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Updated January 10, 2024·
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 is a midrange, high-performance laptop suitable for intensive gaming and engineering tasks, with robust graphic capabilities and a high refresh rate display, but it comes at a higher price and has less portability due to its greater weight and larger power brick. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is a budget-friendly option better suited for general use, offering decent performance for everyday tasks with substantial savings in cost, and is lighter, making it more portable. However, its lower-end internals and display are not suited for demanding gaming, 3D rendering, or intensive multitasking, and it also has a shorter battery life compared to the ASUS. 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 ROG Zephyrus G15
- Good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Good for gaming and AI
- Good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Good overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3520
- The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has no clear advantages over the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15.
Key differences
General Use
7.9
6.9
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
309.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
9.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.5 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 stands out for general use due to its powerful AMD Ryzen CPU and ample RAM, providing smooth performance and the ability to handle multiple tasks effortlessly, as well as a high-resolution screen that offers crisp and vibrant visuals; however, these features also make it less portable and heavier compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, which has a more basic Intel i3 CPU and less RAM, resulting in adequate but less impressive performance for general tasks, and a lower resolution screen that is less sharp, yet it is lighter which makes it easier to carry around.
Gaming and AI
7.5
6.0
7.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 offers superior gaming and 3D performance due to its more powerful Nvidia RTX 3070 graphics card and a higher screen refresh rate of 165 Hz, which provide smoother visuals and better responsiveness. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 falls short in these areas with a basic Intel UHD Graphics card and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, thus delivering fair gaming and 3D capabilities.
Engineering and Design
8.0
6.3
7.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
7.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 excels in engineering and design use due to a powerful CPU, higher RAM, superior GPU, and a better-quality screen, which significantly enhance performance and visual clarity for intensive tasks. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, with a modest CPU, less RAM, integrated graphics, and a lower-tier screen, offers fair performance suitable for less demanding engineering applications and general use.
Content Creation
8.0
7.0
7.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 is very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 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
7.4
6.7
7.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 is good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
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
7.9
6.8
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
309.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the ASUS may provide a sharper and more vibrant display, likely due to a higher resolution and superior panel technology, resulting in clearer text and images, as well as better brightness for visibility in various lighting conditions. In engineering and design, the ASUS excels because its display probably covers a wider range of colors, essential for accurately previewing work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is crucial, the ASUS falls short as it likely lacks a high refresh rate required for fluid visuals and fast-paced action.
Battery
9.5 Hours
6.5 Hours
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 has 9.5 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 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.
Build Quality
8.5
6.2
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 has very good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,637
$335
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 has a price of $1,637 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 costs $335.
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Key similarities
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 | Dell Inspiron 15 3520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,637 | $335 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2021 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 9.6'' x 0.78'' | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.83'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.19 lbs | 3.65 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.98" | 14.11" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.57" | 9.27" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS | Intel i3-1215U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 1 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9.5 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 309 nits | 259 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.5/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | No Webcam | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Florian Glaser | February 2021
"As long as you're aware of the fact that the GeForce RTX 3080 laptop version can only unfold its potential to a limited extent due to Asus's low TDP setting and that it can be slower than a fast RTX 3070 laptop, the ROG Zephyrus G15 GA503Q cuts a fine figure. One of the biggest highlights turns out to be the WQHD panel, since it attracts customers with 165 Hz, relatively fast response times, FreeSync, and good color-space coverage. Other selling points are the surprisingly rich sound, the long battery life, and the sleek design. In terms of looks, the white edition stands out nicely from the competition."
Dell Inspiron 15 3520
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Mark Knapp | January 2023
"Dell's Inspiron 15 (3525) is a peppy-enough and affordable-enough home or remote work machine, but it's not very ambitious; it does little to go beyond the basics. More the concern: It’s readily overshadowed by a number of machines that outperform and outclass it. Even if the Inspiron can get the job done today, its competition has the mettle to keep doing the job tomorrow in a way the Inspiron simply can’t promise. Plus, those alternatives are much more enjoyable after work."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 or the Dell Inspiron 15 3520
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.
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