Dell Latitude 5300 vs 7300: Which to Buy?

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In this post, we’re delving into the comparison between the Latitude 5300 and 7300 models. Despite their similarities in hardware and price range, the 7300 is considered to be the more premium offering of the two.

We aim to uncover the distinct features and specifications that set these two laptops apart, providing you with a clear understanding of what makes each model unique.

Dell Latitude 13 5300	Dell Latitude 13 7300
BUY NOW	BUY NOW
PROS	PROS
Compact, light, and strong body. Lots of security features.	Epic battery life with 60WHr option. Low-watt FHD display looks great. Comfortable keyboard and touchpad.
CONS	CONS
Tends to get pretty hot and noisy under heavy load. Battery life does not respond to the capacity.	Not the lightest one. Terrible fingerprint reader.

Specifications

Unboxing and Overview

Upon unboxing, both the Latitude 5300 and 7300 models include just the laptop and charger.

Our review units are similarly configured with a Core i7 8655 processor, 8GB of memory, and a 13-inch 1080p display. Notably, the 5300 features additional functionalities such as a touchscreen, IR camera, fingerprint reader, and smart card reader, equipped with an Intel AC9560 Wi-Fi card. In contrast, the 7300 uses a Qualcomm QCA61x4A Wi-Fi card and comes with a 128 GB KIOXIA BG4 SSD, differing from the 5300’s 256 GB Samsung PM991 SSD.

Design and Display

The Latitude 5300 features a plastic casing, contrasting with the Latitude 7300’s all-aluminum body, which not only elevates the sense of quality but may also enhance heat dissipation. While both laptops share similar dimensions, the 5300 is noted to be slightly thicker at the rear, hinting at a difference in design emphasis.

When it comes to display technology, the Latitude 7300 is equipped with an LG 133 WF7 panel, whereas the 5300 utilizes an LG 133 WF6 panel.

Both panels offer a brightness level of 300 nits, but the WF7 panel of the 7300 boasts a higher contrast ratio of 800:1 compared to the 700:1 ratio found in the 5300’s WF6 panel. Furthermore, the WF7 panel provides 72% NTSC color coverage, equivalent to 100% sRGB, surpassing the WF6 panel’s 75% NTSC (or approximately 102% sRGB) color coverage.

This difference in color coverage, although seemingly minimal, along with the presence (or absence) of a touch panel, could account for the noticeable disparity in display quality and viewer experience between the two models.

Upgradeability and Connectivity

Both models offer upgradeable memory slots up to 32 GB and replaceable SSDs and Wi-Fi cards. The 5300 stands out with a built-in ethernet port, enhancing its connectivity options alongside the standard array of ports shared with the 7300, including USB-C, HDMI 1.4, micro SD slot, headphone jack, and two USB 3 ports, one featuring always-on charging.

Comparative Advantages

The 5300 shines with superior webcam quality, more robust speakers, and a brighter screen, ideal for users reliant on wired network connections or superior audio-visual experiences without additional peripherals.

Conversely, the 7300 boasts an aluminum casing (with a carbon-fiber option), a sleeker design, better cooling and performance, a three-year warranty, and improved touchpad buttons, targeting users who prioritize build quality and durability.

Considerations

However, the 5300’s plastic interior and less durable touchpad buttons, alongside a shorter one-year warranty, mark its downsides. The 7300, despite its premium build, falls short with a dimmer display perception, and less impressive speakers and webcam compared to the 5300.

This comparison highlights the nuanced trade-offs between the two models, guiding potential buyers based on their specific needs and preferences in performance, build quality, and functional features.

Performance

Thermal Design and Performance Insights

A notable aspect of the Latitude 5300 and 7300 laptops is their thermal design. Despite their similar sizes and overall designs, the 5300 incorporates a unique rear vent at the data hinge, while the 7300 boasts a larger heat sink and heat pipe. This difference in thermal management infrastructure suggests a tailored approach to cooling in each model.

Boot and SSD Performance

In terms of startup speed, the 5300 edges out slightly faster in boot-up times. Benchmark scores further reveal that the SSD in the 5300 performs better than that in the 7300. However, despite identical processors, the 7300 offers superior overall performance, likely attributable to its enhanced heat dissipation capabilities due to the larger heat sink.

GPU and Memory Performance

Both laptops display identical GPU and memory performance, which is expected given their shared specifications in these areas. This parity underscores the impact of thermal design on other performance metrics rather than on GPU and memory capabilities directly.

Video Editing and Thermal Throttling Test

To evaluate real-world performance and thermal efficiency, video re-encoding tasks were performed using Davinci Resolve. The tests highlighted distinct differences in thermal management and performance: the 5300 took approximately 13 minutes to re-encode an 8-minute video at 78 degrees Celsius, while the 7300 completed the task in about 11 minutes at a cooler 74 degrees Celsius. The 7300’s superior cooling system allowed for higher processing speeds during encoding, demonstrating the benefits of its larger heat sink and heat pipe in maintaining lower temperatures and improving efficiency.

File Transfer Speeds

When testing file transfer speeds using the built-in micro SD card readers, both laptops showed comparable performance, with the 5300 achieving 81 megabytes per second and the 7300 slightly ahead at 85 megabytes per second. This similarity suggests that for tasks such as file transfers, the choice between the two models may come down to other factors like thermal management, build quality, and specific use-case requirements.

Battery Life

Opting for the upgraded 60-watt hour battery over the standard 48-watt hour option for both the Latitude 5300 and 7300 has resulted in notable differences in battery performance. The Latitude 5300 stands out with an impressive battery life of approximately 15 hours during web surfing and video playback. This duration not only surpasses its sibling, the Latitude 7300, which delivers around 10 hours under similar conditions but also outperforms competitors such as the Lenovo ThinkPad T490, ThinkPad X1 Yoga, and the Asus ZenBook 13.

The disparity in battery life between the 5300 and 7300, despite utilizing the same capacity batteries, likely stems from differences in their performance characteristics and the additional features offered by each model. The 5300’s extended battery life makes it an excellent choice for users seeking longevity and reliability in their daily computing tasks, standing above both its counterpart and competing models in the market.

Which One You Should Buy?

Choosing between the Latitude 5300 and the Latitude 7300 ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. Here’s a breakdown that might help make the decision clearer:

Dell Latitude 5300

This model shines with its brighter screen, superior speakers, and the convenience of a built-in ethernet jack. These features make it particularly appealing for users who value multimedia performance and connectivity without needing external adapters. The extended battery life of approximately 15 hours is a significant advantage for those who require their device to last through long workdays or extensive travel without frequent recharging. However, it’s important to consider that it comes with a one-year warranty, which might raise concerns about long-term service and support.

Dell Latitude 7300

If build quality, performance, and warranty coverage are your main concerns, the 7300 is the clear winner. The aluminum (or optional carbon-fiber) casing provides a more premium feel and potentially better durability. Its slightly faster performance and better cooling system can be crucial for intensive tasks, ensuring smoother operation under load. The three-year warranty offers peace of mind, ensuring that you’re covered for a longer period should any issues arise. Though it has a dimmer display and less impressive speakers and webcam compared to the 5300, it remains a solid choice for those prioritizing construction and support over multimedia capabilities.

My inclination would lean towards the Latitude 7300, considering my preference for build quality, performance, and the value of a longer warranty period. These factors often translate into a more reliable and satisfying long-term user experience, especially for demanding or professional work environments.

Expert reviews of Dell Latitude 13 5300:

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Expert reviews of Dell Latitude 13 7300:

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Arya

Hello! I'm Surendar Arya, a passionate tech writer from Uttar Pradesh, India. I'm a freelance contributor to the tech blog - The World's Best And Worst. My enthusiasm for technology drives me to explore the latest trends and innovations in the field. I take immense pleasure in guiding individuals on how to leverage technology for their benefit, making their lives easier and more efficient.