Dell Inspiron 16 7620 2-in-1 review – a homogeneous 16-inch tablet

Dell is expanding the ranks of its Inspiron series with a new laptop PC that stands out, a 16-inch convertible into a tablet. For this, it takes the proven recipes of its Inspiron 16 7610 and Inspiron 14 7420 2-in-1 and mixes it all to offer the Dell Inspiron 16 7620 2-in-1, a convertible into a large format tablet designed for office, but not only. Let’s see if he has anything to convince.

A portable PC all in control

Accustomed to Dell chassis and designs, we weren’t surprised when we discovered this Inspiron 16 7620 2-in-1. We are facing a very well shaped and assembled gray aluminum case whose surfaces are resistant enough under the fingers to inspire confidence. That’s good because its tablet configuration de facto leads to more frequent handling and puts the hinges, which are rigid and uniform moreover, to the test. The silver color goes everywhere and the design similar to that of a large majority of laptops of the moment, favoring great sobriety.

His measurements are quite well controlled for a 16 inch with 19mm thick for a 356.7 x 251.8 mm format and 2.2 kg on the scale. We are not on the most nomadic of portable PCs obviously, but it can slip into a bag without being noticed too much if necessary. It remains cumbersome for handling convertible it must be said.

One of the advantages of having a large chassis is that manufacturers are not forced to make detrimental cuts to the connectors. Here, Dell has provided the Inspiron with a SD memory card reader (full size), complete with an HDMI output, two USB 3.2 ports and two USB 4 Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. It’s the perfect combination of general-purpose ports and dedicated ports.

The keyboard does not, however, take advantage of the space to slide a numeric keypad. It’s a shame even if it’s the case on most ultrabooks of this format now. The size of the keys (16.2×15.2mm) and the spacing (3.1mm) are standard and do not require any particular adaptation period, which is less true for touch. The strike (1.6 mm stroke) has something superficial, a supple feeling that we find it difficult to transcribe in writing but which made us think a little of an “old-fashioned” keyboard. Anyway, past this subjective aspect, the keyboard remains effective and should appeal to the greatest number. He is backlit on two intensity levels.

For its part, the touchpad is large enough (133×90 mm) and is inspired by the design of the XPS 13 Plus while retaining a traditional non-haptic mechanism. Its surface is smooth as glass and particularly effective and comfortable.

The Dell Inspiron 16 7620 we tested had a screen Full HD+ (1920×1200px) IPS at aspect ratio 16:10. A UHD+ (3840×2400 px) OLED panel is also available as an option. For its category, the display does well with the entire sRGB spectrum covered (DeltaE 2.3), an average contrast (1352:1) and a white point at 5900K. Max brightness at 305 nits is sufficient to counter the reflective effect of the touch screen, knowing that Dell applies a ComfortView Plus satin layer which avoids this mirror effect that is often found on touch PCs, at Microsoft in particular.

Finally, let us insist on the 1080p webcam quality. Its definition is excellent for a laptop, still too often decked out with a poor quality 720p device. Here, the colors are accurate and the details well transcribed. The videos are yours. Namely that a physical shutter is present for your confidentiality.

Effective for productivity

In terms of performance, the Dell Inspiron 16 7620 2in1 can count on the latest generation of Intel processors (12th gen) with its Core i7-1260P (12 cores, TDP 28W), assisted by 16 GB RAM and a storage 512 GB SSD.

In reality, Dell operates the processor at 25W stabilized, which does not change much in practice, but does not take advantage of its full potential. We stay on a versatile CPU that supports all office automation and multimedia tasks without flinching, even those that require a little calculation (occasional software development). It’s not the best configuration for performing video editing or advanced photo editing, but it’s quite possible as long as you don’t expect record execution times.

Temperatures were never an issue when tested with the CPU peaking at 80°C then stabilized around 70°C. Similarly, the noise from the ventilation did not not exceed 43 dBA in intensive use and in a frequency that does not interfere in any way. The rest of the time, the ventilation is almost inaudible.

Speaking of sound, the Dell Inspiron 16 7620 is equipped with 4 speakers which are doing quite well in terms of restitution with an above-average audio experience. The sound is powerful, well detailed and balanced. That’s rare enough on a laptop to mention, especially at these prices.

The final area where the Inspiron stands out is theautonomy of 11h in current use allows you to be away from a power outlet for a full day without worrying. And if necessary, the supplied charger is compact (200g; 115x50x30 mm) and it is quite possible to recharge the PC via the USB-C port.

Our opinion on the Dell Inspiron 16 7620 2-in-1: Tablet mode on the big screen, asset or gimmick?

Attractive in many ways, the Dell Inspiron 16 7620 2-in-1 has no real weak point. The FHD + screen, the keyboard, the touchpad or the connectors are all doing very well, the performance is up to par and the autonomy like the speakers makes a strong impression.

Now, behind the question of the usefulness of a convertible mode on a 16-inch laptop PC, there are two issues, the weight and the size which are far from negligible in handling and the additional cost linked to the tablet configuration. For us, with the exception of improvised series viewing for which the tent mode lends itself well, the interest is not there. More objectively, this Dell Inspiron 16 7620 2-in-1 is a very good PC for the user who is looking for the comfort of a large screen and the modularity of touch/convertible.

The Dell Inspiron 16 7620 scores 4/5

Compare the different available configurations of the Dell Inspiron 16 7620

Dell Inspiron 16 7620 2-in-1 Specifications