If you're seeking a laptop strictly for lightweight tasks and budget is a top priority, the ASUS R410MA stands out as an affordable option with basic performance sufficient for activities like web browsing and document editing. On the converse, the Dell Inspiron 16 5635, albeit at a higher cost, offers robust performance suited for more demanding software and multitasking, with a superior display and graphics better suited for creative work, light gaming, and media consumption. It's heavier and less portable than the ASUS, but it makes up for it with a better keyboard, longer battery life, and improved overall build quality. The Dell's expanded storage and memory also mean it's more future-proofed and better at handling multiple applications simultaneously. If your use case involves engineering, 3D modeling, or any graphics-intensive work, the Dell would be a better fit despite its higher price and lower portability. 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 R410MA
Very good portability
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 16 5635
Very good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Good overall build quality
Very good speakers
Good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
5.5/10
8.0/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
200.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
265.0 nits
8.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is very good for general use, while the ASUS R410MA is poor.
The ASUS R410MA, with its basic Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and lower-quality TN screen, lacks the power and display capabilities for demanding general use, though it's lighter and thus more portable. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 16 5635, equipped with a much more powerful AMD Ryzen processor, ample 16GB of RAM, and a high-quality IPS display, offers much better performance and screen quality, suited for a wider range of tasks, but it's heavier which impacts its portability slightly.
Gaming and AI
5.4/10
6.3/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
10.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the ASUS R410MA is poor.
The ASUS R410MA has an Intel Celeron processor with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600, which are less suitable for handling the high graphics demands of modern games and 3D applications compared to the Dell Inspiron 16 5635's more capable AMD Ryzen 7 processor that includes more powerful Vega 8 integrated graphics. Both laptops have the same screen refresh rate, but the Dell's superior CPU and GPU make it fair for gaming and 3D tasks, whereas the ASUS is considered poor for those uses.
Engineering and Design
5.3/10
7.3/10
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is good for engineering and design, while the ASUS R410MA is poor.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
5.7/10
7.9/10
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is good for content creation, while the ASUS R410MA is poor.
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
5.6/10
7.7/10
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is good for software development, while the ASUS R410MA is poor.
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
5.1/10
6.6/10
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
200.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
265.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has a better screen than the ASUS R410MA for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the ASUS R410MA's screen may not be sharp or bright enough, and its panel type doesn't display colors as vibrantly, impacting everyday activities like browsing or watching videos. For engineering and design, the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 offers a fair screen that presents colors more accurately, essential for precise visual work, though it still may not cover the wider color gamuts professionals require. When it comes to gaming and 3D, both laptops fall short with the ASUS offering a poorer experience due to a likely lower refresh rate, which is crucial for smooth motion in fast-paced visuals.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2.8 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The ASUS R410MA has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
5.1/10
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has good build quality, while the ASUS R410MA has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$111
$735
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The ASUS R410MA has a price of $111 and the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 costs $735.
"The Asus Laptop L410 is a super-affordable PC, even among budget notebooks, compromising on the display and processing power to deliver a serviceable Windows machine with good battery life and useful ports. The build is reasonably solid, there’s a good mix of ports, battery life is long enough, and it can perform basic everyday tasks. On the flip side, the screen is poor, anything other than basic tasks is a tough ask, and it has little memory and even less storage."
"Compared to the previous year’s Inspiron, Dell upgraded the screen aspect ratio on this generation, but also transitioned to a more minimalistic centered keyboard flanked by up-firing speakers. The 16-inch screen is huge plus and I really appreciate the extra real estate without sacrificing the footprint much. This year’s model is a little larger than last, though, as the former model was already very small for a 15 incher."
Get a great deal on the ASUS R410MA or the Dell Inspiron 16 5635
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
102,495
Recommendations made
22,208
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.