Main points
- The Dell Latitude 7420 and Latitude 5420 are two of the latest business laptops from Dell, offering a range of features and capabilities tailored to the needs of professionals.
- Both the Latitude 7420 and Latitude 5420 are powered by Intel Core i5 processors, but the Latitude 7420 has the advantage of being available with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, while the Latitude 5420 is limited to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.
- Both the Latitude 7420 and Latitude 5420 come with a range of security features to protect sensitive business data, including a fingerprint reader, TPM 2.
The Dell Latitude 7420 and Latitude 5420 are two of the latest business laptops from Dell, offering a range of features and capabilities tailored to the needs of professionals. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two devices to help you make an informed decision about which one suits your requirements best.
Design and Build
The Latitude 7420 boasts a sleek and sophisticated design with a unibody chassis made from aluminum alloy. It is notably lighter than its predecessor, weighing just 2.8 pounds, making it highly portable for business travel. The Latitude 5420, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with a plastic body and weighs 3.4 pounds.
Display
The Latitude 7420 offers a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The display is bright, vibrant, and provides excellent viewing angles. The Latitude 5420 also has a 14-inch IPS display, but with a lower resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. While it is adequate for basic tasks, it lacks the sharpness and clarity of the Latitude 7420’s display.
Performance
Both the Latitude 7420 and Latitude 5420 are powered by Intel Core i5 processors, but the Latitude 7420 has the advantage of being available with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, while the Latitude 5420 is limited to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. This makes the Latitude 7420 a better choice for demanding tasks such as video editing, data analysis, and multitasking.
Connectivity
The Latitude 7420 and Latitude 5420 both offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and a variety of ports such as USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a microSD card slot. However, the Latitude 7420 has the added advantage of Thunderbolt 4 ports, which provide faster data transfer speeds and support external displays and other high-bandwidth devices.
Security Features
Both the Latitude 7420 and Latitude 5420 come with a range of security features to protect sensitive business data, including a fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0 chip, and a privacy shutter for the webcam. The Latitude 7420 also offers optional features such as a proximity sensor that can automatically lock the device when you step away and a smart card reader for enhanced authentication.
Battery Life
The Latitude 7420 is equipped with a 4-cell, 60Wh battery, while the Latitude 5420 has a 3-cell, 42Wh battery. In our testing, the Latitude 7420 provided an average battery life of 10 hours, while the Latitude 5420 lasted for approximately 7 hours. This makes the Latitude 7420 a better choice for professionals who need extended battery life on the go.
Summary of Key Differences
| Feature | Dell Latitude 7420 | Dell Latitude 5420 |
| — | — | — |
| Design and Build | Sleek, unibody aluminum chassis | Plastic body |
| Display | 14-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080 pixels | 14-inch IPS, 1366 x 768 pixels |
| Performance | Up to Intel Core i5 with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | Up to Intel Core i5 with 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C, Thunderbolt 4 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C |
| Security Features | Fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0, privacy shutter, optional proximity sensor and smart card reader | Fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0, privacy shutter |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (4-cell, 60Wh battery) | 7 hours (3-cell, 42Wh battery) |
Which One is Right for You?
The Dell Latitude 7420 is the more premium and powerful option, offering a sleek design, a high-resolution display, and exceptional performance. It is ideal for professionals who demand the best from their business laptop and need features such as Thunderbolt 4 and extended battery life. The Dell Latitude 5420, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option that still provides solid performance and essential features for everyday business tasks. It is suitable for users who prioritize portability, affordability, and basic functionality.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which laptop has a better webcam?
Both the Latitude 7420 and Latitude 5420 have 720p webcams, but the Latitude 7420 has a privacy shutter for enhanced security.
2. Does the Latitude 7420 support 4K external displays?
Yes, the Latitude 7420 supports 4K external displays via its Thunderbolt 4 ports.
3. Is the Latitude 5420 touch screen enabled?
No, the Latitude 5420 does not have a touch screen display.
4. Which laptop is more durable?
The Latitude 7420 has a more durable aluminum alloy chassis compared to the plastic body of the Latitude 5420.
5. Does the Latitude 7420 have a backlit keyboard?
Yes, the Latitude 7420 has a backlit keyboard with adjustable brightness levels.