Dell Latitude 5420 vs Dell Latitude 5430
Both laptops are very similar and suit the same kind of buyer: both have equally quick processors, 16 GB of memory and 14-inch screens, and both run Windows. The main difference: only the Dell Latitude 5430 has USB-A.
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Key differences
- Ports Dell Latitude 5430 wins
Only the Dell Latitude 5430 has USB-A.
- Age Dell Latitude 5430 wins
The Dell Latitude 5430 is a year newer (2022 against 2021).
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Dell Latitude 5420 if…
- You multitask a lot: its Intel Core i5-1135G7 stays smooth with lots of apps and tabs open.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: it has 16 GB of memory.
- You'll carry it around: it weighs just 1.37 kg.
Choose the Dell Latitude 5430 if…
- You plug things in: it has USB-A (for older USB accessories).
- You prefer the newer model: it came out in 2022.
- You multitask a lot: its Intel Core i5-1235U stays smooth with lots of apps and tabs open.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsOn the specs both makers publish, these two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
Both laptops are very close on performance.
Their processors are in the same class: both are smooth with lots of apps and tabs open, and both have 16 GB of memory.
| Spec | Dell Latitude 5420 | Dell Latitude 5430 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Core i5-1135G7 | Intel Core i5-1235U |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Maximum memory | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Upgradeable (slots) | Upgradeable (slots) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe M.2 (2230 or 2280) | M.2 PCIe NVMe |
| Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Screen
Both screens are closely matched.
Size, sharpness and smoothness are near enough the same, so neither has a real edge to look at.
| Spec | Dell Latitude 5420 | Dell Latitude 5430 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 14" | 14" |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Panel | LCD | LCD |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | No | No |
| HDR | None | None |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Touchscreen | — | No |
Battery and size
Both are much the same on battery and weight.
Neither will be noticeably easier to carry or last noticeably longer away from a plug.
| Spec | Dell Latitude 5420 | Dell Latitude 5430 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 42 Wh | — |
| Charges via | USB-C | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.37 kg | 1.36 kg |
| Dimensions | 321.35 x 212 x 19.3-20.9 mm | 321.35 x 212.00 x 19.30-20.90 mm |
| Materials | PC+ABS | — |
| Colour | Silver | Silver |
Ports and wireless
The Dell Latitude 5430 is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has USB-A, and the Dell Latitude 5420 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Dell Latitude 5420 | Dell Latitude 5430 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (PowerShare), 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C, DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB4, Power Delivery charging), 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x universal 3.5 mm audio, 1x RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet, 1x microSD, 1x wedge-shaped lock slot | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C, DisplayPort Alt Mode, Power Delivery; either charges), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (PowerShare), 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x RJ45 Ethernet 10/100/1000, 1x 3.5 mm universal audio jack, 1x microSD |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt 4 |
| External displays (max) | 3 | — |
| Card reader | microSD | microSD |
| Ethernet | 1 GbE RJ-45 | 1 GbE RJ-45 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | — |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Dell Latitude 5420 | Dell Latitude 5430 |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam privacy | — | physical shutter |
| Keyboard | Extended single-point keyboard, UK layout 80 keys, 18.05 mm key pitch | QWERTY, 18.05 mm key pitch, UK 80 keys; backlit or non-backlit option |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | Clickpad, 115 x 67 mm, >=300 dpi | Clickpad 115 x 67 mm, >300 dpi |
| Speakers | 2x stereo speakers, 2 W average / 2.5 W peak | 2 speakers, 2 W average / 2.5 W peak, Realtek ALC3204 with Waves MaxxAudio Pro |
| Microphones | dual-array | dual-array |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | TPM 2.0 (discrete), wedge-shaped lock slot | TPM 2.0 (FIPS 140-2 certified), Wedge-shaped lock slot |
Software and model
The Dell Latitude 5430 is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Dell Latitude 5420 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Dell Latitude 5420 | Dell Latitude 5430 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Released | 2021 | 2022 |