If you're looking for higher performance for tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, or engineering software, and you're okay with spending more, the Dell Precision would be a solid choice despite being less budget-friendly. On the other hand, if general use is your focus and you value better portability and longer battery life, plus you want to save money, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 would be a more suitable option. Consider how crucial performance is against the need for mobility and battery endurance for your daily tasks when making your decision. 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
Good overall display quality
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad X13
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Key differences
General Use
7.7/10
8.4/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
500.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.5 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
8.4/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.9/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good for general use, while the Dell Precision 5470 is good.
The Dell Precision 5470 with its robust CPU and ample RAM handles demanding tasks smoothly and provides good screen quality, but the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 surpasses it in portability and battery life, offering easier travel and longer use away from a power source. The ThinkPad's keyboard is also highly regarded for comfort and durability, which, along with solid heat management, makes it an excellent choice for extended work sessions.
Screen Quality
7.3/10
6.9/10
14.0in
SIZE
13.3in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
500.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
The Dell Precision 5470 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the Dell Precision 5470 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 offer displays with sufficient resolution and brightness, making text clear and content vibrant, which is essential for reading and browsing. When it comes to engineering and design, both laptops provide wide color gamuts, ensuring that professionals can see accurate colors for tasks like photo editing and CAD work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, they fall short due to lower refresh rates, leading to less fluid motion which is critical in fast-paced visual environments.
Cost
$1,669
$1,459
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Precision 5470 has a price of $1,669 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 costs $1,459.
The Dell Precision 5470 and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Precision 5470 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13, while not designed as gaming laptops, can handle moderate gaming and 3D tasks thanks to their dedicated GPUs, but do not expect top-tier gaming performance due to their screen refresh rates which are typically lower than those found on specialized gaming laptops. Both have capable CPUs and good screen quality, contributing positively to overall experience, but they won't match the level of dedicated gaming machines in these areas either.
Engineering and Design
7.8/10
8.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
4.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad X13 to be very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Precision 5470 is good.
The Dell Precision 5470 features a powerful CPU, ample RAM, a dedicated GPU, and a high-quality display, which make it well-suited for demanding engineering and design tasks. On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13, while also sporting a robust CPU and sufficient RAM for engineering work, is more portable and offers a durable keyboard, which benefits users on-the-go or those who type extensively.
Content Creation
7.8/10
8.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad X13 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.
Software Development
7.7/10
8.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad X13 to be 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.
Battery
9.0 Hours
8.5 Hours
The Dell Precision 5470 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has 8.5 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
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
13.3in
3.2 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Dell Precision 5470 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
8.5/10
The Dell Precision 5470 and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 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 X13 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."
"The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 has very good input devices, a wide array of security features and ports as well as 5G in the tested configuration. It is more compact and lightweight compared with its predecessor, and it has improved speakers and a slightly better webcam. On the other hand, the fan is more annoying and the performance is barely improved. The battery is worse as well, but this is primarily attributable to the OLED screen - if this aspect is important, buyers should choose the IPS Low Power LCD."
Get a great deal on the Dell Precision 5470 or the Lenovo ThinkPad X13
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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