A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 14, 2024·
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that can handle everyday tasks like browsing and office applications, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 might be suitable. However, if you prioritize a lighter and more compact laptop with potentially better performance and build quality, which is useful for constant travel or more demanding applications, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x could be worth the extra investment. Keep in mind that a smaller form factor may also mean a smaller screen size, which might not be ideal if you prefer larger displays for your work or entertainment. Additionally, battery life could be a deciding factor; typically, higher-end laptops like the ThinkBook might offer longer usage between charges. 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 Lenovo ThinkBook 13x.
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
- Good overall build quality
- Excellent portability
- Very good speakers
- Good keyboard
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.0
7.9
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for engineering and design, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511, with its robust CPU, ample RAM, and dedicated GPU, handles demanding engineering applications and ensures smooth visuals on its quality screen, making it suitable for intensive design tasks. Meanwhile, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while offering similar processing capabilities and screen clarity, emphasizes portability and less operating noise, which may appeal to users frequently on the move or in quiet environments, at some cost to speaker and keyboard quality.
Software Development
7.3
7.9
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for software development, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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
8.2
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
230.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x's higher resolution and brighter display make it more pleasant to look at for daily tasks like browsing the web or working with documents. In engineering and design, the ThinkBook's wider color gamut ensures more accurate color representation, which is crucial for detailed graphical work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where fast-moving visuals are common, both laptops fall short due to lower refresh rates, making neither ideal for those specific needs.
Battery
6.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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
Excellent
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has excellent portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2
7.6
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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
$1,399
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 has a price of $560 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
General Use
7.6
7.9
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
230.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 offers reliable performance for everyday tasks due to its capable CPU and sufficient RAM, along with a decent screen for media consumption, but it's slightly bulkier which affects portability; the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, on the other hand, is more portable with a premium screen and longer battery life, ideal for on-the-go use without sacrificing performance, though typically at a higher price point. Both laptops provide adequate storage and decent keyboards, but the ThinkBook tends to have better speaker quality and heat management, leading to quieter operation.
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.6
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Dell Inspiron 15 3511 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while not dedicated gaming laptops, feature integrated graphics capable of handling light gaming and 3D applications, though they may struggle with more demanding tasks that require higher-end GPUs. Both offer moderate CPUs and decent screen quality, but lack the high refresh rates that serious gamers often seek for smoother visuals.
Content Creation
7.5
8.0
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkBook 13x to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is good.
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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3511 | Lenovo ThinkBook 13x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$560 | $1,399 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2021 | January 30, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.74'' | 11.6'' x 8.1'' x 0.5'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.7 lbs | 2.7 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 11.6" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.27" | 8.1" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1135G7 | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 74 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2880 x 1920 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 230 nits | 500 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 9.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 0 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Inspiron 15 3511
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Zachary Cuevas | November 2021
"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."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Dell Inspiron 15 3511 vs. Acer Aspire 5 15
VS
Compare Dell Inspiron 15 3511 vs. HP Envy x360 15"
VS
Compare Dell Inspiron 15 3511 vs. ASUS Vivobook 16X
VS
Compare Lenovo ThinkBook 13x vs. MSI Pulse GL66
VS
Compare Lenovo ThinkBook 13x vs. ASUS TUF Gaming F15
VS
Compare Lenovo ThinkBook 13x vs. HP Omen 17
VS
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
126,795
Recommendations made
27,473
Consumer hours saved
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
Featured in
