If you need a laptop primarily for general use and are looking to save money, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is a sensible choice, as it offers a balance between cost and capability. However, if you're into more intensive tasks like 3D work, machine learning, or gaming, the MSI Stealth 14 Studio delivers significantly better performance thanks to its superior processor and graphics card, albeit at a higher price. The MSI is also more portable with a smaller screen, but remember that this could mean a smaller viewing area compared to the Dell. Additionally, the MSI offers features like a higher refresh rate display which is particularly beneficial for gaming. Consider your primary use and whether the performance enhancements of the MSI are worth the additional expense to you. 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 battery life
Advantages of the MSI Stealth 14 Studio
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
7.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511's fair gaming and 3D performance is due to its integrated GPU which is less capable than dedicated gaming GPUs and a standard 60Hz screen refresh rate, which doesn't provide as smooth visuals. In contrast, the MSI Stealth 14 Studio is rated good for gaming and 3D tasks because it has a powerful Nvidia GPU which vastly improves gaming performance and a high 165Hz screen refresh rate for smoother gameplay and visuals.
Engineering and Design
7.0/10
8.5/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.1/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is good.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511, while suitable for engineering tasks, may offer less processing power and lower memory capacity than the MSI Stealth 14 Studio, which, with its more robust CPU, RAM, and higher-tier GPU, excels in handling demanding engineering software and rendering tasks, resulting in better screen quality and a smoother experience. However, the Stealth 14 Studio's advanced features may come with reduced portability due to increased weight and possibly louder operating noise, as higher performance components often generate more heat and require more cooling.
Screen Quality
6.0/10
7.6/10
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
230.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511, with its adequate resolution and brightness, offers sufficient quality for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming, but for engineering and design, its limited color range can hinder the accurate representation of visuals. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio, with its superior color coverage, benefits professionals in engineering and design who rely on precision in color-critical projects. However, for gaming and 3D rendering, both laptops may fall short due to their lower refresh rates, which can lead to less fluid motion and a less immersive experience.
Battery
6.5 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio has 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.
Build Quality
6.2/10
7.6/10
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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
$1,520
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has a price of $560 and the MSI Stealth 14 Studio costs $1,520.
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 offers ample RAM and a reliable CPU for smooth day-to-day tasks, coupled with a decent screen size and battery life that support general use without constant recharging, making it a solid choice for everyday productivity with good portability.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.9/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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.
Software Development
7.3/10
7.4/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and the MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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."
"You'll find a versatility in the MSI Stealth 14 Studio that isn’t matched by many content-creator laptops we've tested of late. The small frame allows you to (potentially) work from anywhere with an outlet and, if noise isn’t a concern, run your most demanding of programs, thanks to some powerful hardware inside. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is an attractive and powerful option if you want a portable laptop to be the center of your content work setup."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 or the MSI Stealth 14 Studio
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 MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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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