The Dell Precision 5470 offers a higher level of portability due to its lighter weight and smaller size, making it a good fit if mobility is a priority. However, the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 features a larger, higher resolution display which could be favorable for detailed work such as design or video editing. In terms of power, both laptops come with similar graphics cards, but the ThinkPad has a slightly more advanced processor, potentially giving it an edge in performance-intensive tasks. The ThinkPad also doubles the storage of the Dell. If extended unplugged usage is critical, the ThinkPad has a more robust battery life. Balancing these factors with the higher price of the Dell, the ThinkPad may offer better value for those who prioritize performance and screen real estate over the premium of portability. 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 Precision 5470
Very good portability
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad P16
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good battery life
Key differences
Software Development
7.7/10
8.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is very good for software development, while the Dell Precision 5470 is good.
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.
Screen Quality
7.3/10
8.2/10
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
500.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
569.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 has a better screen than the Dell Precision 5470 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Precision 5470, valuable for general use and engineering tasks due to its high resolution and brightness, falls short for gaming because it prioritizes color accuracy over high refresh rates. The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 excels in both general and engineering contexts, offering extensive color gamut coverage and great screen sharpness, but like the Dell, it isn't designed for gaming, as its refresh rate is lower than what fast-paced games require. For both laptops, their strengths lie in providing detailed, vibrant visuals for productivity rather than the quick response needed for high-end gaming experiences.
Portability
Very Good
Poor
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
3.2 lbs
WEIGHT
6.5 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
1.2in
The Dell Precision 5470 has very good portability, while the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,669
$1,449
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Precision 5470 has a price of $1,669 and the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 costs $1,449.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad P16 to be very good for general use, while the Dell Precision 5470 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.
Gaming and AI
6.7/10
6.9/10
4.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 and Dell Precision 5470 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Precision 5470 is suitable for gaming and 3D with its Nvidia RTX A1000 GPU and standard refresh rate, which are crucial for rendering graphics smoothly, but it has a smaller screen size and lower resolution, impacting display clarity. Conversely, while the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 also boasts the Nvidia RTX A1000 GPU for high-quality graphics processing, it offers a larger, higher-resolution display for superior visual fidelity, which enhances the gaming and 3D experience.
Engineering and Design
7.8/10
8.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
4.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad P16 to be very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Precision 5470 is good.
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 offers very good engineering and design performance due to its more powerful CPU, larger, higher resolution and brighter screen, which is better for detailed visual tasks, while also including a larger battery capacity, contributing to slightly better battery life. In contrast, the Dell Precision 5470 is suitable for engineering and design with a similar GPU but has a less powerful CPU, smaller and lower resolution screen, and a smaller battery, yet it is more portable due to its lighter and more compact form.
Content Creation
7.8/10
8.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad P16 to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Precision 5470 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.
Battery
9.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Precision 5470 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 has 10 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
8.5/10
8.5/10
The Dell Precision 5470 and Lenovo ThinkPad P16 both have very 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 Precision 5470 and the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 compare to other laptops
"The Dell Precision 5470 is a mobile workstation that's far more portable than most alternatives. Between its slim 14-inch design and top-quality MIL-STD 810H build, it's one of the best options around for taking professional-grade performance on the road or to the job site. There are tradeoffs for its portability, and users of the most demanding, graphics-intensive applications will need to carry something heavier. But the Dell's exceptional battery life underscores its desirability as the most portable workstation we've seen."
"It's only a few months since we gave the MSI CreatorPro X17 one of our rare 4.5-star ratings and our top mobile workstation honor, but the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 matches that achievement in a more premium overall build. Ultimately, its build quality, screen, and keyboard give our latest Editors' Choice nod to the Lenovo—it's enough of a monster on almost all fronts that it simply cannot be ignored."
Get a great deal on the Dell Precision 5470 or the Lenovo ThinkPad P16
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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