Dell vs HP: Which Laptop Brand Is Better in 2021?
Dell is a better laptop brand than HP if you’re interested in gaming and want a high-performing machine. For everyday or business use, HP is also a great choice because the laptops made by this brand have plenty of ports and are highly secure.
This article will delve into the details of both these top laptop brands so that you can figure out which one will best suit your needs.
The latest laptops from Dell include the XPS range aimed at those seeking 2-in-1 features and the Alienware range, designed especially for gamers. HP also has a gaming range, Omen, and its Envy line, which is aimed at creatives.
Is Dell or HP Better?
Dell is better because it has higher-performing computers for gaming, business, and personal use. This brand is highly innovative, so it is always coming up with new features that will help its customers.
When you buy a laptop from Dell, it’s easy to find the perfect model to suit you, whether you only have a little money to spend, want a high-end machine with the latest specs, or need a speedy gaming laptop.
The top laptop from Dell is the XPS 17 laptop. This machine will suit a range of users, as it comes with plenty of storage. You can install a lot of software and games, or just use it for your personal files. The cheapest model comes with 16GB of RAM, which will allow you to seamlessly switch between apps without lag, but you can upgrade this to 32 or 64 GB if you need an extremely high-performing device. The XPS 17 is highly customizable and available with either a touch or standard screen display.
HP vs Dell: Business, Gaming, & Everyday Use
Whether you should buy a Dell or HP laptop depends on what you’re planning on using it for. Each brand performs better in different situations.
Business
HP has plenty of slimline laptops, which are excellent for business. Many offer touchscreen features and can be folded back to be used as tablets. This is useful for showing others what you’ve been working on and getting work done on your daily commute on the train.
Dell has a call center, especially for its business users. Many companies without in-house IT support or a managed IT system find this useful, as they can call up Dell to ask all their IT-related questions. Dell also has powerful laptops that can easily handle the needs of any businessperson, even a designer.
Overall, Dell is the better brand for business laptops due to its powerful processors and specialized support.
Gaming
HP has two laptops for gamers: the HP Pavilion and the Omen. These laptops are not as powerful as gaming laptops from other brands, but are suitable for casual gamers who will use their laptops for everyday purposes as well.
The Alienware gaming range from Dell is well-known as one of the leading laptop series for gaming. These machines are powerful, highly customizable, and have incredible graphics. While the laptops are pretty pricey, serious gamers will use every feature and enjoy gameplay without lags or delays.
Gamers will choose a Dell laptop over an HP every time due to the more powerful processors and excellent graphics cards.
Everyday Use
HP laptops offer excellent battery life that lasts up to 12 hours and most of the machines come with 3 or 4 cell batteries. Standard HP models tend to come with at least 256GB of storage capacity, which would suit the needs of most general users.
Dell laptops outperform HP in terms of battery life, with the Dell Latitude 9510 lasting for up to 18 hours. However, Dell computers often come with less storage than the HP models, usually starting out at 128GB. Most computer users would use up that storage pretty quickly just by downloading the Windows suite of products and putting their files on the laptop.
Overall, HP is the best for everyday use. You still get a decent amount of battery life and you’ll have plenty of storage for all of your documents and software.
Dell Laptops in Detail
Dell’s headquarters are in Round Rock, Texas. This company has been around since 1984 under the name PC’s Limited. Since then, Dell has evolved to become a leading manufacturer of PCs and laptops. This company currently ranks number 28 on the list of Fortune 500 companies and makes around 94.2 billion dollars in sales each year.
Performance
The best Dell laptops perform extremely well. These machines usually have a decent amount of RAM to ensure that the user can quickly and easily switch between apps. The laptops also have plenty of storage, so you can create numerous files and download software without a problem. Dell’s high-end machines are best for this, with more storage and RAM than models from other brands.
You can buy the Dell Inspiron 15 Plus laptop, for example, with up to 1 TB of SSD storage and 16GB RAM.
Innovation
Using cutting-edge technology, Dell now allows you to link your laptop with your iPhone. Anyone with an iPhone and a recent Dell computer can download the Dell Mobile Connect App. This enables you to transfer files between the two using a drag and drop process. You can also control your computer’s mouse and keyboard from the phone app.
Dell Mobile Connect is available on Dell computers bought after January 2018, including the Inspiron, Vostro, XPS, and Alienware ranges. One laptop with this option is the XPS 13 laptop. Use it to mirror your phone onto your laptop, take calls, and more.
Customer Service / Warranty
Dell offers exceptional customer service with separate hotlines for at-home computer users and business customers. This company even has a unique phone line for those who are deaf, speech impaired, or hearing impaired. This focus on customer service has helped Dell to edge above the competition in terms of sales. You can also purchase extended warranties from Dell for up to 5 years after your purchase.
Summary
The laptop of choice for those who value innovation and customer service will be one from the Dell range. Dell consistently offers new, unique offerings and has plenty of online and phone support for its customers. The performance of its laptops is exceptional, although the more expensive machines perform the best.
HP Laptops in Detail
Hewlett Packard, more commonly known as HP, is originally from Palo Alto, California. Founded in 1939, this company was named after its founders, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard. Currently, it holds a market share of 21.2%, coming above Dell’s 16.4%.
Design
HP is well-known for the sleek, professional designs of its laptops. HP offers slimline models that can easily fit in a handbag or briefcase as well as larger laptops designed for gaming which still have an eye-catching look to them.
One example is the HP Spectre x360 15″. This laptop features a gem cut design with beveled edges and a body made of aluminum. It can be flipped over to be used as a tablet and is just 0.79 inches thick.
Security
HP has a strong focus on data security. HP laptops come with a range of security features. These include systems to recover data and prevent viruses from infecting your computer. This makes HP laptops an excellent choice for businesses dealing with confidential data.
If security is important to you, you might like to choose the EliteBook x360 830 G7. The security features of this model include visual hacking prevention and automatic memory restoration.
Connectivity
Most people these days want a laptop that has plenty of connection options. At a minimum, most HP laptops have a built-in webcam and microphone, so you don’t need to purchase these components separately. These machines also usually offer multiple USB ports, a headphone jack, and an HDMI port. This allows you to easily present from your laptop, plug in an external hard drive, or listen to music through headphones.
For example, the OMEN Laptop – 15-ek0019nr is a gaming laptop with plenty of ports. It has a superspeed USB Type-C port, 3 x superspeed USB Type-A ports, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, RJ-45, and a headphone/microphone combo port.
Summary
If you buy an HP laptop, you can enjoy superior security to keep all of your data and files safe. HP has plenty of sleek, well-designed laptops with a number of ports so that you can connect them to all of your devices. This makes the best HP laptops great for a range of uses, including gaming, business, and home use.
Conclusion: Should I Buy a Dell or an HP Laptop?
You should buy a Dell laptop if you are a gamer or value excellent customer support. If you prefer laptops with more connection options and great security, an HP laptop is your best choice.
Buy a Dell for:
Exceptional customer service
Great performance
Innovative features
Buy an HP for:
More connectivity
Secure features
Sleek designs
Comparisons of all the best laptop brands:
Difference Between Dell Inspiron and HP Pavilion
Dell Inspiron laptops are more durable and of higher quality. Users will not be able to work for more than eight hours using Dell Inspiration computers. The HP Pavilion laptop series is also good, although it falls short of Dell in terms of durability and quality.
In the event of a power outage, the HP Pavilion provides consumers with up to eight hours of work.
The main difference between Dell Inspiron and HP Pavilion is that Dell Inspiron notebooks have a higher quality and longer lifespan. Dell Inspiration laptops cannot provide consumers with a working time of more than eight hours. The HP Pavilion laptop series is also good, although it lags behind Dell in terms of endurance and quality. In the event of a power outage, the HP Pavilion can work for up to eight hours. The enhanced laptops, on the other hand, are substantially more expensive than the Pavilion models.
Dell Inspiron notebooks employ high-quality components and hardware that are also cost-effective. Dell Inspiron notebooks include 1.4 GHz HDM, four Thunderbolt ports, and USB-C.
Along with Wi-Fi 6 22 (Gig+), it also has Intel Optane Memory H20 choices. The Dell Inspiron laptops are priced similarly to HP Pavilion laptops.
Dell Inspiron notebooks employ higher-quality hardware and components. These laptops, on the other hand, do not contain any recycled components.
Dell Inspiron laptops are a tad on the large side.
HP Pavilion laptops feature AMD processors, Intel silicon, a wide-angle HD camera, SSD compatibility, twin speakers, and Intel Optane memory. It also has a USB Type-C port, a USB-A port, an SD card slot, and an HDMI 2.0 connector for power, display, and data.
HP Pavilion laptops have a somewhat higher starting price range than Dell Inspiron laptops. However, HP pavilion laptops that have been enhanced or improved are more expensive.
The Dell Inspiron laptop series starts at a price that is comparable to HP Pavilion computers. However, the updated computers are substantially more expensive than the Pavilion models.
The Dell Inspiron line of laptops uses higher-quality hardware and components.
Dell Inspiration laptops are unable to provide users with an eight-hour or longer working period. The components and hardware utilized in Dell Inspiron laptops are of the highest quality and are also cost-effective.
The Dell Inspiron notebooks include 1.4 GHz HDM, four Thunderbolt ports, and USB-C.
Dell Inspiron notebooks are of higher quality and last longer. Along with Wi-Fi 6 22 (Gig+), it also has H20 Intel Optane Memory choices.
These computers, on the other hand, do not contain any recycled parts. Dell Inspiron laptops are a little on the large side.
HP Pavilion laptops start a little more expensive than Dell Inspiron laptops. The upgraded or improved HP pavilion laptops, on the other hand, are more expensive.
In comparison to Dell Inspiron laptops, the price is lower. The speaker module in HP Pavilion notebooks has some recycled parts.
The HP Pavilion laptop series’ components and hardware are of decent quality, although not quite as good as the Dell Inspiron. HP Pavilion laptops come with AMD processors, Intel silicon, a wide-angle HD camera, SSD support, twin speakers, and Intel Optane memory. HP Pavilion laptops are small and light.
The HP Pavilion laptop series is likewise of good quality, although it falls short of Dell in terms of durability and quality. In the event of a power outage, the HP Pavilion allows clients to work for up to eight hours.
It also has a USB Type-C port, a USB-A port, an SD card slot, and an HDMI 2.0 connector for power, display, and data.
• Dell Inspiron laptops come in a better quality and durability range. On the other hand, the HP Pavilion series of laptops are also of good quality, but they lack a bit behind Dell in terms of durability and quality.
• Dell Inspiration laptops can not give users a working time of eight hours or more. On the other hand, the HP Pavilion offers its customers around eight hours plus working in case of no power supply.
• The components and hardware used in the case of Dell Inspiron laptops are of the best quality and budget-friendly as well. On the other hand, the components and hardware used in the case of the HP Pavilion laptop series are of good quality but a bit lesser than Dell Inspiron.
• The series of Dell Inspiron laptops comes with 1.4b HDM, 4 Thunderbolt ports, and USB-C. Along with Wi-Fi 6 2×2 (Gig+), it also offers H20 options of Intel Optane Memory. On the other hand, HP pavilion laptops possess AMD, Silicon from Intel, HD camera of wide vision, SSD support, dual speakers, Intel Optane memory. It also offers USB Type-C, USB-A port, SD card slot, and HDMI 2.0 connector, which can support power delivery, display, and data.
• The price of the series of Dell Inspiron laptops begins somewhat near to HP pavilion laptops only. However, the upgraded version of laptops is priced much higher than the Pavilion ones. On the other hand, the beginning price range of HP pavilion laptops is a bit higher than Dell Inspiron laptops. However, the upgraded or better version of HP pavilion laptops are priced Comparatively lower than that of Dell Inspiron laptops.
• The series of laptops in Dell Inspiron make use of better quality hardware and components. However, these laptops do not possess any recycled parts. On the other hand, HP pavilion laptops possess some recycled parts in the speaker module.
• Dell Inspiron laptops are a bit bulky. On the other hand, the HP Pavilion laptops are light.
Dell Inspiron notebooks have high-quality components and hardware that is also cost-effective. The Dell Inspiron laptops start at a price that is similar to that of HP Pavilion laptops.
The updated computers, on the other hand, are significantly more expensive than the Pavilion laptops. Dell Inspiron laptops have higher-quality hardware and components than other laptop brands.
The HP Pavilion laptop series uses high-quality components and hardware, but not as high as Dell Inspiron. HP Pavilion laptops start a little higher than Dell Inspiron laptops in terms of pricing. HP Pavilion laptops, on the other hand, are more expensive when upgraded or better.
Dell Inspiron notebooks have a lower price tag. The speaker module of HP Pavilion notebooks contains recycled parts. HP Pavilion notebooks are compact and lightweight.
Battle: Who's the best PC manufacturer: Dell, Lenovo, or HP?
Jeff-J wrote: For me workstation wise it would go Dell, Lenovo, and then HP. At the MSP I worked at we were a Dell reseller, and supporting Dell workstations were super easy. At the place I am at now we are a Lenovo workstation and so far I have been impressed by their hardware. The last place I was at we were HP, and when I left we were working on replacing all our workstations with new HPs, the laptops felt subpar, there were some odd quarks with them, and two were DOA and 4 others had major issues only being a month or two old. Then we also had the 800 Mini desktops, if the mini did not have wifi then it had a 65 watt power adapter, but add wifi only and now the mini requires a 90 watt power adapter. WHY HP WHY I have also never been a fan of HPs site to pull drivers and what not. But in terms of standardization of hardware I am in the camp of using one vendor if that's Dell, Lenovo, or HP across the whole company. In terms of troubleshooting makes things simpler. If you only have a few models it is less images you have to maintain. Then the biggest benefit of all is there is not having to worry or deal with the end user saying why does Tim get a Dell laptop and I am stuck with the Lenovo, I want a Dell like Tim.
My order would be HP, then Dell, then Lenovo. I can't claim anecdote of thousands of machines, but hundreds, yes, especially with HP's that were in place as I came aboard different orgs. Low problem rates and good tech support are definitely big plusses.
My current org has mostly desktop mini's ("DM" in HP abbreviation nomenclature, which are USFF, making SFF models look massive in comparison) which work great for us. Gen1 and Gen2's (G1 and G2) had a bumpy start after their birth, and honestly, I wouldn't have went for them back then as IMO the technology just wasn't mature enough. They are sufficiently mature now, with most models having the 35W TDP CPU's, coming with integrated WLAN, and having HP's very common 65W power adapter. AMD versions -- ProDesk 405, EliteDesk 705, 805 -- and Intel versions -- ProDesk 400, 600 and EliteDesk 800 are essentially apples-to-apples for business-use, unless vPro is essential and then Intel squeeks ahead as AMD's DASH doesn't seem to have caught on nearly as well.
Pulling drivers and other support content from OEM websites: I'd also argue that after HP started their website revamps in 2020 and appearing to have finished up earlier this year, they've mostly closed the gap with Dell. I'd still give Dell a small win here.
I'm also in the camp of standardizing but with exceptions allowed. As a great example, with the huge disruptions from the recent supply chain problems, we acquired a Lenovo as it otherwise had the closest specs to what we needed and the existing modern fleet had as opposed to going with some very different models with HP. We've also been flexible with timing, so we haven't had to do this much... I feel for anyone that had to be in the "I NEED IT NOW!!" camp...
Last thing I'll say is that outside the business world, I do like Asus PC's. Actually, not to even count out their business PC's entirely, but for the sake of this thread, I reckon I must. I'm a custom builder myself, so although I haven't owned any pre-built desktop models in my household, I recommend them for family, friends, co-workers, etc. depending on their needs. This, probably more so for laptops than desktops, just because their laptops are generally REALLY good. My current org did have an Asus business PC that got long in the tooth and has since been replaced, but it was a solid machine. We only had one so definitely not a big sampling, but other experiences with other Asus PC's and hardware in general have been overwhelming positive.
