Which is better for school and office work?

Both handle documents, browsing and video calls. The 2-in-1 is better for note-taking and drawing because of the touchscreen and tablet mode. The 5620 is fine for typing-heavy work and has a matte screen that is easier on the eyes.

The 2-in-1. Its i7-1360P has more cores, higher clocks and a higher power budget than the i7-1255U, so it holds up better in long exports, large spreadsheets and multitasking. For light tasks the gap is small.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage later?

On the 5620 the RAM is in SO-DIMM slots and can go to 32GB, and the M.2 SSD is replaceable. On the 2-in-1 the memory is soldered, so buy the capacity you need; the SSD is still replaceable.

Which lasts longer on a charge?

Dell rates the 2-in-1 at up to 13 hours from its 64Wh battery. The 5620's runtime depends on configuration and is not stated here. Expect the 2-in-1 to last longer in mixed use, though the touchscreen and P-series chip draw more under load.

Is the 2-in-1 worth stepping up to?

Yes if you want touch, tablet modes, more storage and stronger sustained performance. Stay with the 5620 if you prefer a plain laptop, a matte screen and upgradeable memory.

Which is more portable?

They are close in weight, about 4 lb each, and both are 16-inch machines. The 2-in-1's hinge lets it fold into tablet mode, which helps on a couch or in a cramped seat, but neither is an ultraportable.

Dell Inspiron 16 5620 vs Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

Buy the Inspiron 16 2-in-1 (B) if you want a convertible touchscreen, a faster 13th Gen P-series chip, double the storage and newer DDR5 memory. Buy the Inspiron 16 5620 (A) if you want a plain clamshell laptop with a matte screen and user-upgradeable RAM. B is the stronger machine on performance, storage and flexibility; A is simpler and easier to service. Owners of both lines praise the 16-inch 16:10 screen and solid everyday speed, while common complaints are average build stiffness and fans that spin up under load.

Choose the Inspiron 16 5620 if you want a straightforward non-touch laptop with a matte display and RAM you can upgrade yourself.
Choose the Inspiron 16 2-in-1 if you want a touchscreen convertible with a faster processor, more storage and newer memory.

Prices

Dell Inspiron 16 5620: $52.82 at MetroMotive (last seen Nov 12)
Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1: $52.82 at MetroMotive (last seen Nov 12)
Difference: both cost the same at the latest prices (Nov 12)

	Dell Inspiron 16 5620	Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1
Form factor	Standard clamshell, no touch	360-degree hinge, laptop, tent, stand and tablet modes with touch
Processor	Intel Core i7-1255U, 12th Gen, 10 cores, 15W class	Intel Core i7-1360P, 13th Gen, 12 cores and 16 threads, up to 5.0 GHz, 28W class
Memory	16GB DDR4-3200 in SO-DIMM slots, user-replaceable, up to 32GB	16GB LPDDR5-4800 soldered onboard, not upgradeable
Storage	512GB PCIe NVMe SSD	1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Display	16-inch FHD+ 1920x1200, 16:10, anti-glare, non-touch	16-inch WUXGA 1920x1200 touch, anti-glare, narrow bezels
Battery and charging	Not specified in the listing; barrel or USB-C charging depending on config	64Wh 4-cell, rated up to 13 hours, 65W USB-C adapter
Wireless and camera	Wi-Fi 6 class, standard HD webcam	Wi-Fi 6E AX411, Bluetooth, 1080p FHD camera with dual-array mics
Weight	Around 4.1 lb for the 16-inch chassis	4.01 lb (1.82 kg)

Spec	Dell Inspiron 16 5620	Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1
Processor Brand	Intel	—
Processor Generation	12th Gen	—
Processor Cache	12 MB	—
Processor Cores	10	—
Intel Hyper Threading Technology	No	—
Intel Vpro Technology	No	—
Processor Special Features	Intel® vPro™ Platform Eligibility	—
Display Size	16 inch, 15.6 inch	—
Display Finish	Anti-glare	—
Storage Type	SSD	—
Ssd Interface	PCIe NVMe Gen4 x4, PCI Express	—
Ssd Form Factor	M.2 2280	—

Spec	Dell Inspiron 16 5620	Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1
Hard Drive Memory	2 GB	—
Cache	10 MB	—
Intel Rapid Storage Technology	No	—
Hard Drive Retention	2-year	—
Maximum Internal Memory	32 GB	—
Memory Clock Speed	3200 MHz, 2400 MHz	—
Memory Slots	2, 2x SO-DIMM	—
Ram Slot Count	1	—
Memory Channels	Dual-channel	—
Ram Capacity

Dell Inspiron 16 5620 vs Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

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Dell Inspiron 16 5620 vs Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

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Dell Inspiron 16 5620

Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

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Dell Inspiron 16 5620

Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

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Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

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Dell Inspiron 16 5620

Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

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Dell Inspiron 16 5620

Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

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Dell Inspiron 16 5620

Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

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