Dell · 2024
Dell Vostro 16 5640
A boring Vostro that ships with Ubuntu pre-installed in EMEA, runs on Raptor Lake-U Refresh so it dodges the Meteor Lake IPU6 webcam mess, and has slotted DDR5.
from € 799 $749 RRP
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- Best for office and web work study basic everyday use programming
- Linux: out of box
Scorecard
Mean of six category scores, 0 to 10. Compiled from public sources. How we rate.
Strongest on value, weakest on speed.
- Battery 6/10
- Display 5/10
- Build 5/10
- Keyboard 6/10
- Speed 4/10
- Value 7/10
Worth knowing
Stands out
- Linux runs out of the box
- RAM is user-upgradeable
Watch for
- Dim 250-nit screen, weak in bright light
Linux
Excellent · Best on ubuntu LTS. Confidence: high · How we score
Linux compatibility, per distro
- Ubuntu LTS Out of the box
- Wi-Fi : works
- Bluetooth : works
- Fingerprint : needs tweak
- Webcam : works
- Audio : works
- Suspend : works
04 LTS pre-installed in EMEA, and Canonical lists it as certified. Same Raptor Lake-U Refresh as the Inspiron 16 5640, so no IPU6 webcam, no NVIDIA driver, no Meteor Lake suspend quirks.
Ubuntu certified: Vostro 16 5640 (Core 5 120U) →Show full report
driver, no Meteor Lake suspend quirks. Plain UVC camera, Intel Wi-Fi, Goodix fingerprint that fprintd handles once the firmware lands. Slotted SO-DIMM DDR5, so RAM is upgradable later. The closest thing in this database to a no-effort Linux laptop from a mainstream OEM in the budget tier.
See the broader picture in the Linux compatibility hub, the full compatibility matrix, and the buying guides.
Specs
| CPU | Intel Core 7 150U |
|---|---|
| GPU | Intel Graphics (integrated) |
| RAM | 16 GB (upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Screen | 16" 1920x1200 @ 60Hz, 250 nitsbest kept indoors |
| Weight | 1.92 kgaverage weight |
| Battery | 54 Wh, around 9 h real-world |
Common questions
- Does the Dell Vostro 16 5640 work with Linux?
- Yes, on a clean install it works with no tweaking (verified on Ubuntu LTS). Dell sells this chassis with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS pre-installed in EMEA, and Canonical lists it as certified.
- What does the Dell Vostro 16 5640 cost?
- RRP is about 749 USD (799 EUR in the EU); street price is often lower.
- Is the Dell Vostro 16 5640 good for office and web work?
- For office and web work we score it 7/10 on value and 4/10 on performance.
- How heavy is the Dell Vostro 16 5640?
- 1.92 kg (4.23 lb). That's heavy for a daily commute.
- What's the battery life like?
- A 54 Wh pack, around 9 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 6/10.
- Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?
- RAM is on SODIMM slots, so you can swap it later. Storage starts at 512 GB on this configuration.
Ready to buy the Dell Vostro 16 5640?
Prices are indicative. How we make money.
from € 799 $749 RRP
Check price on AmazonShown in EURUSD, switch with the currency toggle in the header. This is an indicative RRP, not a live price.
As an Amazon Associate (US, NL, DE, UK programs), qualifying purchases via this link may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Other markets not yet enrolled. How we make money. Verified 2026-05-20.
