If you prioritize versatility and touchscreen functionality, then the HP Envy x360 15" with its 2-in-1 convertible design could suit you well, though it is more expensive. It's also heavier than the Dell Inspiron 15 3511, which could affect portability. The Dell, while generally less expensive, provides a more traditional laptop experience without the convertible feature. Both devices offer similar screen size and quality, but you'll need to consider whether a touchscreen and the ability to use the device as a tablet justify the HP's higher cost and added weight. 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
Good for engineering and design
Advantages of the HP Envy x360 15"
Good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Very good speakers
Good keyboard
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.0/10
6.5/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is good for engineering and design, while the HP Envy x360 15" is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is considered good for engineering and design use due to its ample RAM and capable CPU, which are essential for running complex software smoothly, whereas the HP Envy x360 15" has less RAM and a mid-range CPU, potentially limiting performance in demanding tasks.
Screen Quality
6.0/10
6.2/10
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
230.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
271.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has a better screen than the HP Envy x360 15" for content creation, while the HP Envy x360 15" has a better screen for general use.
For general use, both the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and the HP Envy x360 15" provide sufficient resolution and brightness, ensuring comfortable viewing for everyday tasks, but the quality of the panels might not be top-notch. In engineering and design, where accurate color representation is crucial, they support basic color ranges but may lack the full spectrum seen in higher-end screens that cover wider color gamuts, making them less ideal for professional color work. When it comes to Gaming and 3D, the lower refresh rates on these laptops result in less fluid motion, and while the resolution and panel types are adequate, they don't provide the premium experience demanded by high-end gaming or professional 3D rendering.
Battery
6.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The HP Envy x360 15" 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
7.2/10
The HP Envy x360 15" 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
$560
$599
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has a price of $560 and the HP Envy x360 15" costs $599.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and HP Envy x360 15" are both good for general use.
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
6.0/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
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
8.7/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and HP Envy x360 15" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and HP Envy x360 15" are both fair for gaming and 3D tasks because their integrated GPUs, Intel Iris Xe and AMD Vega 7 respectively, provide modest gaming capabilities, and their screens have a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, which is sufficient for casual gaming but may not be ideal for fast-paced games where higher refresh rates could offer smoother visuals. Their central processing units (CPUs) and screen quality add to their capability, but they are not as vital as the GPU and refresh rate for gaming performance.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.3/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
32.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and HP Envy x360 15" 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
7.2/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and HP Envy x360 15" 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
4.4 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and HP Envy x360 15" both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and the HP Envy x360 15" 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."
"Despite its good looks, stellar webcam and comfortable keyboard, the Envy x360 15 is hard to recommend because of its dim, 16:9 display. If the display isn't an issue for you, just be sure to wait for a good sale price. Otherwise, a more modern two-in-one with a 16:10 display such as the Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 or Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 provides a larger workspace without adding much to the size and weight of the system."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 or the HP Envy x360 15"
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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About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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Laptops Expert
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