The laptop market is flooded with new chipsets from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. However, manufacturers continue to release laptops with older generation processors, especially for budget-conscious consumers. Dell’s Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) falls into this category, offering a reasonable price point but struggling to compete with the best laptops available. While it undercuts many newer machines, its disappointing battery life and subpar display hinder its overall value.
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445): Specifications and Configurations
| Feature | Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.36 x 8.90 x 0.62 inches |
| Weight | 3.77 pounds |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS / AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS |
| Graphics | Radeon Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB |
| Display | 14.0-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS, 60Hz |
| Storage | 512GB SSD / 1TB SSD |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Ports | 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x SD card reader, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Webcam | 1080p |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Battery | 65 watt-hour |
| Price | Starting at $750 |
The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) is available in two configurations, both powered by AMD Ryzen processors. The base model, priced at $730, features an AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and the standard 14-inch FHD+ IPS display. The higher-end configuration, at $950, boasts a Ryzen 7 8840HS, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.
This pricing strategy positions the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) below Dell’s Snapdragon-powered Inspiron 14 Plus (7441) and competitively against Intel-based laptops like the HP Envy x360 14.
Design and Build Quality
alt
The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) follows Dell’s familiar design language for mid-range 2-in-1 convertibles. Its all-metal construction feels robust, resisting bending and flexing. While this contributes to a slightly heavier weight of 3.77 pounds compared to some competitors, the build quality is commendable. The laptop maintains a relatively slim profile and features minimal bezels, except for the bottom bezel which houses the 360-degree hinge mechanism. The overall aesthetic is minimalist and functional, with rounded edges enhancing portability, especially in tablet mode.
alt
While not as visually striking as premium laptops like the HP Spectre x360 14 or MacBook Air M3, the Inspiron 14 offers a practical and durable design for its price point.
Keyboard and Touchpad
alt
The Inspiron 14 features a standard island-style keyboard with well-spaced keys and responsive switches. Typing is comfortable and efficient. The touchpad, while a standard mechanical version, is sufficiently large and functional. However, the click mechanism can be a bit loud. The display supports touch and pen input, though the pen is sold separately.
Ports and Connectivity
alt
alt
The Inspiron 14 offers a good selection of ports, including USB-C and USB-A ports. However, the absence of Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 support, due to the AMD chipset, limits connectivity speeds. The HDMI port is also limited to the older 1.4 standard. While Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 are included, they represent a generation behind the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard. A 1080p webcam provides decent video quality for conferencing. Security features include a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button, although facial recognition would have been a more convenient option.
Performance and Benchmarks
alt
Equipped with either the Ryzen 5 8640HS or Ryzen 7 8840HS, the Inspiron 14 delivers adequate performance for everyday productivity tasks. While not designed for gaming or demanding creative workloads, it handles general office applications and web browsing smoothly. Benchmark results show competitive performance against rivals powered by Intel Lunar Lake and Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
| Benchmark | Dell Inspiron 14 (Ryzen 7 8840HS) |
|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (Single/Multi) | 2,440 / 11,219 (Balanced), 2,508 / 11,243 (Performance) |
| Handbrake (seconds) | 76 (Balanced), 73 (Performance) |
| Cinebench R24 (Single/Multi) | 99 / 643 (Balanced), 100 / 726 (Performance) |
| PCMark 10 Complete | 6,906 |
Battery Life: A Disappointment
alt
Despite its large 65 watt-hour battery and FHD+ display, the Inspiron 14’s battery life falls short of expectations. Testing revealed significantly shorter runtimes compared to competitors using Intel Lunar Lake or Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. This limited battery endurance could be a significant drawback for users who need all-day productivity away from a power outlet.
| Test | Dell Inspiron 14 (Ryzen 7 8840HS) |
|---|---|
| Web Browsing | 8 hours, 30 minutes |
| Video Playback | 8 hours, 45 minutes |
Display Quality: A Major Drawback
alt
The Inspiron 14’s display is its most significant weakness. While the 14-inch FHD+ resolution may be acceptable for some, the overall display quality is subpar. Low brightness levels, limited color gamut coverage, and mediocre color accuracy create a washed-out and inaccurate viewing experience. This is particularly disappointing given the availability of superior displays, including OLED options, in similarly priced laptops.
Audio
The dual downward-firing speakers provide adequate audio quality for casual use, such as watching videos or listening to system sounds. However, for a more immersive audio experience, headphones are recommended.
Conclusion
The Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (7445) presents a mixed bag. Its solid build quality, decent performance, and competitive price make it an attractive option for budget-minded consumers. However, the disappointing battery life and subpar display quality significantly detract from its overall value. While it may suffice for basic productivity tasks, users seeking all-day battery life and a vibrant display should consider alternative options.
