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The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and the HP Envy x360 15" depends on what you value most in a laptop. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option for basic tasks like browsing and office applications, the Dell Inspiron might suit your needs with its lower price. However, if you prefer a laptop with better performance, particularly for more intensive tasks or multitasking, and don't mind spending a bit more, the HP Envy x360 offers a more powerful processor. The HP Envy x360 also provides versatility with its 2-in-1 convertible feature, allowing it to function as both a laptop and a tablet, giving you flexibility in how you use your device. Additionally, the HP has a more robust battery, which could be crucial if you need your laptop to run for extended periods without charging. On the downside, the HP Envy is slightly heavier, which could be a factor if portability is a priority for you. 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 HP Envy x360 15".
Advantages of the HP Envy x360 15"
- Good for general use
- Good for software development
- Good overall build quality
- Very good battery life
- Very good speakers
- Good keyboard
Key differences
Software Development
6.7
7.2
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The HP Envy x360 15" 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
6.2
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
271.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a better screen than the HP Envy x360 15" for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the HP Envy x360 15" has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and HP Envy x360 offer screens that provide enough clarity and brightness for comfortable reading, video streaming, and web browsing, but they may lack the sharpness and vividness of higher-end displays. In engineering and design, while both laptops can handle basic tasks, they don't offer the color accuracy or wide color gamuts necessary for professional-grade graphic work, meaning colors might not be as precise or vibrant. When it comes to gaming and 3D applications, the refresh rate on both laptops isn't high enough for smooth motion rendering, and the lower resolution and panel quality could result in less immersive experiences.
Battery
6.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The HP Envy x360 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
7.2
The HP Envy x360 15" 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
$329
$430
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a price of $329 and the HP Envy x360 15" costs $430.
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Key similarities
General Use
6.9
7.2
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
271.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers HP Envy x360 15" to be good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The HP Envy x360 15" offers a stronger CPU, longer battery life, a 2-in-1 convertible form factor with touchscreen, and significantly better heat management and portability than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, all of which contribute to its ranking as good for general use.
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
8.7/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and HP Envy x360 15" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers fair gaming and 3D performance due to its decent screen refresh rate but is limited by its basic integrated graphics. In contrast, the HP Envy x360 15" also has fair performance with a stronger CPU and better-integrated graphics but a lower screen refresh rate.
Engineering and Design
6.3
6.5
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The HP Envy x360 15" and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for engineering and design.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers an Intel i3 CPU and Intel UHD Graphics which provide modest power for engineering tasks, while its IPS screen ensures decent quality visuals, but the components might limit performance in more intensive design applications. On the other hand, the HP Envy x360 15" with an AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and Vega 7 graphics is also a 2-in-1 convertible, which could be an advantage for design flexibility, and it offers similar RAM and screen quality, but again, might not handle the most demanding engineering software due to its integrated GPU.
Content Creation
7.0
7.3
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The HP Envy x360 15" 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.4 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and HP Envy x360 15" both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and the HP Envy x360 15" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3520 | HP Envy x360 15" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$329 | $430 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | April 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.83'' | 14.1'' x 9'' x 0.72'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.65 lbs | 4.43 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 14.07" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.27" | 8.99" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i3-1215U | AMD Ryzen 5 7530U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 55 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 | 271 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.7/10 | 7.7/10 | |
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 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
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."
HP Envy x360 15"
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Dig into reviews and images
CNET
Matt Elliott | January 2023
"Despite its good looks, stellar webcam and comfortable keyboard, the Envy x360 15 is hard to recommend because of its dim, 16:9 display. If the display isn't an issue for you, just be sure to wait for a good sale price. Otherwise, a more modern two-in-one with a 16:10 display such as the Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 or Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 provides a larger workspace without adding much to the size and weight of the system."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 or the HP Envy x360 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.
About HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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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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About the laptop team
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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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