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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is more expensive and offers better performance for general use, engineering tasks, and has a larger screen, which is better for multitasking and productivity. However, it's heavier and has a shorter battery life, making it less portable. Conversely, the Gateway 11.6" is more affordable, very portable due to its small size and lighter weight, and has a higher battery life. Its smaller screen and lower performance make it more suitable for basic tasks and on-the-go usage rather than intensive workloads. Choose the Inspiron if performance and screen size are priorities, or the Gateway if portability and cost are more important. 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
- Good for content creation
Advantages of the Gateway 11.6"
- Excellent portability
Key differences
General Use
6.9
5.6
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.1/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair for general use, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 provides a better overall experience for general use due to its larger storage space, more RAM, and a faster CPU, which collectively improve performance. Its higher-resolution screen and larger display also enhance the viewing experience compared to the Gateway 11.6", which has a smaller, lower-resolution screen and less-capable CPU and less RAM, detracting from multitasking and general productivity.
Gaming and AI
6.0
5.4
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is more suitable for gaming and 3D applications than the Gateway 11.6" because it has a GPU that can handle gaming at a basic level and a screen with a higher refresh rate of 120Hz, which makes for smoother visuals in fast-paced games. In contrast, the Gateway 11.6" has a less capable GPU and a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, limiting its performance and gaming experience.
Engineering and Design
6.3
5.4
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair for engineering and design, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is better suited for engineering and design due to its stronger Intel i3 processor, more RAM, and an IPS screen with a higher resolution which contributes to better screen quality. Conversely, the Gateway 11.6" has a less powerful Intel Celeron processor, less RAM, and a lower-resolution display, which makes it less capable of handling the demands of engineering and design software.
Content Creation
7.0
5.7
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
8.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is good for content creation, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
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
5.7
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
8.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair for software development, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
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
5.7
15.6in
SIZE
11.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a better screen than the Gateway 11.6" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520's screen offers enough resolution and brightness for everyday tasks but may not provide the wide color coverage needed for precise engineering and design work, and the standard refresh rate is not ideal for the smooth visuals required in Gaming and 3D applications. The Gateway 11.6" has a screen that may lack the resolution and brightness that users typically need for comfort in general use, and the limited color gamut and lower resolution impacts detailed design work adversely. For 3D and gaming, the refresh rate of the Gateway, which is generally lower on such small and budget-friendly laptops, fails to deliver the fluidity and quick response that enhances the experience in fast-paced visual scenarios.
Battery
6.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Gateway 11.6" 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
11.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.6 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Gateway 11.6" has excellent portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2
5.1
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has only fair build quality, while the Gateway 11.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$329
$89
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a price of $329 and the Gateway 11.6" costs $89.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and the Gateway 11.6" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3520 | Gateway 11.6" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$329 | $89 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | August 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.83'' | 11'' x 7.5'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.65 lbs | 2.6 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 11" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.27" | 7.5" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i3-1215U | Intel Celeron N4020 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 64 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | Unknown | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 11.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1366 x 768 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 259 nits | 200 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 0 | |
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."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 or the Gateway 11.6"
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 Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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