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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is typically less expensive and suitable for general use with an Intel i3 processor and integrated graphics, making it adept for basic tasks and casual users. The Dell Inspiron 15 3525, while usually more expensive, provides stronger performance with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and Vega 7 graphics, which are better for more demanding applications such as engineering software, and it also has a larger storage capacity. Both models share similar battery capacity and screen size, but the 3525 model also has a touchscreen and is slightly lighter and thinner, enhancing portability and interaction. If budget is a primary concern and tasks are light, the 3520 is a sensible pick; however, if you seek better performance and a touchscreen, consider the 3525, acknowledging the higher 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 3520
- The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 15 3525.
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3525
- Good for general use
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.8
6.3
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and 3525 have screens with resolutions and panel types that provide adequate clarity and viewing angles for everyday tasks, making them suitable for general use, but may lack the superior brightness and sharpness that some users prefer. For engineering and design work, their screens do not cover the wider color gamuts needed for precision in color work, limiting their effectiveness for professional graphic tasks. The lower refresh rates of these laptops mean they aren't ideal for 3D work and gaming, where smoother motion and quicker screen updates are crucial for an optimal visual experience.
Cost
$329
$400
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a price of $329 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 costs $400.
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Key similarities
General Use
6.9
7.0
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
259.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.5 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.7/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 15 3525 to be good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is outfitted with an Intel i3 processor and Intel UHD Graphics which provide adequate power for everyday tasks, paired with a non-touchscreen IPS display for fair screen quality, but it has a lower storage capacity which could limit the amount of data saved locally.
Gaming and AI
6.0
6.0
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 with a higher screen refresh rate is more suitable for smooth gaming and 3D experiences, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525, although having a touch screen, has a lower refresh rate which may result in less fluid visuals during fast-paced games and 3D applications. Both laptops have comparable integrated graphics, with the 3520 sporting Intel UHD Graphics and the 3525 having AMD Vega 7, which would offer fair performance for casual gaming and basic 3D tasks but not for demanding gaming scenarios.
Engineering and Design
6.3
6.4
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for engineering and design.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers a modest Intel i3 processor with integrated graphics and an average-quality non-touch IPS screen, making it suitable for entry-level engineering and design tasks. Meanwhile, the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 includes a more capable AMD Ryzen 5 processor with better-integrated graphics and a touch-enabled IPS display, providing a slight edge for engineering and design work that may benefit from touch interaction.
Content Creation
7.0
7.1
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 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
6.7
6.9
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair 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.
Battery
6.5 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has 6.5 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2
6.2
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 both have only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3520 | Dell Inspiron 15 3525 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$329 | $400 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | March 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.83'' | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.75'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.65 lbs | 3.71 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 14.11" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.27" | 9.27" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i3-1215U | AMD Ryzen 5 5625U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 6.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 259 nits | 259 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
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 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Dell Inspiron 15 3520
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Mark Knapp | January 2023
"Dell's Inspiron 15 (3525) is a peppy-enough and affordable-enough home or remote work machine, but it's not very ambitious; it does little to go beyond the basics. More the concern: It’s readily overshadowed by a number of machines that outperform and outclass it. Even if the Inspiron can get the job done today, its competition has the mettle to keep doing the job tomorrow in a way the Inspiron simply can’t promise. Plus, those alternatives are much more enjoyable after work."
Dell Inspiron 15 3525
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Mark Knapp | January 2023
"Dell's Inspiron 15 (3525) is a peppy-enough and affordable-enough home or remote work machine, but it's not very ambitious; it does little to go beyond the basics. More the concern: It’s readily overshadowed by a number of machines that outperform and outclass it. Even if the Inspiron can get the job done today, its competition has the mettle to keep doing the job tomorrow in a way the Inspiron simply can’t promise. Many of its slightly higher-end rivals have to be on sale (and frequently are) to match it on price, but the Inspiron 15 (3525) is outclassed even by some similarly priced options, making it a difficult recommendation."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 or the Dell Inspiron 15 3525
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.
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