A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 12, 2024·
If you require a laptop with higher performance for tasks like engineering software, video editing, or gaming, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, despite being more expensive, would be the better choice. However, if your needs are more towards general use such as web browsing, document editing, or media consumption, and portability is a priority, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" could offer sufficient performance with the added benefit of being lighter and potentially having a longer battery life due to its less powerful components. Remember that with the lower cost of the Lenovo, you're also likely to see lesser performance capabilities and build quality compared to the Dell. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
- Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
6.9
6.1
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" are both only fair for general use, though the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is somewhat better.
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
5.5
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
10.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers fair gaming and 3D performance thanks to its better-performing integrated GPU and higher screen refresh rate, providing smoother visuals. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" displays poorer performance in these tasks due to its less capable GPU and a lower screen refresh rate, which may result in more noticeable lag during fast-paced gaming and less fluid 3D rendering.
Engineering and Design
6.3
5.5
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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is fair for engineering and design because it has a stronger CPU, more RAM, and a higher quality IPS display, crucial for such tasks, whereas the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor due to a weaker Celeron processor, less RAM, and a lower resolution TN screen that doesn't render colors as accurately or provide as wide viewing angles. Despite the IdeaPad's superior portability and quiet operation, its hardware limitations make it less suitable for demanding engineering software and detailed design work.
Content Creation
7.0
6.2
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
TN
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
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.
Screen Quality
6.8
5.3
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520's fair screen suggests it offers acceptable resolution, panel type, and brightness, whereas the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" falls short in these aspects, reducing clarity and viewability. When it comes to engineering and design tasks, the Dell's fair screen quality hints at sufficient color accuracy and range, which are critical for precise work, but the Lenovo may not meet the professional standards due to its limitations in color representation. For 3D and gaming, the higher refresh rate of the Dell makes it more suitable for smooth motion, but the poor rating for both indicates they may not support the high resolution and fast panel types preferred for an optimal experience in these demanding applications.
Battery
6.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" 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
14.0in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$329
$150
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a price of $329 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" costs $150.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
Software Development
6.7
6.4
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
6.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" are both only fair for software development.
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.
Build Quality
6.2
6.0
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" both have only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3520 | Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$329 | $150 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.83'' | 12.9'' x 9.3'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.65 lbs | 3.09 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 12.88" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.27" | 9.25" | |
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 | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 32 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | TN | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1366 x 768 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 259 nits | 239 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.7/10 | 8.3/10 | |
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 | 10/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 1 | |
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
See more
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."
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Tom Brant | August 2021
"The IdeaPad 1 14 is a simple machine, but it’s well-designed and has nearly everything you’d expect from a no-nonsense laptop that allows you to check emails and get schoolwork or other light tasks done with relative ease. A "true" 128GB SSD (as opposed to an eMMC drive) and a roomy 14-inch full HD display are arguably the star attractions, with the comfortable keyboard and reasonably modern styling playing important backup roles."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
127,095
Recommendations made
27,538
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
Featured in
