If you value a sharper, more vibrant display and better performance for tasks like video editing or 3D modeling, the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED would be a superior option, especially due to its OLED screen and more powerful processor. However, if you're looking for a more cost-effective laptop for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, or watching videos, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 will suffice and save you money. Keep in mind, the Dell's larger size may reduce portability compared to the more compact ASUS. Additionally, if battery life is a priority, you should note that the ASUS typically offers longer usage on a single charge. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED
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
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has no clear advantages over the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED.
Key differences
General Use
7.5/10
6.9/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
376.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED boasts a superior screen quality with an OLED display, providing richer colors and higher brightness, and a more powerful CPU for better performance, but it has a slightly lower reported battery life than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520. While the Dell Inspiron's larger screen size could appeal to those seeking a bigger display, its lower resolution IPS screen and less capable CPU make it less suitable for demanding tasks, although it offers better heat management and is quieter in operation.
Engineering and Design
7.7/10
6.3/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED is equipped with a more powerful processor and superior onboard graphics, leading to better performance for engineering and design tasks, along with a higher-resolution OLED screen that offers vibrant colors and contrast, enhancing design work.
Content Creation
7.6/10
7.0/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both good for content creation, though the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED 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
7.5/10
6.7/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
8.0 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 OLED 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
8.6/10
6.8/10
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2880 x 1800
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
376.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED 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 Zenbook’s OLED screen offers vibrant colors and sharp resolution, making it ideal for browsing and watching videos, while the Inspiron's lower resolution may result in less crisp visuals. In engineering and design, the Zenbook’s wider color gamut ensures more accurate color reproduction essential for detailed work, whereas the Inspiron's limited color range may not be as precise for professional editing. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the Zenbook’s lower refresh rate can lead to less smooth motion, while even with the Inspiron's fair screen, it shares a similar drawback affecting gameplay fluidity.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
6.2/10
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED 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
$575
$335
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED has a price of $575 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 costs $335.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED is equipped with a higher-performing GPU and a high refresh rate OLED display, which enhances gaming and 3D capabilities, but the higher screen quality also makes it a premium choice beyond just gaming needs. Conversely, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 features a somewhat lesser GPU and a standard refresh rate IPS display, which still supports gaming and 3D tasks but may not deliver the same level of visual detail and smoothness.
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED has 6 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 OLED and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 compare to other laptops
"While one of the more budget-friendly configurations of the Asus Zenbook 14X OLED may make a compelling case as a top value pick, it’s difficult to be disappointed with the more expensive model we reviewed here. At its core, for all models, it’s a luxury-built laptop with extreme portability and a gorgeous OLED display. Our unit rocks with a snappy Core i9 processor for getting real work done, and the discrete GPU—even if it has a clear power ceiling—is a bonus for creative pros."
"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 OLED 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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