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Dell Inspiron 15 (2024) vs MSI Raider GE78 HX

Updated Apr 2026laptops
Dell Inspiron 15 (2024)
Dell
Dell Inspiron 15 (2024)
$599
8.1/10
Winner
VS
MSI Raider GE78 HX
MSI
MSI Raider GE78 HX
$2,999
8.7/10

The Verdict

These laptops target completely different users and budgets. The Dell Inspiron 15 is a practical everyday machine with a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display, Intel Core i5-1335U or AMD Ryzen 5 7530U processor, 8-16GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB storage. Battery life reaches 12 hours, making it suitable for students and remote workers who prioritize portability at 1.65kg and value at $599. The MSI Raider GE78 HX is a high-end gaming and workstation powerhouse featuring a massive 17.3-inch 4K Mini-LED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits brightness, Intel Core i9-14900HX with 24 cores, 64GB DDR5, and 2TB NVMe storage. However, it weighs 3.1kg and delivers only 5 hours of battery life, making it a desktop replacement. For general computing, web browsing, and productivity, the Inspiron 15 delivers exceptional value and practical benefits. For professionals doing 3D rendering, video editing, or serious gaming, the Raider justifies its $2400 premium with superior performance and display technology. Most users should choose the Dell unless their workflow demands workstation-class specifications.

Value15 (2024)
Battery15 (2024)
DisplayGE78 HX
PerformanceGE78 HX
portability15 (2024)

Who Should Buy

Buy the Dell Inspiron 15 (2024) if…

  • Solid all-rounder for everyday productivity and web browsing at $599
  • Good port selection including HDMI and SD card reader
  • Reasonable 54 Wh battery provides good endurance for the price

Buy the MSI Raider GE78 HX if…

  • RTX 4090 Laptop GPU with full 175W TDP for maximum gaming performance
  • 4K Mini-LED display with 1000-nit HDR is stunning for content creation
  • 64 GB DDR5 RAM handles any workload out of the box

Category Scores

Dell Inspiron 15 (2024)
MSI Raider GE78 HX
Value
9.2
6.5
Battery
8.8
4.0
Display
7.0
9.5
Performance
7.2
9.8
portability
9.0
5.5

Pros & Cons

Dell Inspiron 15 (2024)

Pros

  • Solid all-rounder for everyday productivity and web browsing at $599
  • Good port selection including HDMI and SD card reader
  • Reasonable 54 Wh battery provides good endurance for the price
  • Lightweight at 1.65 kg for a 15.6-inch laptop
  • Expandable storage via second M.2 slot

Cons

  • 250-nit display brightness is dim for any non-indoor use
  • 60Hz refresh rate feels behind modern standards
  • 8 GB base RAM needs upgrading for comfortable multitasking
  • Plastic chassis feels basic compared to aluminum competitors
  • Webcam is only 720p — poor for video calls

MSI Raider GE78 HX

Pros

  • RTX 4090 Laptop GPU with full 175W TDP for maximum gaming performance
  • 4K Mini-LED display with 1000-nit HDR is stunning for content creation
  • 64 GB DDR5 RAM handles any workload out of the box
  • 2 TB storage with room for additional NVMe drives
  • Comprehensive port selection including Thunderbolt 4

Cons

  • Nearly 7 lbs — this is a desktop replacement, not a portable
  • 5-hour battery life — always tethered to power
  • Very expensive at $2,999
  • Fan noise is substantial under gaming loads

Full Specifications

SpecDell Inspiron 15 (2024)MSI Raider GE78 HX
SoftwareWindows 11 HomeWindows 11 Pro
Body
Weight1.65 kg6.83 lbs (3.1 kg)
MaterialPlastic chassis with aluminum palm restAluminum
Dimensions358.5 x 235.6 x 16.9 mm15.63 x 11.73 x 1.0 inches
Ports
HDMI1
USB-A ports22
USB-C ports12
SD card
Headphone Jack
Thunderbolt ports1
Battery
Battery lifeUp to 12 hoursUp to 5 hours
Capacity54 Wh99.99 Wh
Display
Size15.6 inches17.3 inches
TypeIPS LCDMini-LED IPS
Resolution1920 x 10803840 x 2160
Refresh rate60Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)2501000
Storage
SSD512 GB PCIe NVMe2 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe
Expandable storage
Keyboard
Backlit
Processor
RAM8 GB / 16 GB DDR564 GB DDR5
Cores10-core (Intel) / 6-core (AMD)24 cores (8P + 16E)
ChipsetIntel Core i5-1335U / AMD Ryzen 5 7530UIntel Core i9-14900HX

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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.

Explore more in laptops, see all Dell products or all MSI products. View full details for the Dell Inspiron 15 (2024) or the MSI Raider GE78 HX.