The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus comes from a workhorse line, designed for users who need an affordable daily laptop without compromising on utility. With its latest iteration—the Inspiron 14 (5441)—Dell has taken something of a gamble, swapping out its traditional Intel or AMD silicon for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platform. While the move to ARM chips is promising for ultra-mobile devices, the Inspiron 14 Plus’ execution is closer to a safe and predetermined side step, rather than a confident leap forward.
We’ll dive into the details, examining everything from design and build quality to performance and battery life, and ultimately ask the question: does the Inspiron 14 do enough to stand out in a crowded market?
Design
The Inspiron 14 Plus’ design won’t necessarily turn heads, but it certainly gets the basics right. Clad in an aluminium chassis, the laptop feels premium for its price point, even if its silver-and-black aesthetic errs on the basic side. At 0.7 inches thick and weighing 1.49 kg, it’s perfectly portable enough for everyday use and is hardly a cumbersome addition to the backpack.
One of the more functional design choices is the hinge, which raises the rear of the laptop slightly when opened. This improves typing ergonomics and airflow but makes lap usage less comfortable. Never a head turner, the overall design feels looks and feels satisfactory.
The keyboard delivers a reliable typing experience, though it has its quirks. Its flat, lightly stabilised keycaps are responsive and well-suited to long typing sessions, but they lack contouring, making it harder to orient your fingers intuitively. Backlighting is effective, though also basic. Similarly, the trackpad is serviceable: smooth, responsive, and generously sized, though the trackpad reacts pretty erratic to debris or a bit of wayward condensation hitting the pad more than other devices I’ve experienced.
Display
If there’s a clear weak point in the Inspiron 14 Plus, it’s the display. The 14-inch 1200p IPS panel struggles to impress with limited colour reproduction—65% of the sRGB gamut and just 50% of DCI-P3—resulting in muted visuals that won’t serve justice to any visual media or creative work.
Brightness peaks at a respectable 371 nits, which pairs well with the matte finish to reduce glare in bright environments. However, it’s hard to overlook the downgrade compared to the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, which offers higher resolution, better brightness, and more vibrant colours at a slightly higher price.
Performance & Functionality
The Inspiron 14 Plus’ most significant change is under the hood, where Dell has opted for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 processor. This ARM-based chip is the weakest in Qualcomm’s line-up, and while native ARM applications run efficiently, the laptop falters in emulating traditional Windows programs, a critical limitation in a world dominated by x86 software.
The Snapdragon chip does offer a smoother experience in specific tasks, like multitasking with native apps, but its overall inconsistency makes the Inspiron 14 feels underpowered for its price.
Dell has equipped the Inspiron 14 Plus with an impressive array of ports, including two USB4 Type-C ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. These options ensure compatibility with a wide range of peripherals, and the inclusion of USB4 provides fast data transfer and external display support.
On the wireless front, the laptop features Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, both of which are a welcome addition, especially at this price point.
Battery life is one area where ARM chips often excel, and the Inspiron 14 delivers decent longevity on video playback and general browsing. However, heavy everyday usage juggling multiple tasks from browsing and streaming seemed to land around 8-9 hours, which is a good but not a standout figure. I found myself often needing to charge during marathon work hours much more than I would have liked.
The 1080p webcam is a bright spot, capturing sharp, well-exposed visuals even in low light. A physical privacy shutter adds peace of mind and Windows Hello facial recognition is quick and accurate.
Audio performance is more mixed. The speakers deliver decent sound quality at lower volumes, with some bass presence and clear mids. However, higher volumes can introduce some distortion and chassis reverberation.
Verdict & Value
Overall, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is a well-built laptop with solid connectivity, decent battery life, and a promising foray into ARM-based computing. However, its lacklustre performance, disappointing display, and inconsistent experience make it a tough sell at its AUD$ 1298 starting price.
Dell’s decision to pair an entry-level Snapdragon chip with a machine in this competitive category feels like a missed opportunity. For those seeking better performance, brighter displays, and more versatility, laptops like the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus or ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED offer significantly better value.
In short, the Inspiron 14 Plus isn’t a bad laptop—it just isn’t good enough to recommend over its competition.
THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Lightweight and portable design; impressive connectivity options; respectable webcam and privacy features
Lowlights: Underwhelming display quality; inconsistent performance with Snapdragon chip; average battery life for its class
Manufacturer: Dell
Model: Inspiron 14 (5441)
Price: Starting at A$1298
Recommended For: Users who prioritize portability and connectivity over performance or display quality
Review based on unit supplied by Dell and is currently available via Dell’s official website and at select retailers.
