Dell Inspiron 16 (5640) vs Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16
The Verdict
Dell's Inspiron 16 offers solid value at $799 with a 10-core Intel Core 7 150U, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB SSD paired with a 1920x1200 display. Lenovo's IdeaPad Pro 5i commands a $200 premium through meaningful upgrades: a more powerful 16-core Core Ultra 7 155H, sharper 2560x1600 2.5K IPS display with 120Hz refresh, 350 nits brightness, and extended 84Wh battery delivering 11 hours versus 9 hours. Both feature identical port configurations and aluminum construction, but Lenovo's superior processor, higher-resolution display with better color accuracy, and substantially longer battery life justify the price difference for demanding users. Dell excels for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing basic productivity. For professionals handling creative work or extended travel, Lenovo's specifications deliver better long-term value despite higher cost.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Dell Inspiron 16 (5640) if…
- →Affordable 16-inch productivity laptop
- →Generous port selection including HDMI and USB-A
- →Comfortable keyboard with numpad
Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 if…
- →Strong Intel Core Ultra 7 performance at an accessible price
- →2.5K 120Hz IPS display is excellent for the tier
- →Full port suite including SD card and USB-A
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Dell Inspiron 16 (5640)
Pros
- Affordable 16-inch productivity laptop
- Generous port selection including HDMI and USB-A
- Comfortable keyboard with numpad
- 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD in base config
- Upgradeable storage and memory
Cons
- Dim 250-nit display unsuitable for bright rooms
- Plastic base feels less premium
- Mediocre battery life around 9 hours
- Low-power Core 7 150U trails H-class chips
- No discrete GPU option
Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16
Pros
- Strong Intel Core Ultra 7 performance at an accessible price
- 2.5K 120Hz IPS display is excellent for the tier
- Full port suite including SD card and USB-A
- Upgradeable RAM and SSD
- 84 Wh battery supports all-day use
Cons
- Plastic base panel feels less premium
- Display brightness of 350 nits is modest
- No discrete GPU on base model
- Fans audible under sustained workloads
- Heavier than comparable ultrabooks
Full Specifications
| Spec | Dell Inspiron 16 (5640) | Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.90 kg | 1.98 kg |
| Material | Aluminum lid with plastic base | Aluminum lid with plastic base |
| Dimensions | 357.9 x 252.0 x 19.0 mm | 356.2 x 248.2 x 18.9 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | 1 |
| USB-A ports | 2 | 2 |
| USB-C ports | 1 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| Thunderbolt ports | 1 | 1 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 9 hours mixed use | Up to 11 hours mixed use |
| Capacity | 54 Wh | 84 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 16.0 inches | 16.0 inches |
| Type | WVA anti-glare LED | 2.5K IPS anti-glare |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 250 | 350 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB NVMe | 512 GB NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB DDR5 | 16 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 10-core (2P+8E) | 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) |
| Chipset | Intel Core 7 150U | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
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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.
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