The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 is more expensive but offers better performance with its AMD Ryzen 7 processor, Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti GPU, and larger battery capacity, making it well-suited for intensive engineering tasks, 3D rendering, machine learning, and gaming. However, its heavier weight and bulkier charger make it less portable. The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is more budget-friendly and lightweight, making it easier to carry around, but it has a less powerful Intel i3 processor and lower graphics performance which is adequate for general use but not for demanding applications. Both have 15.6-inch screens, but the ASUS features an OLED display which provides better color and contrast for creative work. If portability and price are your main concerns, the Dell may be a good choice; for higher performance in creative and demanding tasks, the ASUS is a superior option. 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 Pro 15
Good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Excellent battery life
Good speakers
Good keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3520
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has no clear advantages over the ASUS Zenbook Pro 15.
Key differences
General Use
7.7/10
6.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
346.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
12.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.5 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 outshines the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for general use due to its superior processor, double the RAM, more vibrant OLED screen, larger battery capacity, and longer battery life, making it more suitable for multitasking and longer use away from power outlets.
Gaming and AI
6.7/10
6.0/10
4.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 is somewhat better.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15, equipped with an Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti GPU, is fair for gaming and 3D tasks, offering a balance between graphical performance and battery life, but it's limited by a screen refresh rate of 60Hz which is less ideal for fast-paced games.
Engineering and Design
7.5/10
6.3/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
4.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15, with a more powerful AMD Ryzen processor, double the RAM, and a higher-end Nvidia graphics card, offers superior performance for engineering and design tasks compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, which has a basic Intel i3 processor and integrated graphics. Additionally, the ASUS has an OLED screen with higher color accuracy and brightness, enhancing visual work, whereas the Dell's IPS screen has lower color accuracy and brightness, which may not be as suitable for design work.
Content Creation
7.7/10
7.0/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both good for content creation, though the ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 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
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 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
7.6/10
6.8/10
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
346.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 boasts a high-resolution display and greater brightness, making it ideal for general use by providing sharp images and good visibility even in well-lit environments. For engineering and design purposes, the same laptop shines by covering a wide color gamut, ensuring precise color representation which is critical for these tasks. However, its lower refresh rate is less suited for 3D applications and gaming, where smoother visuals are essential for an optimal experience.
Battery
12.5 Hours
6.5 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 has 12.5 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.
Build Quality
7.6/10
6.2/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 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
$1,109
$335
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 has a price of $1,109 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 costs $335.
"The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 offers a strong CPU, chassis, and display. One of the most popular 15.6-inch prosumer or multimedia laptops out there is the Dell XPS 15. Thus, comparisons between it and the Asus Zenbook Pro 15 are inevitable. Asus has a couple of tricks up its sleeve that XPS users are still missing out on including 1080p OLED and an AMD Ryzen CPU which help separate the Zenbook Pro 15 from the XPS 15. It also integrates a numpad and a few more port options albeit at the cost of a larger chassis size."
"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 Pro 15 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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