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Updated January 10, 2024·
For better performance in engineering tasks, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is the superior option as it has a more powerful processor and graphics, more RAM, and larger storage. However, this comes at a higher cost. The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is more budget-friendly with acceptable performance for general use, better portability due to a lighter build, and a screen that is larger but has a lower resolution. The battery life on both models is roughly similar, making neither a clear winner in that respect. If gaming is a consideration, the Inspiron 14 Plus also offers a slight edge due to its better graphics 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 Dell Inspiron 14 Plus
- Good for general use
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for software development
- Good overall display quality
- Good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3520
- The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus.
Key differences
General Use
7.9
6.9
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
326.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is better for general use, with a stronger CPU, more RAM, and higher screen quality, which includes better color coverage and brightness, contributing to a clearer and more vibrant display. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, while having a larger screen, offers less power and lower screen quality, it compensates with slightly better battery life and similar portability, yet it falls short for demanding tasks due to its weaker processor and less RAM.
Gaming and AI
6.6
6.0
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is better equipped for gaming and 3D tasks because it has a superior GPU in the form of the Iris Xe and a higher quality screen, despite its standard refresh rate. The Dell Inspiron 15 3520, while having a higher refresh rate, falls short in gaming and 3D performance due to a less powerful UHD Graphics GPU and a less capable CPU.
Engineering and Design
7.8
6.3
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus stands out for engineering and design because it has a stronger CPU, double the RAM, and higher screen resolution compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, which means it can handle complex tasks and display more detailed visuals more effectively. While the lighter Inspiron 15 3520 offers better portability and longer battery life, its lower-end CPU and GPU are less suitable for engineering software and design work that the Inspiron 14 Plus accommodates with its more powerful specs.
Content Creation
7.9
7.0
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both good for content creation, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 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
7.7
6.7
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 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
7.0
6.8
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
326.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus likely has a higher resolution and superior panel type, offering greater clarity and color representation, which enhances the user experience for everyday tasks and engineering design work, but it has a lower refresh rate not ideal for gaming and 3D applications. The Dell Inspiron 15 3520, while adequate in resolution and panel quality for routine activities and some design software, may not have the brightness and expansive color gamuts needed for professional-grade engineering and design precision. For gaming and 3D work, both laptops fall short as their screens cannot provide the fluid, high-refresh-rate visuals that these applications demand for an optimal experience.
Build Quality
7.4
6.2
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 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
$1,200
$329
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a price of $1,200 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 costs $329.
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Key similarities
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 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.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 14 Plus to have very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 14 Plus | Dell Inspiron 15 3520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,200 | $329 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.4'' x 9'' x 0.7'' | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.83'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.7 lbs | 3.65 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.36" | 14.11" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.96" | 9.27" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-12700H | Intel i3-1215U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 1 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 64 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2240 x 1400 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 326 nits | 259 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.1/10 | 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 | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | August 2022
"The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is for power users on a budget. If you're looking to maximize CPU and GPU performance on your next 14-inch laptop, then consider the pricier Razer Blade 14 or Asus Zephyrus G14. If you're looking for a thin-and-light 14-inch Ultrabook, then the Asus Zenbook 14 or LG Gram 14 may be better options. For the best of both worlds, however, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7420 rides a fine line between extreme performance and portability while keeping prices at reasonable levels. Frequent travelers who rely on performance beyond what the Core U-series and integrated graphics series can offer will find the Dell to be a solid solution."
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 Dell Inspiron 14 Plus or the Dell Inspiron 15 3520
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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