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 10, 2024·
If portability and battery life are crucial for you, then the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo could be the right choice as it is lighter, has a longer battery life, and the added benefit of a touchscreen with a higher resolution and brightness which makes it good for general use and professional tasks. However, it is more expensive. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is more budget-friendly with a larger screen but heavier and has a shorter battery life, making it less portable. It lacks a touchscreen but includes a number pad if that's important for your work. It will serve well for general use and basic engineering tasks, but if your work involves more intensive applications or multitasking, the MSI, with its more powerful processor and double the RAM, would be more capable. 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 Summit E13 Flip Evo.
Advantages of the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo
- Good for general use
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for software development
- Good overall display quality
- Good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Very good battery life
- Very good speakers
- Good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.9
7.6
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
517.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.9/10
The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo is good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has an adequate processor and memory for casual tasks, but its bulkier size and shorter battery life make it less ideal for frequent travelers or long hours away from a power source compared to the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo. The MSI Summit, with its higher-end processor, more memory, and 2-in-1 convertible design, offers better screen quality and longer battery life, along with greater portability, making it better suited for diverse general use and demanding tasks.
Engineering and Design
6.3
7.3
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is only fair.
The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo provides better performance for engineering and design tasks due to its more powerful Intel i7 processor, double the RAM, and higher-end integrated graphics compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3520's Intel i3 processor, less RAM, and standard integrated graphics.
Content Creation
7.0
7.5
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both good for content creation, though the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo 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
7.4
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo 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
7.3
15.6in
SIZE
13.4in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
517.0 nits
The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520, with its fair screen specifications, offers adequate resolution and brightness for everyday tasks but its color coverage may not be ideal for engineering and design work that relies on precise color accuracy, and its modest refresh rate limits its ability to deliver smooth visuals needed for gaming and 3D applications. The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo's higher-quality display supports broader color gamuts, making it suitable for professionals in engineering and design who require accurate color representation; however, like the Dell, its lower refresh rate is a drawback for gaming and 3D content. Both laptops, while fine for casual use, wouldn't be optimal choices for users looking for a premium visual experience in high-motion scenarios like gaming or advanced 3D modeling.
Battery
6.5 Hours
11.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo has 11 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
13.4in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo 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
7.4
The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo 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
$699
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a price of $329 and the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo costs $699.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.0
6.3
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.0/10
The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers a higher screen refresh rate beneficial for gaming, but is equipped with a less capable i3 integrated GPU which is not ideal for intensive gaming or 3D tasks. On the other hand, the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo, despite having a lower refresh rate, includes a slightly more powerful i7 integrated GPU and a touchscreen with a higher resolution which could enhance general use and productivity, but still may not be the best fit for demanding gaming and 3D applications.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 and the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3520 | MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$329 | $699 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | August 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.83'' | 11.8'' x 8.8'' x 0.59'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.65 lbs | 2.98 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 11.82" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.27" | 8.75" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i3-1215U | Intel i7-1260P | |
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 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 70 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 13.4" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 259 nits | 517 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 7.4/10 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
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 | 1 | |
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
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."
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | April 2021
"MSI wants to prove that it can do more than just gaming laptops and the Summit E13 Flip is a great example of what the manufacturer is capable of especially in terms of aesthetics and performance. Normally for subnotebooks or convertibles, TDP and performance are often below average as makers want to meet slimmer designs and lower weight targets. The Summit manages to outperform others in its size class and category while still looking sleek and portable in the process. If you want a convertible that won't throttle significantly when under load, then this MSI will be one of the better options you can find."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 or the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Dell Inspiron 15 3520 vs. Acer Aspire 3 15
VS
Compare Dell Inspiron 15 3520 vs. Jumper 16" Laptop
VS
Compare Dell Inspiron 15 3520 vs. HP 250 G10
VS
Compare MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo vs. HP 15" Laptop
VS
Compare MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo vs. HP Victus 15
VS
Compare MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo vs. Acer Aspire 5 15
VS
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
127,995
Recommendations made
27,733
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
