If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers lower performance but comes at a significantly lower price, suitable for general use and some multitasking. In contrast, the Dell XPS 15 is pricier but provides higher performance suitable for more intensive tasks like engineering, 3D rendering, and machine learning. The XPS 15 also features a better display, longer battery life, and a higher build quality, making it a more robust option for demanding applications. Portability is similar, though the XPS 15 is slightly heavier due to its larger battery and more powerful components. 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 XPS 15.
Advantages of the Dell XPS 15
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.9/10
8.2/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
606.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.7/10
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
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
6.0/10
6.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
9.1/10
The Dell XPS 15 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Dell XPS 15 is somewhat better.
The Dell XPS 15 offers superior gaming and 3D capabilities over the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 due to its high-powered GPU, the Intel Arc A370M, compared to the basic Intel UHD Graphics of the Inspiron. While both have comparable screen sizes and types, the XPS's better CPU performance and higher screen quality, including a higher resolution and color coverage, contribute to its advantage in gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
6.3/10
8.1/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.4/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is fair for engineering and design owing to its basic Intel i3 processor and integrated graphics, which may struggle with demanding applications, while its screen offers lower brightness and color coverage. In contrast, the Dell XPS 15 is rated good for these tasks because of its more powerful Intel i7 processor, dedicated graphics card, and screen with higher brightness and broader color spectrum, which provide better performance and visuals for engineering and design software.
Content Creation
7.0/10
8.3/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 15 is very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 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.
Software Development
6.7/10
8.1/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Dell XPS 15 is very 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
7.4/10
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
606.0 nits
The Dell XPS 15 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers a screen that meets the basic needs for non-specialized tasks with its adequate resolution and brightness, but its moderate color range may not impress creative professionals who need precise color representation. On the other hand, the Dell XPS 15 boasts a high-resolution, bright display with an extensive color palette, satisfying both general users and those in engineering or design by rendering sharp images with accurate colors. However, neither laptop is optimal for Gaming or 3D applications, as they lack high refresh rates necessary for smooth visuals in fast-paced scenes or detailed modeling work.
Battery
6.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Dell XPS 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
8.5/10
The Dell XPS 15 has very 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
$1,000
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a price of $335 and the Dell XPS 15 costs $1,000.
"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."
"The 2023 Dell XPS 15 is more or less exactly what you'd expect from the company flagship. Its fresh components deliver measurably superior power and longevity, while the machine's premium build and design remain intact. It may not be overly exciting, but XPS loyalists and upgraders should be more than happy."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 or the Dell XPS 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.
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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