The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is more expensive, offers greater storage and memory, a higher-end processor and GPU, a larger and more color-accurate screen with a higher refresh rate, and it's better suited for gaming and engineering tasks due to its performance capabilities. However, it is heavier and less portable. The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is less expensive, more lightweight, and more portable, but has lower storage and memory, a basic processor, and its graphics are integrated into the CPU, making it less suitable for intensive tasks but a cost-effective option for general use. 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 TUF Gaming A16
Good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good for software development
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Good speakers
Good keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3520
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has no clear advantages over the ASUS TUF Gaming A16.
Key differences
General Use
7.6/10
6.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
294.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
12.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.5 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 offers a superior processor and more RAM which are crucial for smooth operation; it also boasts a larger, higher resolution screen with better color coverage, contributing to a better overall viewing experience, but it's heavier and has good portability. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, while more transportable due to its lighter weight, compromises on performance with a lower-tier CPU and less RAM, and has a smaller screen with less impressive color representation, which makes it merely fair for general use.
Gaming and AI
7.4/10
6.0/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is better suited for gaming and 3D applications mainly because it has a high-performance AMD GPU and a high screen refresh rate, which ensures smoother visuals and better graphics handling, compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 which has an integrated Intel GPU and a lower screen refresh rate, making it less capable in handling demanding games and 3D tasks. Additionally, the ASUS model is coupled with a stronger CPU and higher screen resolution, further enhancing its performance for intensive tasks, whereas the Dell laptop, with its fair specifications, is better suited for less demanding usage scenarios.
Engineering and Design
7.7/10
6.3/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 offers a more powerful CPU, higher RAM capacity, and a superior GPU, which are key for demanding engineering and design tasks, along with a better screen that has higher resolution and color accuracy, enhancing visual work. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has lower specifications in these areas, making it less suited for intensive applications, though its lighter weight and smaller size may make it more appealing for those prioritizing portability.
Content Creation
7.6/10
7.0/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both good for content creation, though the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is somewhat better.
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
7.3/10
6.7/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 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
7.5/10
6.8/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
294.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a display with vibrant colors and higher resolution, making it suitable for general use and detailed engineering tasks with its coverage of wider color gamuts, but the lower refresh rate could detract from its effectiveness for high-paced gaming or 3D applications. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, while offering decent resolution and brightness, may have a less color-accurate display, making its screen quality only adequate for both general and engineering needs without notably excelling in either. Neither model provides an ideal experience for gaming or 3D visualization due to their limited refresh rates, which are critical for smooth movement and visual clarity in these contexts.
Battery
12.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has 12 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.8 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and ASUS TUF Gaming A16 both have good portability, though the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.2/10
6.2/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has 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
$838
$335
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a price of $838 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 costs $335.
"The A16 makes an excellent case against more expensive laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 and the MSI Katana GF76, especially if you’re into 1080p gaming. However, although its affordable, it doesn’t skimp on performance or a robust chassis. But for me, the biggest factor that sets it apart from these options is its incredible battery life. In my time reviewing laptops, I can’t remember when I last saw a gaming laptop lasted 11 and a half hours on a single charge, which makes the A16, in my book, truly outstanding."
"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 TUF Gaming A16 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.
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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