The ASUS Vivobook 14 offers better performance for intensive tasks like engineering and 3D/machine learning due to its i5 processor and Iris Xe graphics, making it suitable for more demanding applications. However, it's slightly less portable than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, which might matter if you travel a lot. The Dell Inspiron has a larger screen and superior heat management, which can be a plus for entertainment and productivity tasks, but it comes with an i3 processor and UHD graphics, which may fall short for heavy tasks. The Dell is also more affordable, so if you're looking for general use and are budget-conscious, it would be a sensible pick. 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 Vivobook 14
Good overall build quality
Very good portability
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3520
Good for content creation
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.3/10
6.8/10
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
250.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a better screen than the ASUS Vivobook 14 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
For general use, both the ASUS Vivobook 14 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offer displays that are adequate when considering clarity and comfort for everyday tasks, but their brightness and resolution may not stand out for more discerning users. In the realm of engineering and design, where color accuracy is crucial, both laptops provide acceptable performance but may not fully satisfy professionals needing precise color representation across wider color gamuts. When it comes to 3D and gaming, the lack of a high refresh rate on both laptops means that they don't offer the smooth visuals preferred by enthusiasts in fast-paced graphical environments, although they might suffice for casual gaming or entry-level 3D work.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The ASUS Vivobook 14 has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.0/10
6.2/10
The ASUS Vivobook 14 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
$421
$335
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
The ASUS Vivobook 14 has a price of $421 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 costs $335.
The ASUS Vivobook 14 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for general use.
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.
Gaming and AI
6.0/10
6.0/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and ASUS Vivobook 14 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Vivobook 14 offers fair gaming and 3D performance with its stronger graphics component, the Iris Xe, but it has a standard screen refresh rate, which is less preferable for fast-paced games. Conversely, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, with its weaker UHD graphics, provides a higher screen refresh rate, which can offer smoother visuals in gaming despite its less powerful GPU.
Engineering and Design
6.3/10
6.3/10
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and ASUS Vivobook 14 are both only fair for engineering and design.
The ASUS Vivobook 14 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 both offer fair performance for engineering and design because they are equipped with solid CPUs and sufficient RAM for moderate tasks, but neither offers high-end GPUs or exceptionally high-resolution screens that more demanding engineering applications might require. The Vivobook 14 is slightly more portable with a lighter weight and a smaller screen, while the Inspiron 15 has a marginally larger screen and a modestly higher battery capacity, making it better suited for longer use away from power outlets but at the expense of increased weight.
Content Creation
6.9/10
7.0/10
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 15 3520 to be good for content creation, while the ASUS Vivobook 14 is only fair.
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
6.8/10
6.7/10
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.7/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS Vivobook 14 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair 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.
Battery
7.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The ASUS Vivobook 14 has 7 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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the ASUS Vivobook 14 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 compare to other laptops
"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 Vivobook 14 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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
100,095
Recommendations made
21,688
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.