Dell Latitude 5420 14" Vs Dell Latitude 7490 14"

Dell Latitude 5420 14"
Dell Latitude 5420 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:£204.00

Versus £546.18 new

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Dell Latitude 7490 14"
Dell Latitude 7490 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:£204.00

Versus £864.72 new

See options

Ratings

The Dell Latitude 5420 and the Dell Latitude 7490 are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and reliability. The Latitude 5420, released in early 2021, features more recent internal components and updated connectivity options. In contrast, the Latitude 7490, launched in 2018, offers a proven design with a strong emphasis on durability and user experience. Both devices operate on the Windows platform, providing a familiar environment for business and general use.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these laptops, their release timelines and build quality are key factors. The Dell Latitude 5420 and 7490 are both constructed with durable materials, typical of Dell's business Latitude series.

  • Release Timeline: The Latitude 5420 was released in early 2021, making it a more recent model compared to the Latitude 7490, which launched in 2018. This difference in release year impacts the duration of software support and the age of internal components.
  • OS Support: As the newer device, the Latitude 5420 is expected to receive operating system updates for a longer period than the Latitude 7490, extending its practical software lifespan. Both models are compatible with current Windows operating systems.
  • Build Quality: Both laptops feature robust chassis designed for business environments. The Latitude 5420 incorporates carbon fiber and magnesium reinforcement, offering a solid and resistant feel. The Latitude 7490 is also known for its magnesium alloy casing and durable construction, with some configurations featuring a carbon fiber lid.

Year of Release

2020

2017

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

Performance is a significant differentiator between these two Latitude models, primarily due to their respective processor generations. Both are designed for efficient multitasking and business applications.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Latitude 5420 is equipped with 11th Generation Intel Core processors, which provide enhanced processing power and improved efficiency compared to the 8th Generation Intel Core processors found in the Latitude 7490. This translates to quicker application loading and smoother operation for demanding tasks on the 5420.
  • Graphics Performance: The Latitude 5420 benefits from integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics (with Core i5/i7 configurations), offering a notable improvement in graphical performance over the Intel UHD Graphics 620 in the Latitude 7490. This makes the 5420 better suited for tasks involving light photo editing or more graphically intensive applications.
  • Memory and Storage: The Latitude 5420 supports up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM at 3200 MHz, while the Latitude 7490 typically supports up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM at 2400 MHz. Both models offer fast M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage options, contributing to overall system responsiveness.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i5-1145G7

Core i7 - Gen 8 (U)

Graphic card

Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The visual experience on these laptops is shaped by their display technologies and available configurations. Both models offer 14-inch displays suitable for daily productivity.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Latitude 5420 and Latitude 7490 offer 14-inch IPS panels with Full HD (1920x1080) resolution options, providing clear visuals for text and images. Some configurations of the 7490 also included HD (1366x768) panels.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Latitude 5420 can be configured with brighter panels, reaching up to 400 nits, which enhances visibility in varied lighting conditions, including outdoor use. The Latitude 7490's Full HD IPS panels generally offer good contrast and color, with average brightness around 294 nits.
  • Color Reproduction: While the 5420 offers configurations with 100% sRGB coverage for more accurate color reproduction, some base models of both laptops may have a narrower color gamut. Both displays typically feature an anti-glare coating and a standard 60 Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

1920 x 1080

Screen type

LCD

IPS

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, both laptops include standard features designed to meet typical business needs.

  • Webcam Quality: Both the Dell Latitude 5420 and Latitude 7490 are equipped with HD webcams, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings.
  • Audio Experience: Both models feature integrated stereo speakers and array microphones. User reviews suggest that the speakers on the Latitude 5420 offer clear audio with some bass, comparable to quality portable speakers. The Latitude 7490 also provides functional audio for calls and media consumption.
  • Video Recording: The webcams on both laptops support standard video recording resolutions, typically 720p at 30 frames per second, which is adequate for general use.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and connectivity of these laptops.

  • Connectivity Options: The Latitude 5420 features more modern connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 6, offering faster data transfer speeds and improved wireless performance. The Latitude 7490 typically includes USB 3.0/3.1, USB-C (with some configurations offering Thunderbolt 3), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and Bluetooth 4.2. Both provide essential ports like HDMI and Ethernet.
  • Portability: The Latitude 5420 starts at approximately 1.37 kg (3.03 lbs), making it slightly lighter than the Latitude 7490, which ranges from 1.4 kg to 1.56 kg (3.1 to 3.44 lbs). Both maintain a relatively compact 14-inch form factor.
  • Security and Input: Both laptops offer security features such as fingerprint readers and optional smart card readers. The Latitude 7490 is particularly praised for its comfortable keyboard with good key travel, a feature often highlighted by users. The 5420 also has an excellent keyboard.

Weight

3000 g

1500 g

Screen size

14

14

The Dell Latitude 5420 and 7490 cater to business users with distinct priorities. The Latitude 5420, being the newer model, generally receives praise for its enhanced processing power and modern connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6, making it suitable for users who require more current technology and faster performance for demanding applications. However, some users have noted concerns regarding its battery life in certain configurations and potential touchpad issues.

The Latitude 7490, while older, is frequently lauded for its robust build quality, comfortable keyboard, and generally reliable battery life, often lasting a full workday. Criticisms sometimes point to its display being less bright on some configurations and a smaller touchpad compared to more modern designs.

Users prioritizing cutting-edge performance, faster data transfer, and a longer software support window may find the Latitude 5420 better suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a highly durable, proven design with a comfortable typing experience and consistent all-day battery performance for general office tasks might lean towards the Latitude 7490. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking reliable business laptops.

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