Dell Latitude 5550 15 review
Table of Contents
The Dell Latitude 5550 15 is another premium business laptop that bears many similarities with respect to styling and technical power to the Precision 15 3590. One aspect that stands out is the seemingly unending choice of 12 types of processors altogether! Users can select from the 15W Raptor Lake-U, Meteor Lake-U, or 28W Meteor Lake-H series CPUs, giving room for customizing based on performance necessities. The only dedicated graphics are the 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050.
Improving on the upgradability, it gives features such as two SODIMM slots that enhance memory expansion and Gen 4 NVMe slots for fast storage upgrades. The port selection is as modern as it comes, with four USB ports and the HDMI 2.1 output that allows connectivity.
As with many other business-centric Dell devices, several high-end features remain optional add-ons for additional costs. In particular, first among them could be an IR camera, NFC support, fingerprint scanner, Nano SIM support, Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) SSD, and SmartCard reader. However, those essential security features like a lock slot, privacy shutter, and discrete TPM 2.0 (dTPM 2.0) are standard.
In terms of wireless capabilities, the Dell Latitude 5550 15 is fully capable of Wi-Fi 6/E and Bluetooth 5.3 applications for strong and stable network performance. Overall, the laptop is a solid dual-use choice for professional users to rely on performance, safety, and expandability.
- 【Inte Processor】 Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 12C (2P + 8E + 2LPE) / 14T, Max Turbo up to 4.8GHz, 12MB. This 1st Gen Core Ul…
- 【Display】 15.6″ FHD 1920×1080, 60Hz, IPS, Non-Touch, Anti-Glare, 250 nit, 45% NTSC Display; Graphics: Intel Graphics and…
- 【RAM & Storage】 64GB DDR5 SDRAM Memory; 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive.
Design
At first glance, the Dell Latitude 5550 15 could easily be mistaken for the Precision 15 3590, as both share a similar design. This laptop embodies the classic business-oriented look, featuring a combination of plastic and carbon fiber materials. Weighing 1.62 kg, it is reasonably light for a Dell Latitude 5550 15, though its profile is on the thicker side, measuring between 20.80 mm and 22.80 mm.
Opening the lid with one hand isn’t possible, and while the display lid exhibits some flex, the base remains sturdy. The area beneath the keyboard can be slightly bent under significant pressure, but this has no impact during everyday use.
The display features narrow side bezels, while the top and bottom bezels are more pronounced. A 1080p HDR webcam sits above the screen, equipped with a privacy shutter. For added security, users can opt for an IR camera with Windows Hello support, which includes features like Presence Detection and Intelligent Privacy. Additionally, the Dell Latitude 5550 15 can lay completely flat when placed on a surface.
The backlit keyboard includes a NumPad and is designed for comfortable, extended typing sessions. The grippy keycaps are well-sized, spaced out, and offer long key travel with tactile feedback. The power button, located in the top right corner, can be configured with an optional fingerprint reader. Notably, there is also a Copilot key, while the Up and Down arrow keys are small and somewhat stiff to press.
The touchpad, measuring 115 x 67 mm, is functional but not particularly remarkable. Its smooth surface provides a decent user experience, and the clicks are nearly silent, though its overall precision is average.
On the underside of the Dell Latitude 5550 15, you’ll find a ventilation grill positioned above the cooling fan, three rubber feet, and two speaker cutouts. Heat dissipation is managed through three vents—one on the left side and two at the rear, directing airflow toward the desk.
Ports
The left side of the Dell Latitude 5550 15 is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 ports, delivering 40 Gbps speeds, DisplayPort 1.4 support, and Power Delivery functionality. Additionally, an optional SmartCard reader is available for enhanced security. If you opt for Nano SIM card connectivity, the slot for it is conveniently positioned on the rear of the device.
Moving to the right side, you’ll find a security lock slot, a LAN (Ethernet) port, and an HDMI 2.1 TMDS output for high-resolution external displays. There are also two USB Type-A 3.2 (Gen 1) ports, with one featuring Powershred capability for charging devices even when the laptop is powered off. Completing the selection is a 3.5mm audio combo jack and a MicroSD card reader, ensuring versatile connectivity for various peripherals and storage needs.
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Display and Sound Quality
The Dell Latitude 5550 15 features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, identified as LG Display M97YF-156WFC (LGD0764). It offers a 60Hz refresh rate and a 1920 x 1080 resolution, providing sharp visuals. The screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio, a pixel density of 142 PPI, and a pixel pitch of 0.18 x 0.18 mm. Based on these specifications, the display appears Retina-quality when viewed from a distance of 60 cm or more, meaning individual pixels become indistinguishable to the human eye at that range.
Brightness levels are solid for business use, with a measured peak brightness of 295 nits (cd/m²) at the center of the screen, while the average brightness across the display is 278 nits (cd/m²), showing a maximum deviation of just 12%. The Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) at maximum brightness is 7140K, resulting in a slightly cooler tone than the ideal 6500K standard.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Near-Silent Operation: Quiet fan even under load. | Weight: Heavier than some competing models, affecting portability. |
| Solid Build Quality: Durable construction for business use. | Flexibility Issues: Can bend when handled by the corners, causing unintended touchpad clicks. |
| Comfortable Keyboard: Designed for extended typing sessions. | Overheating Concerns: May overheat during heavy tasks, forcing it to hibernate. |
| PWM-Free Display: Reduces eye strain during long usage. | Keyboard Layout Issues: Some keys are misplaced, and the break key is absent. |
| Wide Viewing Angles: IPS display maintains color accuracy from different angles. | Touchpad Performance: Can be unreliable, with inconsistent right-click functionality. |
| Upgradeable Components: 2 SODIMM slots and 2 Gen 4 M.2 slots for upgrades. | Noise Levels: Fans can get loud under heavier workloads. |
| Modern Port Selection: Includes 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, and a MicroSD slot. | Limited Connectivity: No USB Type-A ports; only left-side USB-C supports power delivery. |
| Good Battery Life: Lasts a full workday under normal use. | Thermal Management Issues: Keyboard area can get hot under heavy loads. |
| Optional Security Features: Fingerprint reader, IR camera, SmartCard reader, NFC, and Nano SIM slot. |
Conclusion
Dell Latitude 5550 a 15 inch laptop is a great deal for business users who want a quiet, durable and upgradeable option. The keyboard is comfortable to use, it has a flicker-free display with PWM, and modern connectivity options all together build this machine more perfect for long work hours.
