The Dell Inspiron 15 3511, being less expensive, may offer good value for everyday tasks like browsing, using office software, and streaming media. However, it's likely to have less powerful hardware, which could mean slower performance when handling more demanding applications. The HP Envy 17, on the other hand, is usually pricier and might come with a larger screen, more robust build quality, and better performance that suits intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming. The larger size could reduce portability compared to the Dell. If battery life is a concern, larger laptops often have more room for bigger batteries but may consume more power due to higher performance components. Consider where you'll use your laptop and what you'll use it for; if mobility and basic tasks are your priority and budget is limited, the Dell could be sufficient, but if you need a laptop for powerful performance and a bigger display, the HP Envy could justify the extra cost. 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 15 3511
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has no clear advantages over the HP Envy 17.
Advantages of the HP Envy 17
Good overall build quality
Good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.0/10
6.8/10
15.6in
SIZE
17.3in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
230.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
329.0 nits
The HP Envy 17 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
For general use, the HP Envy 17's higher resolution and brighter display enhance reading and media consumption, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511, though adequate, offers less clarity and vibrance. In engineering and design, the HP’s better coverage of color gamuts ensures more accurate color representation, which is essential for precise visual work, unlike the Dell, which may not reproduce colors as faithfully. However, for 3D and gaming, neither laptop excels due to lower refresh rates; the HP and Dell both provide a less smooth visual experience, which is critical for fast-paced action and rendering.
Battery
6.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The HP Envy 17 has 8 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
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
17.3in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
5.4 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and HP Envy 17 both have good portability, though the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2/10
7.2/10
The HP Envy 17 has 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
$580
$1,000
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has a price of $580 and the HP Envy 17 costs $1,000.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and HP Envy 17 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511, with a solid processor, ample RAM, and a large storage capacity, combined with decent screen quality and battery life, make it suitable for tasks like web browsing, light media creation, and office productivity, while its lightness adds to portability. Meanwhile, the HP Envy 17 offers a more powerful processor, good RAM, and a high-quality screen with touchscreen capability, but is heavier and therefore less portable, even though it has a longer battery life, making it a better fit for more demanding general use applications like media editing or multitasking with multiple apps.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
6.4/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The HP Envy 17 and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and HP Envy 17 are both equipped with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, providing adequate but not top-tier gaming and 3D performance, and both have a standard 60Hz screen refresh rate which is sufficient for casual gaming but may not be the best for fast-paced games that benefit from higher refresh rates. While the HP Envy 17's stronger CPU offers some advantages for demanding tasks, neither laptop is designed with the dedicated GPUs and high refresh rates typically associated with specialized gaming laptops.
Engineering and Design
7.0/10
7.4/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The HP Envy 17 and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for engineering and design.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is equipped with a sizable amount of RAM and a solid processor suited for multitasking in engineering and design, however, its integrated GPU is less capable for graphic-intensive tasks compared to dedicated options.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.5/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and HP Envy 17 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.
Software Development
7.3/10
7.5/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The HP Envy 17 and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for software development.
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.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and the HP Envy 17 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."
"In our test, the HP Envy 17-cr0079ng presents itself as a balanced multimedia laptop. Thanks to its solid CPU performance and dedicated entry-level GeForce, it can also be used for playing video games, as long as the demands aren't too high. Those looking for more can find it in the Dell XPS 17 for example."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 or the HP Envy 17
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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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