Dell 24 AIO (EC24250): Does beautiful design make up for performance?

Modern aesthetics and the limits of design

The Dell 24 All-in-One (EC24250) makes a strong first impression with its all-white design, which gives it a clean and modern look. It is complemented by thin screen bezels, a built-in speaker bar, and a pop-up webcam for enhanced privacy. The isosceles-shaped base, which Dell calls “isosceles,” provides solid stability, but its wide footprint can take up a lot of desk space.

One thing to note is that the included stand only supports tilt adjustment, lacks height adjustment, and is not VESA mount compatible, meaning users will have no other mounting options other than the default stand.

Full HD display and multimedia experience

The Dell 24 AIO's 23.8-inch IPS display offers good display quality with vivid colors, high brightness, and wide viewing angles. The anti-glare coating helps to effectively reduce reflections. However, the resolution is only Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), which is enough for a 24-inch size but may not be sharp enough for users who require high detail.

The highlight of the multimedia experience is the pop-up webcam, which provides sharp, bright images and integrates an IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition. On the other hand, the 5-watt speaker bar is disappointing. While it produces clear stereo sound, bass performance is poor and there is significant distortion even at medium volume levels. This is a missed opportunity for a machine aimed at home entertainment.

Processing Power: The Performance Problem of the Core 5-120U

In terms of configuration, the Dell 24 AIO (EC24250) is essentially a rebranded version of the Inspiron 24 AIO (5430) and still uses older generation hardware. The reviewed version is equipped with an Intel Core 5-120U processor, a rather special chip with only two Performance cores and eight Efficiency cores, more suitable for ultra-portable laptops.

In real-world testing, this configuration is more than capable of handling everyday office tasks and web browsing. However, when faced with CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or graphics rendering, the Core 5-120U shows its limitations and performs significantly worse than its competitors in the same price range, and far worse than the Apple iMac. The integrated Intel Graphics is also only sufficient for basic needs and streaming, not for gaming.

Wireless ports and peripherals

Dell has equipped this AIO with a variety of useful ports. On the back, users will find four USB 3.2 Type-A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The machine also has separate HDMI 1.4b input and output ports, allowing the AIO to be used as an external monitor. A single USB Type-C port is located on the right side for easy access. In terms of wireless connectivity, the machine supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

The machine comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse, which connect via a single USB receiver. The keyboard feels soft to the touch but lacks a bit of feedback. The mouse has a comfortable symmetrical design, but the sensor placement may make it difficult for some users to control the cursor. Both devices are white, matching the machine, but can get dirty easily over time.

Dell 24 All-in-One (EC24250) Specifications

Overall Rating: For Whom?

The Dell 24 All-in-One (EC24250) is a solid choice for everyday tasks in the home or small office, especially for those who prioritize a clean and modern design. Its strengths include a vibrant display, a high-quality webcam, and a rich system of connection ports.

However, the limited CPU performance and disappointing speaker quality are factors to consider carefully. At its list price, this product is difficult to compete with, especially when compared to the base Apple iMac model. Still, the Dell 24 AIO is a reasonable choice for users with moderate budgets and basic needs, especially when bought on sale.