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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is a budget-friendly option with a larger screen and a number pad on the keyboard but offers less storage and memory, and a lower-tier processor compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i. The Inspiron 15 has a larger battery but weighs more, which may affect portability. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i, while being more expensive, offers higher storage capacity, more memory, and a more powerful processor, potentially leading to better performance for more intensive tasks and multitasking. The IdeaPad also has a smaller, lighter design and a significantly longer battery life, enhancing its portability. Additionally, the IdeaPad includes perks like a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint reader, and a Thunderbolt 4 port for faster data transfer. If price is a concern and you prefer larger screens for general use, the Inspiron may suit you. However, if performance, portability, and advanced features are priorities, particularly for engineering or more demanding applications, the IdeaPad 7i may be worth the additional investment. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i.
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
- Good for general use
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for software development
- Good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Very good battery life
- Good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.9
7.7
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
340.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.5 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.9/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a basic Intel i3 processor and 8GB RAM, making it fair for general use, with decent portability and an average battery life that might not support long hours away from a power source. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i boasts a more powerful Intel i7 processor and 16GB RAM, resulting in smoother performance for multitasking, and it offers better screen quality, a lighter build, longer battery life, enhancing its suitability for users needing a high-performing, portable laptop for a variety of tasks.
Engineering and Design
6.3
7.1
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i outperforms the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 in several key areas for engineering and design: it has a higher-tier CPU, double the RAM, a more capable GPU, and a higher-quality screen, contributing to smoother multitasking and better graphic performance. Despite both being reasonably portable and well-built, the IdeaPad is lighter and has a higher portability score, making it a better choice for those who need to work on the go.
Content Creation
7.0
7.7
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both good for content creation, though the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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
7.5
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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
6.9
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
340.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has a better screen for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i is favored due to its higher resolution and brighter display, which enhances reading and media consumption, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520's lesser brightness and lower resolution result in less crisp and vibrant visuals. In engineering and design, the IdeaPad's superior color accuracy and wider color gamuts offer a more true-to-life representation crucial for precise work, whereas the Inspiron falls short in providing that level of detail. However, both laptops are not ideal for gaming and 3D purposes, as neither have the high refresh rates needed for smooth motion, with the Inspiron further lagging behind due to its modest resolution and panel type which do not optimally support such graphic-intensive activities.
Battery
6.5 Hours
11.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has 11.5 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.
Portability
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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
$899
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a price of $329 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i costs $899.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.0
6.2
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
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
9.5/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520, with its higher screen refresh rate, offers a smoother visual experience for gaming and 3D applications, but its GPU, while capable, is not top-of-the-line. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has a better GPU performance due to the Intel Iris Xe, but its lower screen refresh rate may not deliver as fluid motion in fast-paced games and 3D environments.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3520 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$329 | $899 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | October 1, 2020 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.83'' | 12.6'' x 8.2'' x 0.59'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.65 lbs | 2.99 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 12.62" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.27" | 8.2" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i3-1215U | Intel i7-1165G7 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 11.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 60.7 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 14" | |
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 | 340 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
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 | 9.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
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 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
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."
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Ted Needleman
| January 2022
"Among Lenovo's multiple laptop brands, the IdeaPad family is decidedly the one designed for consumers: people who want decent performance at a reasonable price. Consider, then, this laptop a paragon for the pickier members of that crowd. With a 14-inch touch-enabled display, a comfortable keyboard, an Evo-certified Intel Core i7 11th Generation CPU, and the latest Windows 11 operating system, the IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro ultraportable ($1,199 as tested) is a slick mainstream machine at a bit of a premium price, and quite capable for everyday tasks."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
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.
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