If you prioritize performance and are planning to do tasks that require a more powerful processor and additional memory, the Dell Latitude 5330 with its better CPU and more RAM is the better choice; however, it comes at a higher cost. Its smaller size and lightweight design also mean it's more portable and it has longer battery life, making it ideal for frequent travelers or commuters. Conversely, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 comes at a lower price and has a more robust build, which could be well-suited for general use or if you're on a tighter budget. Despite its lower price, it has a larger screen, but you'll need to contend with a heavier weight and shorter battery life. Both laptops have similar storage options, but the Latitude's premium features justify its higher price, particularly if professional use or multitasking is a necessity. 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 Latitude 5330.
Advantages of the Dell Latitude 5330
Good for general use
Good for software development
Good overall build quality
Very good portability
Very good speakers
Good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.9/10
7.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
286.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The Dell Latitude 5330 is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Dell Latitude 5330 outshines the Inspiron 15 3520 in general use due to its superior processor, double the RAM, and better battery life, ensuring smoother multitasking and longer unplugged usage. Additionally, the Latitude 5330 offers greater portability with a lighter and more compact form, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers, although it may come at a higher cost.
Engineering and Design
6.3/10
6.9/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Latitude 5330 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for engineering and design, though the Dell Latitude 5330 is somewhat better.
The Dell Latitude 5330 outperforms the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 in the engineering and design realm mainly due to its superior CPU and doubled RAM, which are critical for such tasks, and it also boasts a premium build quality and a higher battery capacity for longer use. While both possess similar quality screens and GPUs suited for professional workloads, the Latitude's added portability and quieter operating noise offer additional benefits for on-the-go engineers and designers.
Software Development
6.7/10
7.3/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Latitude 5330 is good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
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
6.8/10
6.3/10
15.6in
SIZE
13.3in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
286.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a better screen than the Dell Latitude 5330 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the Dell Latitude 5330 has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
If you're mainly browsing the web, watching videos, or working with documents, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and the Dell Latitude 5330 will suffice with their resolution and brightness, but don't expect exceptional clarity or vividness. For engineering and design tasks that require precise colors, both models offer only fair performance since their color coverage may not meet the high standards needed for professional work. And for gaming or 3D rendering, both laptops fall short due to their lower refresh rates and average resolution, which can make fast-moving images less smooth and detailed.
Battery
6.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Dell Latitude 5330 has 9 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
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
13.3in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.6 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Latitude 5330 has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2/10
7.4/10
The Dell Latitude 5330 has good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$335
$590
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a price of $335 and the Dell Latitude 5330 costs $590.
The Dell Latitude 5330 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers better gaming and 3D experiences due to its higher screen refresh rate, which makes for a smoother visual experience, compared to the Dell Latitude 5330 which has a lower refresh rate. However, the Latitude 5330 comes with a more advanced GPU, Intel Iris Xe, which is superior to the Inspiron's Intel UHD Graphics, leading to better performance in graphics-intensive tasks despite its lower refresh rate.
Content Creation
7.0/10
7.4/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Latitude 5330 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.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and the Dell Latitude 5330 compare to other laptops
"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."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 or the Dell Latitude 5330
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.
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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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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