The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus offers higher performance, particularly for intensive tasks like engineering or 3D work, due to a more powerful processor and higher RAM, at a higher price point. However, its battery life is similar to the Dell Inspiron 15 3525, which is less expensive and offers touchscreen functionality but has a less powerful processor and half the RAM, meaning it is more suitable for general use or if you prioritize having a touchscreen. Both have similar portability, but the Inspiron 14 Plus has a slightly smaller screen and a better resolution, which may be advantageous if a sharper display is important for your work. 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 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 3525
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus.
Key differences
General Use
7.9/10
7.0/10
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
7.7/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both good for general use, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus stands out for general use with a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, a higher resolution screen and significantly higher screen color quality, making it ideal for tasks that require better performance and visual clarity, albeit with slightly less portability due to its build. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 offers an average CPU and half the RAM, which is sufficient for less demanding tasks, a lower resolution touchscreen favorable for casual interaction, and slightly improved portability attributed to its design, all at what is likely a lower price point.
Gaming and AI
6.6/10
6.0/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
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 3525 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
7.8/10
6.4/10
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 3525 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus is favored for engineering and design due to its higher-end CPU, double the RAM for complex tasks, and an advanced integrated GPU which supports better visuals and computing performance, making it suitable for intensive applications. Conversely, the Dell Inspiron 15 3525, while offering a decent CPU and GPU for basic use, has less memory and a lower quality display, thus performing at a lesser capacity for engineering and design tasks.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.1/10
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 3525 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
7.7/10
6.9/10
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 3525 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
7.0/10
6.3/10
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2240 x 1400
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
326.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Inspiron 14 Plus delivers clearer, sharper images and more vivid colors due to its higher resolution and brightness compared to the Inspiron 15 3525, making for a more comfortable viewing experience. The screen of the Inspiron 14 Plus also meets the needs of engineering and design professionals better by covering a wider range of colors, crucial for accuracy in detailed work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both models fall short, but the Inspiron 14 Plus's display is less ideal because of a lower refresh rate, leading to less fluid motion in fast-paced scenarios.
Build Quality
7.4/10
6.2/10
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 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
$400
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has a price of $1,200 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 costs $400.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus has 6 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 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
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 14 Plus to have very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 compare to other laptops
"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'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. Many of its slightly higher-end rivals have to be on sale (and frequently are) to match it on price, but the Inspiron 15 (3525) is outclassed even by some similarly priced options, making it a difficult recommendation."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus or the Dell Inspiron 15 3525
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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