Quick notes
- The Dell Vostro 3420 has a more traditional laptop design with a slightly thicker profile and a weight of 3.
- The Dell Vostro 3420 has a similar selection of ports as the HP 14s, with two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone jack.
- The HP 14s comes with a few notable features, including a fingerprint reader for secure login, a webcam with a privacy shutter, and a backlit keyboard for typing in low-light conditions.
When it comes to budget-friendly laptops, the HP 14s and Dell Vostro 3420 are two of the most popular options. Both offer a solid balance of features and performance at an affordable price. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the details of each laptop, examining their design, display, performance, battery life, and more, to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
HP 14s: The HP 14s sports a sleek and modern design with a thin profile and a weight of just 3.24 pounds. It features a plastic chassis that feels sturdy and well-built, despite its lightweight construction.
Dell Vostro 3420: The Dell Vostro 3420 has a more traditional laptop design with a slightly thicker profile and a weight of 3.64 pounds. It also uses a plastic chassis, but it feels a bit more durable than the HP 14s.
Display
HP 14s: The HP 14s comes with a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. The display offers good color accuracy and viewing angles, making it suitable for basic tasks like web browsing and video streaming.
Dell Vostro 3420: The Dell Vostro 3420 has a 14-inch IPS display with the same resolution as the HP 14s. However, it features a brighter backlight, which results in better visibility in well-lit environments.
Performance
HP 14s: The HP 14s is powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, which is a low-power CPU designed for basic tasks. It comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, which is sufficient for everyday use.
Dell Vostro 3420: The Dell Vostro 3420 is equipped with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, which is a more powerful CPU than the Celeron N4500. It also comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, providing a significant boost in performance.
Battery Life
HP 14s: The HP 14s has a 41Wh battery, which provides up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. This makes it a good choice for students or professionals who need a laptop that can last throughout the day.
Dell Vostro 3420: The Dell Vostro 3420 has a 42Wh battery, which offers around the same battery life as the HP 14s. However, it supports fast charging, which allows you to charge the laptop to 80% in just one hour.
Connectivity and Ports
HP 14s: The HP 14s offers a decent selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone jack.
Dell Vostro 3420: The Dell Vostro 3420 has a similar selection of ports as the HP 14s, with two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone jack. Additionally, it features a Thunderbolt 4 port, which provides faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect external displays.
Features
HP 14s: The HP 14s comes with a few notable features, including a fingerprint reader for secure login, a webcam with a privacy shutter, and a backlit keyboard for typing in low-light conditions.
Dell Vostro 3420: The Dell Vostro 3420 also offers a fingerprint reader, a webcam with a privacy shutter, and a backlit keyboard. Additionally, it has a dedicated numeric keypad, which can be useful for data entry and financial tasks.
Which One Should You Choose?
HP 14s: The HP 14s is a great choice for those who need a budget-friendly laptop for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and video streaming. Its lightweight and slim design make it easy to carry around, and its long battery life ensures that you can stay productive throughout the day.
Dell Vostro 3420: The Dell Vostro 3420 is a better option for those who need a more powerful laptop for demanding tasks like photo editing, video editing, or programming. Its faster processor, larger RAM, and brighter display provide a significant boost in performance, making it more suitable for professional use.
Verdict: Choose the Laptop That Meets Your Needs
Both the HP 14s and Dell Vostro 3420 are excellent budget-friendly laptops. The HP 14s offers a great balance of portability, battery life, and affordability, while the Dell Vostro 3420 provides better performance and features for a slightly higher price. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Dell Vostro 3420 has a brighter display with better color accuracy.
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: Both laptops have similar battery life, but the HP 14s has a slightly longer battery life on a single charge.
Q: Which laptop is more powerful?
A: The Dell Vostro 3420 is more powerful, thanks to its faster processor and larger RAM.
Q: Which laptop has more ports?
A: Both laptops have a similar selection of ports, but the Dell Vostro 3420 has an additional Thunderbolt 4 port.
Q: Which laptop is better for students?
A: The HP 14s is a better choice for students due to its lightweight design, long battery life, and affordable price.