Dell Latitude 14 7490 vs MSI Prestige 16

The MSI Prestige 16, with its higher resolution display, more powerful CPU, and greater RAM capacity, is better suited for resource-intensive general use tasks, while the Dell Latitude 14 7490, being lighter and having a longer battery life, is more tailored towards portability and extended usage away from power sources. Though both have good build and screen quality, the MSI excels in performance at the cost of heavier weight and slightly shorter battery life compared to the Dell.

The Dell Latitude 14 7490 delivers a modest gaming experience with its basic integrated Graphics and standard screen refresh rate, making it suitable for casual gaming. Meanwhile, the MSI Prestige 16 provides elevated game play and 3D rendering capabilities with its more powerful Graphics and higher screen refresh rate which enhances fast-paced visuals, ideal for more serious gaming and complex 3D tasks.

The MSI Prestige 16 triumphs in engineering and design use over the Dell Latitude 14 7490 primarily due to its superior CPU, larger RAM capacity, and a more powerful integrated GPU, along with a higher-resolution screen that offers better color accuracy and brightness, enhancing visual clarity for design tasks. Although the Dell Latitude possesses good build quality and portability, its lesser CPU performance, lower RAM, and less adept GPU, along with a standard full HD screen, make it less suitable for demanding engineering software and intricate design work compared to the MSI Prestige 16.

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.

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.

If considering the Dell Latitude 14 7490, its fair screen quality for general use is due to an adequate level of brightness and resolution, which suffice for everyday tasks but may lack the vibrancy of higher-end displays. For engineering and design, the screen's good quality stems from respectable color accuracy and range, helping to ensure design fidelity, but it may not cover color gamuts as extensively as specialized monitors. However, the poor screen quality for gaming and 3D is evident, as it likely lacks the high refresh rates required for smooth motion, which is critical in fast-paced environments, along with the resolution and panel type not being optimal for such uses. The MSI Prestige 16's very good screen quality for both general use and engineering stems from its superior brightness, resolution, and color gamut coverage, providing crisp, accurate visuals beneficial for detailed work, though for gaming and 3D, the poor quality suggests it falls short on delivering the high refresh rates essential for the best visual experience.

Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.