The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is a high-performance laptop ideal for intensive tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning and gaming, with a higher price reflecting its advanced capabilities. It offers top-tier processors and graphics, a high refresh rate display, and superior build quality. Conversely, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is more budget-friendly, suitable for general use with decent performance for everyday tasks. Its portability is better due to lighter weight, and its battery life may be longer, but it sacrifices power and display quality. For heavy-duty use, invest in the ASUS, and for casual, cost-effective computing, consider the Dell. 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 M16
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for gaming and AI
Very good for content creation
Excellent overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3511
Good battery life
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.5/10
6.2/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 outperforms the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 in gaming and 3D tasks because it has a high-end Nvidia RTX GPU and a high screen refresh rate, which are both very important for these applications, whereas, the Dell Inspiron's integrated GPU and lower screen refresh rate make it suitable for only casual gaming and less demanding 3D work. Additionally, while both laptops have decent CPUs and screen quality, with the ASUS having a slight edge, these factors are less critical than the GPU and refresh rate for gaming and 3D performance.
Engineering and Design
8.8/10
7.0/10
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is good.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 stands out for engineering and design due to its more powerful CPU, higher-end GPU, and superior screen quality, which are essential for running complex applications and rendering detailed visuals. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511, while still capable with more RAM for multitasking, has a less powerful CPU and GPU and a lower quality screen, making it more suited for less demanding tasks but potentially not as efficient for intensive engineering and design work.
Content Creation
8.2/10
7.5/10
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 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.
Screen Quality
9.0/10
6.0/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
627.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
230.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize a vibrant display with high resolution and brightness for day-to-day tasks and productivity in fields like engineering or design, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16's display will be appealing due to its wide color coverage and sharp imaging. However, for gaming or 3D applications, where smooth motion is crucial, this laptop's lower refresh rate may not deliver the fluidity desired by enthusiasts or professionals in those areas. By contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 offers a more modest visual experience across the board, with its display quality being adequate for general activities and entry-level engineering work but less suited for color-critical tasks and fast-paced gaming due to its average color gamut and refresh rate.
Battery
4.5 Hours
6.5 Hours
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has 4.5 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.
Build Quality
8.5/10
6.2/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has very 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
$2,059
$580
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has a price of $2,059 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 costs $580.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for general use.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16, with its powerful Intel i9 processor and high-quality screen, excels in performance and display for demanding tasks, yet its battery life is shorter compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3511, which offers more modest performance with an Intel i5 processor but longer battery life and greater RAM for multitasking, both suiting general use with tradeoffs in capability and endurance. Additionally, the Zephyrus M16's gaming-oriented features might be excessive for users seeking portability and longer unplugged usage, where the lighter Inspiron would be more convenient.
Software Development
7.7/10
7.3/10
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for software development.
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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 compare to other laptops
"The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is not yet as optimised as its predecessor. Compared to the previous gen, performance and efficiency have improved significantly. What's more, the wonderful, Mini-LED Nebula display is a contender for the main highlight and almost manages to put the CPU and GPU in the shade. We already found its predecessor to be a well-rounded and well-optimised gaming machine. Generally, but not unequivocally, that also applies to the new Asus M16. Similar to most of the current, new laptops, we are dealing with a double generational leap in terms of the CPU and GPU. However, this change doesn't always run smoothly."
"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 ROG Zephyrus M16 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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