The ASUS Zenbook 14X typically commands a premium due to its higher performance capabilities, which are well-suited for intensive tasks like engineering, 3D modeling, or gaming. It is also known for its portability and high-quality display, which can be beneficial for professionals or students who need a powerful device on-the-go. Conversely, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 offers a more budget-friendly price point, making it a solid choice for general use such as web browsing, office applications, and media consumption. However, it may not handle demanding applications as smoothly as the Zenbook. If you prioritize battery life and lower cost over advanced performance, the Dell might be more practical for everyday tasks, whereas if you require a machine with robust capabilities for specialization software or desire a more premium build, the ASUS might be worth the extra cost. The choice ultimately depends on weighing the importance of cost savings against the need for higher computing power and portability. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the ASUS Zenbook 14X
Very good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Very good portability
Good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3511
Good battery life
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.7/10
7.0/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook 14X and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for engineering and design, though the ASUS Zenbook 14X is somewhat better.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X offers a powerful combination suitable for engineering and design with an Intel i7 processor, dedicated Nvidia graphics, high-resolution OLED screen, and substantial RAM, all in a more portable and higher screen quality package than the Dell Inspiron 15 3511.
Screen Quality
8.3/10
6.0/10
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
90Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
339.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
230.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has a high-resolution panel that provides crisp visuals and vibrant colors suitable for engineering and design, but its lower refresh rate limits its appeal for gaming and 3D applications. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 offers decent resolution and brightness for general tasks and some design work but lacks the advanced color gamut coverage that professionals may require for color-sensitive tasks. Both struggle with gaming and 3D due to their suboptimal refresh rates, which can make fast-moving visuals less smooth and less responsive.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
6.2/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has 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
$777
$580
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has a price of $777 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 costs $580.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and ASUS Zenbook 14X are both good for general use.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X offers a high-quality OLED screen, more portable design, and stronger CPU perfect for demanding applications, but with a shorter battery life; whereas the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has more RAM for smooth multitasking, larger storage capacity, and a longer battery life, making it better suited for extended use without charging, though it's less portable and has a lower screen quality.
Gaming and AI
6.5/10
6.2/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
90Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X, with its Nvidia MX550 GPU, offers better gaming and 3D capabilities compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3511, which uses an integrated Iris Xe graphics card, providing a significant advantage in graphics processing power. Furthermore, the Zenbook's higher screen refresh rate complements its superior GPU, enhancing gameplay smoothness and visual fidelity which is especially noticeable when compared to the Inspiron's standard refresh rate.
Content Creation
7.6/10
7.5/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook 14X and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for content creation.
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
7.4/10
7.3/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X 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.
Battery
5.5 Hours
6.5 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has 5.5 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.
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How the ASUS Zenbook 14X and the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 compare to other laptops
"With the Zenbook 14X, Asus has a 14-incher in its range that is - mostly - a joy to use. First, there is the colorful OLED panel with 3K resolution that displays the sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces. The Zenbook is also at the forefront in terms of workmanship, input devices and connections with 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports and a generous keyboard layout. A pleasure to use, the Zenbook 14X is a solid, very well-built subnotebook that sits well on the table. A runtime of five hours, however, is below average for a high-end subnotebook nowadays. The OLED screensaver causes increased power consumption when in idle mode."
"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 Zenbook 14X 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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Joe Golden, Ph.D
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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