A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a laptop with more storage out of the box and some extra graphics performance for casual gaming or light media creation, the Dell Inspiron 14 5420, with its additional GPU, might be the better choice. However, the Dell Latitude 5430, despite having less storage, provides you with enhanced business features like hardware ray tracing and premium business laptop appearance, which could be beneficial if you're looking for a laptop for professional needs. It also boasts a marginally better battery life and portability score, meaning it might be easier to carry between meetings or on commutes. Both laptops are suited for general use and light engineering tasks, but if those specific professional or graphical features don't matter as much, the additional storage on the Inspiron may offer a more immediate benefit. 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 Inspiron 14 5420
- Very good battery life
Advantages of the Dell Latitude 5430
- Very good speakers
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.5
6.1
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
279.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
248.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a better screen than the Dell Latitude 5430 for general use, and engineering and design.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Dell Latitude 5430, with their fair screen qualities, offer suitable displays for everyday tasks like browsing and document editing, thanks to adequate resolution and brightness; yet their panel types are not top-tier. For engineering and design work, these laptops provide just acceptable color accuracy with limited coverage of professional color gamuts, which could hinder precise color-critical work. When it comes to Gaming and 3D, their refresh rates are lower, which means less fluid motion and responsiveness, while their moderate resolution and decent panel types prevent them from being ideal for high-end gaming or intensive 3D applications.
Cost
$971
$880
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has a price of $971 and the Dell Latitude 5430 costs $880.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
General Use
7.6
7.4
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
279.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
248.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.4/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Dell Latitude 5430 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 offers a higher resolution screen, more powerful CPU, and better GPU than the Dell Latitude 5430, which makes it better suited for tasks that require more graphical power and detail, such as photo editing. However, the Latitude 5430 counters with slightly better portability and heat management, making it a more comfortable choice for day-to-day use and travel.
Gaming and AI
6.5
6.3
2.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
2.4/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Dell Latitude 5430 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and the Dell Latitude 5430 both have GPUs that can handle games and 3D applications decently, but they won't deliver top-tier performance due to their more average refresh rates and screen quality. While both laptops come equipped with CPUs capable of supporting gaming, they still fall short for enthusiasts looking for the high-end gaming experience.
Engineering and Design
7.2
7.0
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.3/10
2.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
2.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Dell Latitude 5430 are both good for engineering and design.
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is considered better for engineering and design because it houses a superior dedicated Nvidia GPU and offers a higher screen resolution for finer detail, which are key for intensive tasks and detail-oriented work. In contrast, the Dell Latitude 5430, while still capable due to its solid CPU and integrated Intel graphics, offers less graphical power and lower screen resolution, which may not be as suitable for the demands of engineering and design applications.
Content Creation
7.5
7.3
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.3/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Dell Latitude 5430 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
7.4
7.2
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 and Dell Latitude 5430 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
10.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 5420 has 10 hours of battery life. The Dell Latitude 5430 has 9 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
14.0in
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Latitude 5430 and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.0
7.4
The Dell Latitude 5430 and Dell Inspiron 14 5420 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 Inspiron 14 5420 and the Dell Latitude 5430 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 5420 | Dell Latitude 5430 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$971 | $880 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.7'' | 12.7'' x 8.4'' x 0.76'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.4 lbs | 3.01 lbs | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel i5-1235U | |
Graphics | |||
Graphics | MX570 | Iris Xe | |
Mux Switch / Advanced Optimus | |||
Mux Switch / Advanced Optimus | No | No | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 58 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2240 x 1400 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 279 nits | 248 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Keyboard Lighting Color | |||
Keyboard Lighting Color | White | White | |
Warranty Period | |||
Warranty Period | 1 year | 1 year | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Inspiron 14 5420
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Smarthouse
Nick Ross | March 2023
"If laptops were food, then the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 is arguably a Big Mac. There are cheaper and more expensive options, but this arguably represents the baseline of quality and value in the world of mobile computing… something that’s underlined by the attractive $1,279 price tag."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 5420 or the Dell Latitude 5430
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Dell Inspiron 14 5420 vs. LG Gram 17
VS
Compare Dell Inspiron 14 5420 vs. MSI Prestige 14
VS
Compare Dell Inspiron 14 5420 vs. Apple MacBook Air (2020)
VS
Compare Dell Latitude 5430 vs. MSI Bravo 15
VS
Compare Dell Latitude 5430 vs. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
VS
Compare Dell Latitude 5430 vs. Acer Swift Go 14
VS
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
56,595
Recommendations made
12,263
Consumer hours saved
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.
Nick Landia, Ph.D
Chief Data Scientist
Nick is a machine learning expert with a Ph.D in recommendation systems from the University of Warwick.
Aaron Koller, Ph.D
Head of Product
Aaron is a product leader and recommendation enthusiast with a Ph.D in philosophy from Syracuse University.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Craig Russell
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.
Featured in
