Dell Inspiron 15 3520 vs Lenovo ThinkPad T14

The Dell Inspiron 15 3520, while suitable for basic tasks, may lag behind in performance and screen quality compared to the Lenovo ThinkPad T14, which offers a more powerful CPU and better display, catering well to more demanding general use. The ThinkPad T14 also balances portability and battery life more effectively, making it a stronger choice for users needing to work on the go, although the Inspiron may have advantages in storage capacity and be more budget-friendly.

When considering both the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 for gaming and 3D tasks, the GPU and screen refresh rate are very important; both models may offer adequate performance, but they won't match high-end gaming laptops with more powerful graphics cards and higher refresh rates. While their CPUs and screen quality are also relevant, as they affect overall performance and visual fidelity, they might not compensate for the limitations in GPU and refresh rate for the most demanding gaming and 3D applications.

The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 typically has modest processing power and graphics capabilities which might be adequate for entry-level engineering tasks, but its screen may not be as high-quality as needed for detailed design work. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 usually offers stronger CPU and GPU performance for complex engineering software and better screen resolution, coupled with a more comfortable keyboard and quieter operation, making it a superior choice for intensive engineering and design, although it may be less portable and more expensive.

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.

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.

For general use, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 offers a higher resolution and brightness, ensuring clearer and more vibrant displays, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 provides a serviceable screen but may not be as sharp or bright. In engineering and design, the ThinkPad T14's superior color gamut coverage allows for more accurate color representation, which is crucial for detailed work, whereas the Inspiron's color range is more limited. Regarding 3D applications, the T14 and Inspiron may not satisfy due to their lower refresh rates, though the T14's marginally better resolution and panel type give it a slight edge, the lack of a high refresh rate means neither is ideal for high-frame-rate 3D content.

Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.