Dell 14 Plus review
The Dell Dell 14 Plus ranks as the #354 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 74. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #302-ranked features among 205 laptops. Consider the Dell Inspiron 14 7440 or Dell XPS 13 9315, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Dell 14 Plus is a respectable general productivity device with good performance. It exceeds expectations set by its predecessor, the Inspiron 14 Plus series, but still has some drawbacks. The keyboard quality is subpar, with excessive flex and cost-cutting measures. However, thermal improvements are notable, and gaming performance is impressive despite Intel Integrated R graphics limitations. With a price tag of over $1,300, it's a hard sell for those seeking a premium experience. Despite its flaws, it's worth considering if you prioritize productivity and are willing to overlook some shortcomings.
Build
The Dell 14 Plus boasts an impressive build quality. The laptop's chassis is sturdy and well-constructed, with a sleek design that makes it perfect for daily use. However, the keyboard is a letdown, with excessive flex and cost-cutting evident in its construction. This oversight mars what could have been a top-notch build experience. Nevertheless, the overall build quality is satisfactory, making this laptop suitable for general productivity tasks despite some minor flaws. Get your hands on Dell Latitude 14 5420 if you're looking for better build.
Display
The display on the Dell 14 Plus is decent but falls short of expectations. It boasts a high resolution 2.5K screen, which is great for casual gaming and productivity tasks. However, it lacks a 120Hz refresh rate, making it less ideal for gamers seeking smooth visuals. The brightness rating is also low, limiting its use in well-lit environments. Despite these limitations, the display is still an improvement over previous Dell models, but it doesn't quite live up to the standards set by other laptops in its class. Consider discovering the power of Dell Latitude 14 9430, featuring the latest advancements in display.
Performance
The Dell 14 Plus boasts impressive performance, making it a full-fledged productivity machine. It excels in general tasks such as document editing and web browsing, while also handling demanding activities like programming and code compilation with ease. Even more resource-intensive tasks like video editing and gaming are handled respectably well, despite the integrated graphics. The laptop's thermal management has improved, but still lags behind industry standards. Overall, the Dell 14 Plus is a powerful device that exceeds expectations, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable general productivity machine. You might prefer Dell Latitude 14 5420, designed with an upgraded performance for a better experience.
Battery and Charging
The battery life of the Dell 14 Plus is impressive, lasting just north of 10 hours with general productivity use. The medium-sized 64Wh battery provides ample power for extended periods. While charging times are not explicitly mentioned, it's likely to take around 1-2 hours to fully charge the battery. Overall, the battery life and charging capabilities of the Dell 14 Plus make it a reliable choice for those who need a laptop that can keep up with their daily activities without frequent recharging.
Connectivity
The Dell 14 Plus boasts an improved connectivity profile. One Thunderbolt port is present, which, while a step up from previous models, falls short of competitors' offerings. Additionally, the laptop features two USB-A ports and one HDMI port, but lacks a SD card slot. Overall, the device's connectivity options are serviceable, but not exceptional. A better alternative might be Dell Latitude 14 7420, featuring a next-level connectivity.
Features
The Dell 14 Plus boasts impressive features, including a high-resolution 2.5K display, ample system memory, and Intel Integrated graphics. It also offers a decent battery life of over 10 hours and above-average speaker quality. However, it lacks a 120Hz refresh rate and has limited upgradability options. You may find Dell Inspiron 14 5406 a better fit, thanks to its superior features.
Support and Maintenance
The Dell 14 Plus excels in performance, handling general productivity with ease and even demanding tasks like video editing. However, its display has a low brightness rating and lacks a 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the keyboard quality is questionable due to excessive flex, indicating cost-cutting measures during production.
Pros
1. This laptop truly is a full-fledged productivity machine.
2. Dell has made huge improvements in performance, making it suitable for tasks like video editing.
3. Thermal issues have improved, although there's still room for improvement.
4. The battery life is decent, with a runtime of just north of 10 hours with general productivity use case.
5. The speaker quality is above average, offering good volume and bass.
6. Performance is the biggest strength of this device, making it suitable for demanding tasks like multilayer 4K video editing.
7. The laptop can handle casual gaming, achieving close to 60fps in games like Counter Strike 2 Go.
Cons
1. The display has a low brightness rating, which might be a concern for some users.
2. The keyboard quality is questionable, with too much flex and cost-cutting measures taken.
3. Only one Thunderbolt port is available, limiting connectivity options.
4. Thermal performance still lags behind industry standards, with maximum average surface temperature reaching 41°C under peak load.
5. Fan noise can become a concern if you use the desktop for extended periods.
6. The laptop's price has increased to over $1,300 in this configuration, which might be a deterrent for some users.
7. Quality Assurance (QA) issues are still plaguing Dell laptops, with this device not being an exception.
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