Dell vs HP: Which Laptop Brand is Better? (2024)

• 

  Elite Performance

  Alienware M18 R1

  The Alienware M18 R1 is a premium gaming laptop that boasts top-of-the-line specs and a striking, customizable design. It features a powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, ensuring smooth gameplay even at high settings. The Alienware m18 offers a variety of display options, including a high-resolution WVA panel for incredibly vibrant colors.

  Operating System

  Windows 11

  CPU

  Intel Core i7 13700HX

  GPU

  Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070 Laptop

  RAM

  16GB DDR5

  Storage

  1TB SSD

  Brand

  Dell

  Pros

  • Excellent cooling
  • Large display

  Cons

  • Bulky
  • Pricier than rivals

  See at Amazon$2236 at Newegg

• 

  HP OMEN 17 inch Laptop, QHD 165Hz Display

  $1802 $1980 Save $178

  The HP OMEN gaming laptop features an Intel Core i7-13700HX 13th-generation processor, one of the best on the market. It has a massive 17.3-inch Quad-HD display with a 165Hz refresh rate for fast response times, making it ideal for gamers who want to view all the in-game details and respond quickly to ever-changing cues. Games and other programs also load fast on this laptop, thanks to the 512GB SSD storage and 16GB DDR5 4.8GHz RAM.

  Operating System

  Windows 11 Home

  CPU

  Intel Core i7-13700HX

  GPU

  NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU (8 GB)

  RAM

  16 GB RAM

  Storage

  512 GB SSD

  Brand

  HP

  Pros

  • High-resolution QHD display
  • Low-profile design

  Cons

  • Limited battery-life hinders portability

  $1802 at Amazon$1966.99 at Newegg

Two American giants, HP and Dell, have consistently dominated the laptop market, each with its unique strengths and loyal following. Whether you're a student looking for a reliable machine to power through essays, a creative professional seeking a powerhouse for editing videos and designing graphics, or a gamer craving the ultimate adrenaline rush, the choice between HP and Dell can be a daunting one.

Both companies boast diverse lineups catering to a wide range of budgets and needs, from affordable everyday laptops to high-end performance machines. While they share some similarities, their design philosophies, performance strengths, and target audiences often differ, making the decision even more complex.

HP vs. Dell: Head-To-Head

In the battle of specifications, HP and Dell go head-to-head, each with its preferred technologies. HP has a long-standing relationship with Intel, often featuring their processors across their entire lineup, from budget-friendly models to high-end workstations. However, they have also embraced AMD Ryzen processors in recent years, especially in their gaming laptops and some mainstream models. When it comes to graphics, HP laptops typically feature Nvidia GeForce GPUs for gaming and content creation, but they also offer some models with AMD Radeon graphics.

Dell, on the other hand, has a more diverse approach to components. While they also heavily utilize Intel processors, they have a stronger partnership with AMD, offering a wider selection of laptops with Ryzen CPUs. This gives Dell an edge in providing options for users who prefer AMD's performance and value proposition. In the graphics department, Dell also leans towards Nvidia for their high-end gaming laptops and workstations, but they don't shy away from offering AMD Radeon graphics in more budget-friendly models.

• 

  Alienware M18 R1

  Operating System

  Windows 11

  CPU

  Intel Core i7 13700HX

  GPU

  Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070 Laptop

  RAM

  16GB DDR5

  Storage

  1TB SSD

  Brand

  Dell

• 

  HP OMEN 17 inch Laptop, QHD 165Hz Display

  Operating System

  Windows 11 Home

  CPU

  Intel Core i7-13700HX

  GPU

  NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU (8 GB)

  RAM

  16 GB RAM

  Storage

  512 GB SSD

  Brand

  HP

Lineups

Both brands provide a diverse buffet of laptop lineups, with something for everyone. HP's budget-friendly Pavilion series is perfect for everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing. If you want a bit more style and performance, the Envy line steps up with sleek designs and powerful internals, making it a great laptop for gaming and work. For professionals who demand the best, the Spectre x360 convertibles and ZBook workstations offer stunning displays, long battery life, and top-notch performance.

Dell offers a more focused selection of laptops. The Inspiron series is Dell's bread and butter, catering to budget-conscious users who need a reliable machine for everyday use. Thanks to their reliable performance, the Dell Inspiron is one of the best programming laptop lineups. The XPS line is where Dell shines, with premium laptops like the XPS 13 that boast stunning designs, thin bezels, and powerful performance. If you're a gamer, Dell's Alienware lineup is the main attraction, with high-end gaming rigs that can handle anything you throw at them.

Both HP and Dell offer a wide range of options, so it ultimately comes down to your other preference. If you're looking for a specific type of laptop, chances are both brands have something that will fit your needs.

Gaming Performance

Dell's Alienware brand reigns supreme in the gaming arena. Alienware laptops are synonymous with high-performance gaming, featuring top-tier Nvidia or AMD graphics cards, high-refresh-rate displays, and efficient cooling systems to keep things running smoothly during intense gaming sessions. The Alienware m18 R2, for example, is one of the best 18-inch gaming laptops, effortlessly handling the latest AAA titles with all the graphical bells and whistles.

HP does offer gaming laptops under the Omen brand, but they don't quite reach the same level of performance or prestige as Alienware. The Omen 17 is a capable machine, but it lacks the raw power and iconic status of its Alienware rivals. While HP has made strides in the gaming space, Dell's Alienware gaming laptops remain the go-to choice for serious gamers.

Innovation

HP isn't afraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas in laptop design. They've been pushing the boundaries with materials like magnesium alloy for lighter and more durable chassis. The HP Omen X2 is a prime example of HP's innovative spirit, featuring a second FHD screen integrated above the keyboard.

Dell, meanwhile, is all about refinement. They've been steadily improving their XPS lineup, shaving down bezels, increasing performance, and adding innovative features like the edge-to-edge keyboard on the XPS 13 Plus. Dell's focus on refining existing designs has resulted in some of the most sleek and desirable laptops on the market.

Both HP and Dell are at the forefront of laptop innovation, but their approaches differ. HP is more experimental, while Dell is more focused on perfecting existing designs. This makes it a close race, with each brand having its own unique strengths in the innovation department.

Durability & Customer Support

Let's face it, laptops take a beating. They get tossed in backpacks, spilled on, and subjected to all sorts of abuse. That's why durability is so important. HP's EliteBook line is particularly rugged, undergoing rigorous military-grade testing to ensure it can survive drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures. Dell's Latitude laptops are also known for their durability, with features like spill-resistant keyboards and reinforced chassis. In addition, Dell provides the Latitude Rugged lineup, designed for use in the roughest workplaces.

But even the most durable laptops can run into issues. That's where customer care comes in. While both HP and Dell have their share of durability concerns, with occasional reports of screen flickering or loose hinges, Dell stands out when it comes to customer care. Dell is renowned for its comprehensive support options and responsive customer service representatives. Whether you need assistance with a technical issue or have a question about your warranty, Dell's customer support team is typically quick to respond and eager to help.

Being American brands, both HP and Dell offer good customer support within the USA. However, Dell's reputation for excellent customer service often gives them an edge. HP also offers a variety of customer care options, including phone, chat, and email support. However, HP's customer service is a bit of a mixed bag. Some users report efficient and helpful interactions, while others encounter long wait times or difficulty getting their issues resolved.

Dell's reputation for responsiveness and a wider range of support options gives them the advantage in this regard. Additionally, Dell's standard warranty is typically easier to navigate than HP's, and their extended warranty plans might be worth considering for added peace of mind.

Price

Laptops aren't cheap, and you want to make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck. In general, HP tends to be slightly more affordable than Dell, especially in the budget and mid-range categories. For example, you can find a decent HP Pavilion laptop for under $500, while a comparable Dell Inspiron might cost you a bit more. However, Dell often offers competitive pricing on their premium models like the XPS line, and they frequently have sales and discounts that can make their laptops more affordable.

In the premium segment, HP's Spectre x360 convertibles and Dell's XPS 13 2-in-1 often go head-to-head, with similar price points and features. These laptops offer top-of-the-line performance, stunning visuals, and luxurious build quality. For gamers, Dell's Alienware laptops reign supreme, but they come with a hefty price tag due to their high-end components and advanced cooling systems.

HP does offer some budget-friendly gaming laptops in their Omen series, but they often sacrifice some performance compared to their Alienware counterparts. Ultimately, the price you pay will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a budget laptop, HP's Pavilion series might be the way to go. But if you're willing to invest in a premium machine, Dell's XPS line and Alienware laptops offer some of the best value for money in their respective categories.

The Verdict: HP or Dell?

Given the wide range of laptops each brand offers, the choice between HP and Dell comes down to your individual needs and priorities. HP, with its diverse lineup and innovative designs, appeals to a wide range of users. If you're a student looking for an affordable and reliable laptop for everyday tasks, HP's Pavilion series offers excellent value for money. Creative professionals seeking a stylish and powerful machine will find the Spectre x360 convertibles and ZBook workstations to be worthy contenders. And for gamers who prioritize innovation and unique designs, the Omen series provides a viable alternative to the mainstream gaming laptops.

HP OMEN 17 inch Laptop, QHD 165Hz Display

$1802 $1980 Save $178

HP Omen is known for providing high-performance gaming laptops at a competitive price, and the Omen 17 upholds that tradition. This laptop is ideal for serious gamers who prioritize performance and a large display over portability.

$1802 at Amazon$1966.99 at Newegg

Dell, with its focus on performance and reliability, caters to those who demand the best. The Inspiron series offers solid performance for budget-conscious users, while the XPS lineup delivers premium design and powerful internals for professionals and enthusiasts. Dell's Alienware laptops reign supreme in the gaming arena, catering to hardcore gamers who won't settle for anything less than top-tier performance. Additionally, Dell's exceptional customer support and robust warranty options make them a safe choice for those who prioritize long-term reliability and peace of mind.

Alienware m16

$2100 $2700 Save $600

Alienware laptops are known for their unique, futuristic designs, and the M18 R1 is no exception. With customizable lighting zones and a premium build quality, this laptop is sure to turn heads. Gamers who prioritize performance, a gorgeous display, and a unique design will find a lot to love about the Alienware M18 R1.

$2100 at Best Buy

In the end, both HP and Dell are formidable contenders in the laptop market, each with its own distinct strengths and weaknesses. The best laptop for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.

FAQ

Q: Which brand is better for gaming laptops, Dell or HP?

For serious gamers, Alienware is a long-established gaming icon with top-of-the-line specs and a premium price tag. HP's Omen laptops often boast similar features at a more affordable price point. Consider your budget and style when choosing between these brands.

Q: Which brand is more reliable, Dell or HP?

Both Dell and HP are reputable brands known for reliable laptops. However, reliability can vary depending on the specific model and how you use it. Reading reviews and comparing user experiences for the specific laptops you're considering is the best way to gauge reliability.

Q: Is Dell bigger than HP?

Looking at market share, Dell holds a narrow lead in the global PC market compared to HP. Dell also boasts a higher market capitalization than HP. Despite these metrics, both companies are major forces in the PC industry.