The Dell XPS 15, while more expensive, offers better performance for tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, and gaming, owing to more powerful components. It also usually has a higher-quality display and longer battery life. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is more budget-friendly and sufficiently capable for general use like web browsing, office applications, and streaming media. It is also lighter and more portable, making it a convenient choice for those who travel frequently. However, it may not perform as well in demanding tasks and could have a shorter battery life. Thus, your decision should be based on the balance between performance requirements and budget constraints. 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 XPS 15
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
8.2/10
6.1/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
606.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
The Dell XPS 15 offers superior performance suitable for various tasks with a higher-quality processor, more RAM, and a better display than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14", which has a basic processor, less RAM, and a lower-resolution screen, making it less versatile for demanding applications.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
5.5/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.1/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
10.0/10
The Dell XPS 15 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell XPS 15 boasts a more powerful Intel Arc A370M GPU suitable for gaming and 3D applications, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a lower-tier Intel UHD Graphics 600, which isn't designed for such demanding tasks. Additionally, the Dell's superior screen quality and refresh rate contribute to a more immersive gaming experience compared to the basic screen offerings of the Lenovo.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
5.5/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell XPS 15 is geared towards engineering and design due to its high-performance CPU, ample RAM, dedicated GPU, and superior screen quality, all of which contribute to handling complex tasks and visual work. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 with its basic processor, less RAM, integrated graphics, and lower-quality TN screen is less suited for demanding software typical in engineering and design work.
Content Creation
8.3/10
6.2/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
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
8.1/10
6.4/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
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
7.4/10
5.3/10
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
The Dell XPS 15 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell XPS 15 boasts a high-resolution display with vivid colors and brightness, making it ideal for everyday tasks and professional engineering software that require detailed visuals. It features wide color gamuts, catering to engineers and designers in need of color accuracy for their projects. However, its screen falls short for gaming and 3D applications as it lacks the high refresh rates that provide smoother visuals and better responsiveness.
Portability
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has very good portability, while the Dell XPS 15 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
6.0/10
The Dell XPS 15 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,000
$150
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell XPS 15 has a price of $1,000 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" costs $150.
"The 2023 Dell XPS 15 is more or less exactly what you'd expect from the company flagship. Its fresh components deliver measurably superior power and longevity, while the machine's premium build and design remain intact. It may not be overly exciting, but XPS loyalists and upgraders should be more than happy."
"The IdeaPad 1 14 is a simple machine, but it’s well-designed and has nearly everything you’d expect from a no-nonsense laptop that allows you to check emails and get schoolwork or other light tasks done with relative ease. A "true" 128GB SSD (as opposed to an eMMC drive) and a roomy 14-inch full HD display are arguably the star attractions, with the comfortable keyboard and reasonably modern styling playing important backup roles."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 15 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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