Dell Latitude 14 5420 review
The Dell Dell Latitude 14 5420 ranks as the #491 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 71. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #42-ranked connectivity among 202 laptops. Consider the Dell Latitude 14 7430 or Dell Pro Rugged 13, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Dell Latitude 14 5420 is an overall solid allround office device, with a focus on internals. The chassis may not win any design awards, but its upgradeability and security features are impressive. It comes with Thunderbolt 4, Ethernet port, smart card reader, NFC, and a SIM card slot, making it a compelling option for business users. However, the laptop's limitations in terms of display (54% sRGB color space) and input device (poor haptic feedback on clickpad) may not make it worth it for some buyers. Despite this, its generous connectivity and security features, combined with excellent upgradeability, make it a solid choice for those who need a reliable business laptop.
Build
The Dell Latitude 14 5420's build is solid but unremarkable. The chassis is neither thin nor lightweight, and the design won't win any awards. A gray, understated laptop, the focus is clearly on internal components. While it has a comprehensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 4 and a SIM card slot, there are some missteps. The construction feels somewhat lacking in rigidity, particularly around the keyboard area, which yields slightly on one side. Overall, a functional build that prioritizes internals over aesthetics. For a superior build, Dell Latitude 14 7420 could be the right choice.
Display
The Dell Latitude 14 5420's display is a traditional 16:9-IPS 14-inch model with 1920x1080 pixels resolution. The pixel density of 157 PPI and 60-Hz refresh rate are unimpressive, as is the brightness, which peaks at 311 nits. Color accuracy is also lacking, with the Dell covering only 54% of the sRGB color space. Overall, this display does not impress, making it suitable for general office use but not ideal for graphics or video editing work. A better alternative might be Dell Latitude 14 7420, featuring a next-level display.
Performance
The Dell Latitude 14 5420's performance is a highlight. In Cinebench R15 loop tests, the laptop's CPU deals with its SoC temperature by dropping power to optimize for long-term peak performance. The PL1 drops from 40 watts to 35 and 31 watts during the third loop, and the clock rate falls to 3.5 GHz. This well-designed temperature management system prioritizes efficiency over short bursts of power. In real-world usage, the laptop's performance is smooth, even with multiple applications open. The Core i5-1135G7 processor handles tasks efficiently, making it a reliable choice for office work and other demanding tasks. You may find Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7440 a better fit, thanks to its superior performance.
Battery and Charging
The Dell Latitude 14 5420 boasts an impressive battery life, clocking in at almost 13 hours of Wi-Fi runtime with a display brightness setting of 150 nits. The 63Wh battery can be charged using the included 65W USB-C power adapter. While charging is not particularly fast, the laptop's ability to run for so long on a single charge makes it a great option for those who need a reliable device that can last all day.
Connectivity
The Dell Latitude 14 5420 boasts an impressive array of connectivity features. It includes Thunderbolt 4, Ethernet, smart card reader, NFC, and a SIM card slot, making it ideal for mobile work. The device also has a well-designed temperature management system, excellent upgradeability, and a generous battery life of almost 13 hours. Asus ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded connectivity.
Features
The Dell Latitude 14 5420 boasts an impressive list of features. It has a conventional Ethernet port, smart card reader, NFC, and a SIM card slot for web access on the go. The laptop also comes with a 720p camera, fingerprint sensor, Dell Secure Port, and a webcam shutter for enhanced security. Additionally, it offers upgradeability with two RAM slots, an M.2 slot, and an empty slot for an LTE modem, making it a generously equipped all-round business laptop. For an improved features, Dell Latitude 14 7420 is worth considering.
Support and Maintenance
The Dell Latitude 14 5420 offers excellent upgradeability with easily accessible RAM slots, Wi-Fi module, LTE modem slot, and SSD. The device also features a traditional design with a solid keyboard and good key feedback, but lacks mouse buttons and a Trackpoint. Overall, it's a reliable choice for business users seeking flexibility.
Pros
1. Dell's Latitude presents itself as an overall solid allround office device.
2. The upgradeability is excellent and none of the major components are soldered.
3. A generously equipped allround business laptop that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of connectivity and security.
4. We measured a real-world Wi-Fi runtime of almost 13 hours at a display brightness setting of 150 nits.
Cons
1. The chassis is neither thin nor lightweight and likely will not win any design awards either.
2. Unfortunately, there are a few missteps here as well, as our review will show.
3. The 720p camera in the lid is barely worth mentioning. It captures washed-out pictures that suffer from immediately noticeable artifacts.
4. The input device changes did not pan out. Instead of mouse buttons and a Trackpoint, the Latitude offers a clickpad with haptics so poor that even die-hard reviewers resort to connecting a USB mouse.
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