The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is a budget-friendly option with essential features suitable for general use, featuring a moderate processor and integrated graphics, making it less ideal for intensive engineering tasks or demanding graphics work. It has a decent amount of storage and RAM for everyday tasks, a larger battery size for longer use between charges, and a full HD screen. On the other hand, the MSI Prestige 16 is pricier, with more storage space, considerably more RAM, and a more powerful processor that can handle engineering software and 3D graphics more effectively. It also boasts a high-resolution display better suited for detailed work and creative pursuits, and its lightweight design enhances portability. If your work involves high-performance tasks and you require a sharper display, the MSI might be the better choice, whereas for regular tasks with budget constraints, the Dell Inspiron may suffice. 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 MSI Prestige 16.
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 16
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Very good speakers
Good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.9/10
8.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The MSI Prestige 16 is very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The MSI Prestige 16 surpasses the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 with a significantly more powerful CPU, quadruple the RAM for smoother multitasking, and a higher quality screen with better resolution and brightness. The Prestige's doubled storage capacity, more premium build which includes a better keyboard and speaker quality, and stronger battery life justify its better suitability for general use, albeit these come with a slightly higher weight and likely a higher price.
Gaming and AI
6.0/10
6.7/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Prestige 16 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the MSI Prestige 16 is somewhat better.
The MSI Prestige 16, equipped with a high-end Iris Xe GPU and a faster 165Hz screen refresh rate, is better suited for gaming and 3D applications compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, which has a lower-tier UHD Graphics GPU and a lower 120Hz refresh rate, making it less optimal for such demanding tasks.
Engineering and Design
6.3/10
8.2/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Prestige 16 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The MSI Prestige 16 excels in engineering and design due to its superior Intel i7 processor, more RAM, and high-quality graphics capabilities, accompanied by a better screen with greater resolution and contrast, enhancing visual work. In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520, with its lower-tier Intel i3 processor, less RAM, and less capable integrated graphics, provides an adequate but less proficient setup for such tasks, although it compensates slightly with marginally better portability due to its lighter weight.
Content Creation
7.0/10
8.3/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Prestige 16 is very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is good.
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
8.1/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 16 is very 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
8.3/10
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The MSI Prestige 16 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Dell Inspiron’s screen offers sufficient resolution and brightness for everyday tasks such as browsing the web and office work, but the MSI Prestige stands out with a higher resolution and brightness that enhances visual clarity. In engineering and design, the MSI Prestige's screen supports a wider range of colors, making it ideal for professionals who need accurate color representation for tasks like photo editing or CAD work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, where a high refresh rate is crucial for smooth motion, both the Dell Inspiron and the MSI Prestige fall short, as neither is designed with a focus on the high refresh rates preferred for these activities.
Build Quality
6.2/10
7.4/10
The MSI Prestige 16 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
$1,611
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a price of $335 and the MSI Prestige 16 costs $1,611.
"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."
"The MSI Prestige 16 Evo: 2023's best value 16” thin & light laptop with i7-13700H. One of the top choices for professionals and students seeking a high-performance, portable computing solution in 2023. While the MSI Prestige 16 Evo A13M may not boast the most striking design compared to some other 16" options, its relatively "safe" styling lends itself well to professional and educational environments. Significantly, it doesn't compromise on essential features like port selection or cooling performance, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient thermal management. The 16 Evo A13M offers an excellent combination of performance, portability, and functionality, making it a compelling choice for professionals and students alike."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 or the MSI Prestige 16
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 MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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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