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Updated January 10, 2024·
For intensive tasks like engineering applications, 3D rendering, or gaming, the ASUS Zenbook 14X offers better performance with a more powerful processor and dedicated graphics, but it costs more and is less portable due to its higher price and weight. The Dell Inspiron 15 3520, on the other hand, is more budget-friendly and lightweight, suited for general use and less demanding tasks, but its lower storage and performance might limit its effectiveness for complex software and multitasking. If battery life is crucial, the Zenbook's longer battery runtime should also be considered. Choose the Zenbook for performance-heavy activities or if you need a superior display, and the Inspiron for everyday tasks or if budget and portability are top priorities. 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 Zenbook 14X
- Good for general use
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for software development
- Very good overall display quality
- Good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3520
- Good battery life
Key differences
General Use
7.6
6.9
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
339.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
5.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X offers a superior experience for general use due to its higher-quality OLED screen, more powerful Intel i7 processor, and a greater amount of RAM which enhances multitasking capabilities, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520's lower screen resolution, slower Intel i3 processor, and less RAM may be suitable for basic tasks but fall short for more demanding activities. Additionally, the Zenbook's better portability score and longer battery life make it more suitable for those who are on the move, whereas the Inspiron, despite having longer battery life, is heavier and bulkier which could be a downside for mobile users.
Engineering and Design
7.7
6.3
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook 14X is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X is better suited for engineering and design due to its superior CPU, more RAM, and higher-quality GPU compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, which has a more modest CPU and GPU, and less RAM, meaning it offers less power for demanding tasks like 3D rendering or simulations. Additionally, the Zenbook's display is better in terms of resolution and color accuracy, which is crucial for design work; however, it must be noted that the Inspiron may be more portable and produce less operating noise, which could be of benefit for some users.
Content Creation
7.6
7.0
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook 14X and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both good for content creation, though the ASUS Zenbook 14X 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
7.4
6.7
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X 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
8.3
6.8
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
90Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
339.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the ASUS Zenbook 14X stands out with a higher resolution and brighter display, offering crisp text and vibrant images, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520's display is adequate but less vivid and sharp. In engineering and design, the Zenbook's wider color gamuts ensure accurate color representation which is crucial for detailed work, as opposed to the Inspiron's decent but less precise color ranges. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is key, the Zenbook's lower refresh rate results in less fluid visuals compared to displays optimized for these tasks, with both laptops not being ideal for this use case.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8
6.2
The ASUS Zenbook 14X 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
$777
$335
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has a price of $777 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 costs $335.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.5
6.0
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
90Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
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 3520 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X offers a dedicated Nvidia MX550 GPU and a high screen refresh rate of 90 Hz, providing a fair gaming and 3D experience with better graphics rendering than many integrated solutions. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 relies on the integrated Intel UHD Graphics with a higher refresh rate of 120 Hz, which may offer smoother visuals in certain scenarios but generally less graphics processing power for demanding tasks.
Battery
5.5 Hours
6.5 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook 14X has 5.5 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.
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How the ASUS Zenbook 14X and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| ASUS Zenbook 14X | Dell Inspiron 15 3520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$777 | $335 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.3'' x 8.7'' x 0.67'' | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.83'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.09 lbs | 3.65 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.25" | 14.11" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.71" | 9.27" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1260P | Intel i3-1215U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 5.5 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 63 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | OLED | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2880 x 1800 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 339 nits | 259 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
ASUS Zenbook 14X
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Sebastian Jentsch | April 2022
"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."
Dell Inspiron 15 3520
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Mark Knapp | January 2023
"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 Zenbook 14X 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.
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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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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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