Cheaper price
The Core i5 version of the Inspiron 15 7570 is great for most people, as long as you don't plan on heavy multimedia editing or other tasks that require extra processor (CPU) power. However, it seems to be near impossible to find a Core i5 version with a touch display in either 1080p or 4K, so you'll no doubt have to look at Core i7 options for these extra features.
For
- Cheaper starting price.
- Enough performance for most tasks.
- Most of the same features available.
Against
- No touch display options.
- 4K version only available with Core i7.
Better performance
The Core i7 version of the Inspiron 15 7570 not only offers better performance for heavy tasks, but it also provides a 4K or FHD touch display option that's far easier to find. Active pen support and a larger battery round out the specs on the 4K model.
For
- Better performance.
- Available with 4K or FHD touch display.
- Touch displays have IR camera.
Against
- Costs more.
- Might not be needed for everyday tasks.
While you essentially get the same laptop when it comes to design, ports, keyboard, and touchpad, the Core i5 and Core i7 versions of the Inspiron 15 7570 do have a few key differences. Let's take a look at the difference in performance between the two CPUs as well as what to expect when buying either model.
Dell Inspiron 15 7570 Core i5 vs. Core i7 tech specs and performance
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Intel Core i5-8250U | Intel Core i7-8550U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | Four | Four |
| Threads | Eight | Eight |
| TDP | 15 W | 15 W |
| Base frequency | 1.60 GHz | 1.80 GHz |
| Max turbo frequency | 3.40 GHz | 4.00 GHz |
| Cache | 6 MB | 8 MB |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
The biggest differences between these two CPUs are the base frequency and maximum turbo frequency that can be hit, making the Core i7 version better for power users. It will handle multitasking much better, and it won't eat much more power in the process.
Both quad-core CPUs have the same integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620, but the Inspiron 15 7570 comes with a dedicated NVIDIA MX130 graphics card (GPU) with 4GB of GDDR5 VRAM for far better performance. Dell offers 8GB of DDR4-2400 MHz RAM with Core i5 and Core i7 models, but you might be able to find a Core i7 model with 16 GB elsewhere if you need the extra RAM for something like multimedia editing.
Features
Pushing the CPUs to the side, either laptop is still going to offer most of the same key features. You still get a backlit keyboard and sizeable touchpad, plenty of ports — including three USB-A 3.1, HDMI, USB-C 3.1, and Ethernet — and you get the same silver chassis that weighs in at about 4.40 pounds (1.99 kg).
You'll notice, however, that the Core i7 model is available from Dell with an FHD touch display, while the Core i5 model is stuck with non-touch. 4K touch models can also be found that likewise come with the Core i7 CPU, but are much rarer. If you'd like active pen support or an IR camera for quick logins with Windows Hello, you'll have to stick with a Core i7 model, as these features are only available with a touch display.
Considering the price difference between Core i5 and Core i7 models is just more than $100 from Dell, you might consider opting for the more powerful CPU just for the added benefit of Windows Hello and active pen support.
The Core i5 model is great for most people
With a Core i5 Inspiron 15 7570, you're getting a dedicated NVIDIA MX130 GPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 15.6-inch FHD non-touch display. It comes with the same selection of ports, and it's built into the same chassis as the Core i7 options. If you don't need the extra performance, a touch display, or an IR camera, you can save money and still have a laptop that can get through a normal day's work.
Enough performance for most people.
Intel's 8th Gen Core i5-8250U offers four cores and impressive power, enough for most people to get through a normal day of work. You might not get a touch display, IR camera, or active pen support on the Core i5 models, but you can save a good chunk of money.
The Core i7 model has a few notable perks
While the Core i5 and Core i7 laptops are nearly the same, you will have a few extra options if you opt for the latter. It is available with up to a 4K touch display with active pen support and an IR camera, but the extra price might not be worth it if those features aren't necessary or you don't need the extra performance of the Core i7 CPU.
Extra power and perks are best for performance users.
If you plan on multimedia editing or heavy multitasking, the Core i7 model will deliver better performance. The fact that it opens up touch display options and an IR camera for Windows Hello is an added bonus.
