The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is less expensive and lighter, making it easier to carry around, but it has lower performance compared to the Lenovo LOQ 15 which has a better processor and graphics card, more RAM, and a larger storage capacity, making it well suited for more demanding tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, or engineering software. The Lenovo also has a higher battery capacity which may lead to longer usage times between charges but is heavier, affecting its portability. Both have similar screen sizes and types though, and neither is a touchscreen. If budget is a priority and your tasks are more general, the Dell could suffice, but if you need high performance for complex tasks and gaming, and are willing to invest more, the Lenovo would be the better option. 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 portability
Advantages of the Lenovo LOQ 15
Good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good for software development
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.9/10
7.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
329.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.6/10
The Lenovo LOQ 15 is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is decent for general use, offering a fair balance of portability, screen quality, and sufficient RAM for everyday tasks, but it has a lower-tier CPU and less impressive battery life. In contrast, the Lenovo LOQ 15 excels with a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and a vibrant screen, enhancing performance for a variety of tasks, albeit with slightly less emphasis on portability due to its additional weight and slightly shorter battery life.
Gaming and AI
6.0/10
7.5/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Lenovo LOQ 15 is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Lenovo LOQ 15 is rated better for gaming and 3D tasks because it comes with a more powerful Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU and a higher screen refresh rate than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, which has an Intel i3-1215U UHD Graphics GPU and a lower refresh rate. While both feature IPS displays with full HD resolution, the Lenovo's superior GPU and refresh rate provide a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
Engineering and Design
6.3/10
7.9/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo LOQ 15 is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Lenovo LOQ 15 is better suited for engineering and design use due to its superior processing power with an AMD Ryzen 7 chip and double the RAM, as well as a more powerful Nvidia RTX GPU, enhancing computational and graphics tasks vital for such applications. Meanwhile, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, with a less robust Intel i3 processor and integrated graphics, offers fair performance for engineering and design but falls short in both computing and graphic-intensive work.
Content Creation
7.0/10
7.6/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo LOQ 15 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both good for content creation, though the Lenovo LOQ 15 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
6.7/10
7.5/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
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 LOQ 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
6.8/10
7.1/10
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
329.0 nits
The Lenovo LOQ 15 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520, while adequate for everyday tasks, offers a screen that lacks in resolution and brightness, impacting its suitability for detailed engineering work and providing a less immersive experience during gaming. The Lenovo LOQ 15, on the other hand, provides a sharper and brighter display, enhancing the clarity and vibrancy needed for engineering and design applications, albeit neither laptops are geared towards gaming, as they both lack high refresh rates necessary for smooth, responsive gameplay. While the Lenovo stands out for professional use, gamers should consider other options to meet the fast-paced visual demands of gaming.
Portability
Good
Fair
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
5.2 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has good portability, while the Lenovo LOQ 15 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2/10
7.4/10
The Lenovo LOQ 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
$335
$1,179
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a price of $335 and the Lenovo LOQ 15 costs $1,179.
"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."
"Even after a short time with the LOQ 15, you'll find it has a lot going for it, but ultimately it's just "good"—not quite a star. The performance is respectable for the hardware it’s running, but Lenovo had to make some design sacrifices to trim the price. One of the better aspects is the keyboard, making it one of the better low-cost gaming laptops to actually put your hands on."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 or the Lenovo LOQ 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 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.
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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