For better performance, especially in tasks like 3D, machine learning, or engineering, the HP Dragonfly Pro 14's AMD Ryzen processor and better graphics will outperform the Dell Inspiron 15 3511. However, the Inspiron offers a larger screen which might be preferable for multitasking or if screen size is a priority, but it's also heavier, which impacts portability. If budget is a major concern, then the Dell Inspiron 15, being significantly less expensive, offers good value for general use and less intensive tasks. The HP boasts a longer battery life, making it a better travel companion, but this comes with a higher price tag. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3511
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has no clear advantages over the HP Dragonfly Pro 14".
Advantages of the HP Dragonfly Pro 14"
Very good for general use
Good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Very good portability
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.0/10
7.6/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.7/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.9/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for engineering and design, though the HP Dragonfly Pro 14" is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is equipped with a capable Intel processor and ample RAM which suits engineering and design work, and its larger screen offers a decent visual workspace but with a lower color range and screen brightness compared to the HP Dragonfly Pro 14". Conversely, the HP Dragonfly Pro 14" not only has a high-performance AMD processor with strong integrated graphics, making it well-suited for visually intensive tasks, but it also boasts a higher resolution display with better color accuracy and brightness, enhancing the quality of design work, albeit with less RAM and storage space.
Software Development
7.3/10
7.8/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.7/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for software development, though the HP Dragonfly Pro 14" is somewhat better.
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
6.0/10
7.1/10
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
230.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
405.0 nits
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511, with its fair screen quality, offers adequate resolution and brightness for everyday tasks but may not provide the color accuracy required for professional design work, and its lower refresh rate reduces the smoothness necessary for immersive gaming and 3D applications. Conversely, the HP Dragonfly Pro's good screen quality means its display likely offers better brightness and higher resolution, which translates to sharper images and more comfortable viewing for both casual and professional users, although it still falls short for gaming due to a lower refresh rate. Neither laptop is ideal for gaming or advanced 3D tasks where high refresh rates are crucial to prevent motion blur and provide a more fluid visual experience.
Battery
6.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" has 10 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
6.2/10
8.5/10
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" has very good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$560
$1,400
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has a price of $560 and the HP Dragonfly Pro 14" costs $1,400.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers HP Dragonfly Pro 14" to be very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is good.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
6.5/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511's gaming and 3D capabilities are limited by its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics and a standard screen refresh rate of 60Hz, which may not deliver the smoothest gaming experience or optimal 3D performance. On the other hand, the HP Dragonfly Pro 14" has better gaming potential due to its more capable AMD Radeon 680M graphics, but it also has a screen refresh rate of 60Hz, suggesting that while it can handle gaming and 3D tasks better than the Dell, it still may not satisfy hardcore gamers or professionals seeking the highest frame rates.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.9/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for content creation.
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.
Portability
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.4 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers HP Dragonfly Pro 14" to have very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and the HP Dragonfly Pro 14" compare to other laptops
"The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 (3511) is a solid, if unremarkable, 15-inch budget laptop. It improves on many of the issues we had with the previous 3505 model, and with the inclusion of Windows 11, the 3511 is already a step above its competition. The lack of a USB-C port, the subpar speakers, and the dim display are drawbacks to factor in, but it's still one of the better 15-inch budget laptops on the market, especially when you consider it's under $400."
"I’d say that the HP Dragonfly Pro checks off most of the boxes for this freelancer. It feels nice to use, is zippy and responsive, has great speakers, and even has a relatively sane price. Although it’s an unorthodox choice to pick AMD for this kind of machine, it’s clear that when Ryzen is given a chance to shine, it can kick a lot of butt."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 or the HP Dragonfly Pro 14"
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.
About HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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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