and comes with a larger storage capacity, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i is a good choice. The Dell has a higher quality build and better heat management, while the Lenovo boasts a slightly better battery life and a larger, higher resolution display that is better for general use and media consumption. However, the Lenovo is heavier, which may affect portability, and it comes with a version of Windows that is less suited for business environments compared to the Dell's Windows 11 Pro. Both laptops have similarly capable processors and integrated graphics suitable for light gaming, but neither is ideal for intensive gaming. 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
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
241.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
315.0 nits
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has a better screen than the Dell Latitude 5431 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
If you prioritize crisp text and clear images for everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing, you may find both the Dell Latitude 5431 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i with their fair screen quality sufficient. However, for engineering and design work where color accuracy is key, the same screens may fall short in representing the full spectrum of colors needed for precise work. When it comes to gaming or viewing 3D content, both laptops lack the high refresh rates that make for smooth motion, and might not provide the immersive visual experience desired in this area.
Cost
$950
$828
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Latitude 5431 has a price of $950 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i costs $828.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and Dell Latitude 5431 are both good for general use.
The Dell Latitude 5431's commendable portability and solid battery life, paired with a capable Intel i5 CPU and sufficient RAM, make it a strong contender for general use; its screen quality is adequate, offering good brightness and color coverage. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i, on the other hand, offers a larger, sharper screen with excellent brightness, more storage, likewise powered by a robust Intel i5 CPU and ample RAM, but trades off slightly on portability and battery life.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
6.3/10
3.7/10
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 5431 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are considered fair for gaming and 3D tasks because they both feature integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, which can handle light gaming but may struggle with more graphically intensive games and 3D tasks, and they have standard screen refresh rates of 60Hz, which are fine for casual gaming but not ideal for fast-paced, competitive gaming environments where higher refresh rates are preferred.
Engineering and Design
6.9/10
7.0/10
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 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 5431 is only fair.
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both suitable for engineering and design due to their capable CPUs, sufficient RAM, and integrated Iris Xe GPUs. However, the Dell Latitude 5431 offers a higher screen brightness and contrast, which could enhance visual clarity for design work, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i provides a higher resolution and larger screen which might be beneficial for detailed engineering work.
Content Creation
7.4/10
7.4/10
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i 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
7.4/10
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 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 5431 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 5431 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.
Portability
Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
3.3 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4/10
7.6/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and Dell Latitude 5431 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Latitude 5431 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 5431 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.
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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.
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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.