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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers a larger screen and a number pad on the keyboard which may be beneficial for productivity, but it is bulkier and has a lower battery life compared to the Framework Laptop 13 (2023). The Framework, on the other hand, is more expensive but offers a higher resolution screen, a better portability score, and newer processors that could provide better performance for general use, 3D rendering, and engineering tasks. It also has a more modern look with expandable storage and RAM options, and includes additional features like a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader. If portability and future-proofing are priorities, the Framework Laptop may be a better choice, while the Dell is more budget-friendly for everyday tasks. 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 Framework Laptop 13 (2023).
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
- Good for general use
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for software development
- Good overall display quality
- Good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.9
7.5
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) provides a superior general use experience due to its higher-resolution screen with better color accuracy and higher brightness, coupled with a more powerful CPU and increased battery capacity. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, while featuring a larger screen, has a processor that offers less performance, a display with lower color coverage and brightness, and a shorter battery life, which may affect multitasking and media consumption.
Engineering and Design
6.3
7.3
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers fair performance, with lower-tier CPU and GPU capabilities and standard display and RAM, impacting its suitability for more demanding engineering tasks, although it has decent portability and quiet operation. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) provides good performance for engineering and design use with a stronger CPU and GPU, higher quality display and RAM options, though it is slightly less portable and has a louder operating noise.
Content Creation
7.0
7.5
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both good for content creation, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is somewhat better.
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
7.6
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
7.4
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron's screen may not offer the fine detail and brightness preferred for everyday tasks, while its color range may restrict the precision needed for engineering and design work. The Framework Laptop, with better resolution and brightness, provides a clearer and more vibrant display for daily productivity and creative tasks, albeit still lacking the color gamut breadth for professional design accuracy. Neither laptop offers the high refresh rates required for smooth visuals in gaming and 3D applications, compromising the experience in these areas.
Portability
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
7.8
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
$1,079
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a price of $335 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.0
6.3
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers moderate gaming performance with its Intel UHD Graphics and a higher screen refresh rate of 120Hz for smoother visuals, whereas the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)'s Intel Iris Xe Graphics provide similar gaming capabilities but with a standard refresh rate of 60Hz which may not be as smooth for fast-paced games. Both laptops have limitations due to integrated graphics, but the Dell has a slight edge in screen fluidity, and the Framework Laptop compensates with a higher resolution screen for sharper images.
Battery
6.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 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.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3520 | Framework Laptop 13 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$335 | $1,079 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.83'' | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.65 lbs | 2.95 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 11.7" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.27" | 9.01" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i3-1215U | Intel i5-1340P | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 55 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2256 x 1504 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 259 nits | 472 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.7/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 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 | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
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."
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 or the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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 Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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