Dell Latitude 5420 Review: A Modern Business Laptop That Balances Power and Portability

Introduction

Dell’s Latitude series has long been synonymous with business-grade laptops designed for professionals who demand reliability, security, and performance. In 2021, Dell released the Latitude 5420, an upgrade over older models like the Latitude 5491, bringing 11th Gen Intel processors, faster memory, and improved portability to the table.

Built with enterprise users in mind, the Latitude 5420 delivers a sleeker design, lighter weight, and enhanced performance compared to its predecessors. Even in 2025, it continues to be a favorite in the refurbished market, offering an excellent balance of portability, performance, and professional-grade durability.

In this review, we’ll explore how the Latitude 5420 holds up today, compare it with both older and newer Latitude models, and discuss why it’s still one of the best refurbished business laptops available in 2025.

Specifications Overview

Design and Build Quality

The Dell Latitude 5420 showcases refined aesthetics compared to older Latitude models. At just 1.37 kg, it is lighter than the Latitude 5491 (~1.65 kg), making it much more convenient for professionals who travel frequently. Its slim profile and modern design give it a premium yet understated business look.

Built with durability in mind, the 5420 is tested against MIL-STD 810H standards, ensuring resistance to drops, shocks, and environmental conditions. The keyboard offers excellent tactile feedback, well-suited for long typing sessions, while the precision trackpad supports fluid multi-touch gestures.

One of the highlights is Dell’s focus on sustainability. The Latitude 5420 is built with eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastics, making it a greener choice compared to older business laptops.

Display and Audio

The 14-inch Full HD display (1920×1080) strikes a balance between clarity, sharpness, and energy efficiency. Brightness levels are adequate for both indoor office use and outdoor settings, although color accuracy is designed more for business productivity than creative workloads.

Compared to the Latitude 5491, the bezels are thinner, providing a larger visual workspace in a smaller footprint.

Audio is reliable, with stereo speakers optimized for calls, video conferences, and casual media consumption. The dual-microphone array and HD webcam ensure clear communication during virtual meetings, a vital feature for remote and hybrid work environments.

Performance and Everyday Usage

Powered by Intel Core i5 (11th Gen) processors, the Latitude 5420 offers a significant leap in performance over the older 8th Gen Core i5 in the Latitude 5491. The 11th Gen chips provide better power efficiency, higher clock speeds, and support for Intel’s Iris Xe Graphics, which outperform the older UHD Graphics found in previous models.

Paired with 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 256 GB SSD, the Latitude 5420 handles multitasking and business applications smoothly. Whether you are running spreadsheets, managing multiple browser tabs, attending video calls, or using enterprise-level tools, the laptop keeps up without noticeable slowdowns.

The Iris Xe Graphics also enable light creative tasks such as basic photo editing, video rendering, and presentations with visual-heavy content. While not a gaming laptop, it can handle occasional casual games at low to medium settings.

Battery Life

Battery performance is one of the biggest strengths of the Latitude 5420. On average, users can expect 10–12 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on workload. This marks an improvement over the Latitude 5491’s 7–9 hours and makes it far more reliable for professionals who work on the go.

Dell also supports ExpressCharge technology, allowing the battery to charge up to 80% in just an hour—ideal for busy professionals who can’t afford downtime.

Connectivity and Ports

The Latitude 5420 continues Dell’s tradition of offering strong port selection, combining legacy and modern connectivity:

• 2× USB-A
• 1× USB-C with Thunderbolt 4
• HDMI
• RJ-45 Ethernet port
• 3.5 mm Audio Jack

This ensures compatibility with both older business peripherals and modern high-speed devices. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 is a major upgrade, enabling faster data transfer, multiple external display support, and docking station compatibility.

Why the Latitude 5420 Still Matters in 2025

Despite newer models being available, the Latitude 5420 remains highly relevant today:

• Modern 11th Gen Intel architecture still performs strongly for business workloads
• Excellent battery life compared to older models
• Lightweight and portable, ideal for travel
• Thunderbolt 4 support ensures future-proof connectivity
• Affordable refurbished pricing, making it a cost-effective alternative to newer Latitude or ThinkPad models

Comparison with Latitude 5491, ThinkPad, and HP EliteBook

The Latitude 5420 clearly improves upon the 5491 with a lighter chassis, more efficient processor, Thunderbolt 4, and longer battery life. Against Lenovo and HP competitors, it holds its own as a balanced all-rounder that offers both legacy ports and modern features.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 11th Gen Intel i5 delivers strong performance
• Lightweight and portable design
• Long battery life with ExpressCharge support
• Excellent port selection including Thunderbolt 4
• Sustainable and eco-friendly build materials

Cons

• Display is good but not designed for color-critical work
• Integrated graphics limit heavy creative workloads
• Base storage (256 GB) may feel limited for some users
• Slightly higher refurbished price than older models

Why Buying Refurbished Makes Sense

Buying a refurbished Dell Latitude 5420 in 2025 is a smart investment for professionals and students alike.

1. Significant cost savings compared to buying newer Latitude 7000 or 9000 series laptops.
2. Proven reliability, as the 5420 is built to enterprise standards.
3. Modern hardware with 11th Gen Intel and Thunderbolt 4 keeps it relevant for years.
4. Eco-friendly, extending the lifecycle of durable business hardware.

Compared to budget consumer laptops, the Latitude 5420 still offers superior durability, keyboard quality, and enterprise features at a similar price point in the refurbished market.

Conclusion

The Dell Latitude 5420 is a standout in Dell’s business lineup, offering performance, portability, and durability in equal measure. With its 11th Gen Intel processor, Iris Xe graphics, long battery life, and modern port selection, it remains highly competitive even in 2025.

For those considering a refurbished purchase, the Latitude 5420 strikes the perfect balance between affordability and modern performance. While newer Latitude models and competing ThinkPads or EliteBooks may provide marginal gains, the 5420 continues to deliver reliability, efficiency, and value.

If you need a business-class laptop that won’t let you down, the Dell Latitude 5420 remains a smart and future-proof choice.

FAQs

Q: Is the Dell Latitude 5420 good for business use in 2025?
A: Yes. With its 11th Gen i5 processor, Iris Xe graphics, and long battery life, it is still excellent for productivity and enterprise tasks.

Q: Does the Latitude 5420 support Windows 11?
A: Yes. It fully supports Windows 11 and runs it smoothly.

Q: How does the Latitude 5420 compare to the 5491?
A: The 5420 is lighter, has better battery life, faster 11th Gen Intel processors, and Thunderbolt 4, making it a superior choice.

Q: Can I upgrade RAM and storage?
A: Yes. Both RAM and SSD are expandable, making it flexible for long-term use.

Q: Is a refurbished Latitude 5420 worth buying?
A: Absolutely. It offers modern performance and enterprise durability at a much lower cost than newer models.