Dell’s Inspiron 14 Plus, featuring the Snapdragon X Plus processor, offers a stylish, aluminum chassis and impressive battery life for under 1000 euros. Weighing 140 grams less than its Intel counterpart, it includes modern connectivity options like USB Type C and a microSD reader. The 14-inch, 2560 x 1600 IPS display provides a solid viewing experience, while thoughtful design elements enhance usability, making it an appealing choice for professionals and freelancers alike.
Are ARM-Based Windows Laptops Still Priced Too High? Discover the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus Featuring Snapdragon X Plus!
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, powered by the innovative Snapdragon X Plus chip, is making waves in the laptop market, priced under 1000 euros. This ultraportable device is an attractive option for mobile professionals, boasting impressive battery longevity. But how do Intel and AMD measure up in this evolving landscape? Let’s dive into the details in this comprehensive review.
Price and Availability
Currently, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (7441) is available at a retail price of 1000 euros, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and an Adreno X1-85 graphics unit. Not long ago, this same configuration was priced around 800 euros, showcasing the ever-changing dynamics of pricing. For those seeking a more economical option, we recommend the Inspiron 14 (5441), which shares the same chassis as the 7441 but omits the touchscreen and includes an octa-core Snapdragon, available for under 800 euros.
While consumers remain cautious about embracing these new processors, manufacturers are pushing ahead. Competitors like Acer Swift Go 14, Asus Vivobook S15, Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, Microsoft Surface Pro 4, and Samsung Galaxy Book 4 are all in the mix. However, Dell stands out by offering one of the most competitively priced options on the market.
Stylish Design and Build Quality
Upon receiving the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, the initial impression is overwhelmingly positive. The laptop showcases a sleek design with a full aluminum chassis. Unlike many budget offerings that only use metal for the screen lid, this device boasts a premium finish for under 1000 euros. The screen is well-protected against everyday mishaps, ensuring durability even against minor pressure.
The name Inspiron 14 Plus indicates its target demographic, catering to everyday consumers and small businesses or freelancers. The “14” signifies its 14-inch display, while “Plus” indicates an upgraded chassis compared to the standard Inspiron 14. The new design has eliminated older ports like HDMI and USB Type A in favor of a USB Type C port and a microSD card reader, although a USB Type A port remains for convenience. This thoughtful connectivity design enhances usability for users on the go.
The chassis design of our test model, the Inspiron 14 Plus (7441), differs significantly from its Intel counterpart (7440). The Snapdragon variant is 140 grams lighter, and its dimensions vary slightly. Notably, the heat extraction system has been repositioned to the hinge area, optimizing airflow. Both models feature a slight elevation at the base, improving ergonomics during use.
Opening the lid reveals a well-designed interior. The touchpad is generously sized (138 mm diagonal) and offers a satisfying user experience. As expected from a 14-inch laptop, there’s no dedicated numeric keypad, but the chiclet keyboard stands out with its subtle mouse gray color. For added convenience, the keyboard is backlit in two levels and automatically dims after one minute of inactivity, conserving battery life.
The layout is straightforward and effective, providing a comfortable typing experience. Notably, a new key featuring the Copilot logo has been added between the Alt Gr and directional keys, which opens the customization menu by default. The power button, located in the upper right corner, also functions as a fingerprint sensor, enhancing security. The speaker grilles flanking the keyboard contribute to a more immersive audio experience, which we will discuss further in the Audio section.
Display Quality
Dell has opted for a 14-inch display for the Inspiron Plus 7741, steering clear of larger formats that are common in traditional laptops. With a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, this display is tailored for the ultraportable segment. While it’s not an OLED panel, featuring IPS technology instead, it meets expectations for this price range. The screen refresh rate is capped at 60 Hz, which may seem disappointing given the rising popularity of higher refresh rates, but it still delivers a satisfactory visual experience for everyday tasks.