If you're looking for high performance in tasks like 3D design or data analysis, the ASUS Zenbook S 13 with its higher-end processor would be beneficial, but it will cost you more. It's also more portable due to its lighter weight and smaller size. However, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511, being more affordable, has a larger screen which might be better for multitasking and watching media, but it's heavier and won't perform as well with intensive tasks due to a slightly less powerful processor. The Zenbook's OLED screen will have richer colors than the Inspiron's IPS display, which could make a difference for graphic design or video editing. If you travel often or move around a lot, the lighter Zenbook would be advantageous, but expect to charge it more frequently as it has a smaller battery compared to the Inspiron. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the ASUS Zenbook S 13
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Best in class portability
Very good battery life
Very good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3511
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has no clear advantages over the ASUS Zenbook S 13.
Key differences
General Use
8.6/10
7.6/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
365.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
230.0 nits
11.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
9.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.7/10
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 is very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is good.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
7.0/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is good.
The ASUS Zenbook S 13, with a higher-performing CPU, more RAM, and a superior GPU, delivers better processing and graphics capabilities for demanding engineering applications, along with a higher quality screen for more precise visuals. While the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 can handle engineering tasks, it might not do so as smoothly or with as much detail, but it does offer a balance between performance and factors like portability and keyboard comfort, making it a more versatile but less specialized option.
Content Creation
8.5/10
7.5/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 is very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
8.3/10
7.3/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 is very good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
8.1/10
6.0/10
13.3in
SIZE
15.6in
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
365.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
230.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 excels in screen quality for general use and engineering due to its higher resolution and panel technology, offering crisp, clear images and a wider range of colors, which is essential for detailed work and design accuracy. For gaming and 3D tasks, it falls short as it prioritizes resolution and color over refresh rate, which can limit the smoothness of fast-paced visuals. Conversely, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 provides a fair viewing experience across general and engineering uses with acceptable brightness and color representation but doesn't stand out in any particular aspect, and like the ASUS, its lower refresh rate isn't ideal for gaming.
Battery
11.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 has 11 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has 6.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Best in Class
Good
13.3in
SIZE
15.6in
2.2 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.4in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 has best in class portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.6/10
6.2/10
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 has good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,400
$580
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 has a price of $1,400 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 costs $580.
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 is equipped with a more powerful Intel i7 CPU and a higher-quality OLED screen, offering superior gaming and 3D performance compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3511, which has a less powerful i5 CPU and an IPS screen. Both laptops have the same GPU and screen refresh rate, but the better CPU and screen on the ASUS are crucial for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks.
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How the ASUS Zenbook S 13 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 compare to other laptops
"The Asus Zenbook S 13 is the slimmest OLED ultrabook worldwide struggles with annoying fans. The new Zenbook S 13 leaves us with mixed feelings, particularly since last year's model was so good. Asus has completely reworked the device, making the laptop noticeably slimmer. The result also looks good and the case makes a great impression, particularly also in terms of the stability. The new plasma ceramic surface feels great, and there are no problems with fingerprints. In addition, it now includes some of the known connections such as an HDMI port and a regular USB-A connection, which is a good achievement in such a slim device."
"The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (3511) is a solid, if unremarkable, 15-inch budget laptop. It improves on many of the issues we had with the previous 3505 model, and with the inclusion of Windows 11, the 3511 is already a step above its competition. The lack of a USB-C port, the subpar speakers, and the dim display are drawbacks to factor in, but it's still one of the better 15-inch budget laptops on the market, especially when you consider it's under $400."
Get a great deal on the ASUS Zenbook S 13 or the Dell Inspiron 15 3511
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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