If you prioritize performance for tasks such as 3D rendering, machine learning, or intensive engineering applications, the ASUS Vivobook 16X with its more powerful processor and graphics card is a better choice. However, the Vivobook is heavier and has a shorter battery life, making it less portable than the Dell Inspiron 15 3525, which also offers a touch screen — a feature not present on the ASUS. The Dell is also more affordable, which might be appealing for general use and light productivity tasks, but it's less suited for high-performance needs. Both have a 512GB storage capacity and run on Windows 11 Home, but the ASUS has double the RAM of the Dell, enhancing its multitasking capabilities. 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 16X
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good for software development
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Good keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3525
Good battery life
Key differences
General Use
7.6/10
7.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
300.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
5.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.5 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.7/10
The ASUS Vivobook 16X and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both good for general use, though the ASUS Vivobook 16X is somewhat better.
The ASUS Vivobook 16X excels in general use thanks to its robust CPU and larger RAM, which boost its performance, alongside a superior screen with higher resolution and color accuracy, albeit at the cost of less portability due to a heavier build and shorter battery life. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 offers better portability with its lighter weight and longer battery duration but falls short on performance due to a less powerful CPU, half the RAM, and a display with lower color fidelity, marking a tradeoff between mobility and computational power.
Gaming and AI
7.7/10
6.0/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS Vivobook 16X is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is only fair.
The ASUS Vivobook 16X is good for gaming and 3D due to its dedicated Nvidia RTX GPU and a high screen refresh rate which provides smoother visuals and enhanced gaming performance. Meanwhile, the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is only fair for gaming and 3D, as it uses an integrated AMD GPU with a lower screen refresh rate, leading to less graphical power and less fluid visuals compared to the ASUS model.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
6.4/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS Vivobook 16X is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is only fair.
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
7.7/10
7.1/10
9.0/10
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 Vivobook 16X and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both good for content creation, though the ASUS Vivobook 16X 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.
Screen Quality
7.3/10
6.3/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
300.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
The ASUS Vivobook 16X has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The ASUS Vivobook 16X offers a superior screen with better resolution and brightness, making it well-suited for tasks that involve a lot of reading and viewing in various lighting conditions, hence its good standing for general use and engineering, but its standard refresh rate limits its appeal for gaming and 3D applications. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 15's screen provides adequate clarity and brightness for everyday tasks and some technical work, but it doesn't excel in any specific area due to its average display capabilities. Neither laptop is ideal for gaming or 3D modeling because the panels lack the high refresh rates that contribute to smoother motion and better overall visual experience in those fields.
Battery
5.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The ASUS Vivobook 16X has 5 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 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
7.0/10
6.2/10
The ASUS Vivobook 16X has good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,000
$400
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The ASUS Vivobook 16X has a price of $1,000 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 costs $400.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS Vivobook 16X to be good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and ASUS Vivobook 16X both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the ASUS Vivobook 16X and the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 compare to other laptops
"I think the ASUS Vivobook 16X is fantastic. Great performance, decent battery life, good keyboard and trackpad, and a massive screen – just that the screen quality itself is kinda subpar. If you’re okay with the screen, then I think this is an okay laptop. However, I’d like to see a price drop."
"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. Many of its slightly higher-end rivals have to be on sale (and frequently are) to match it on price, but the Inspiron 15 (3525) is outclassed even by some similarly priced options, making it a difficult recommendation."
Get a great deal on the ASUS Vivobook 16X or the Dell Inspiron 15 3525
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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