For general use and budget considerations, the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is more affordable, but the Dell Latitude 5431 offers longer battery life and is slightly more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight. If performance for engineering tasks is a priority, the Latitude 5431 has higher performance capabilities, and it features a more professional-looking build and extra features like a fingerprint reader. The Inspiron 15 3525 is better for tasks that benefit from a touchscreen, though it has half the storage capacity of the Latitude. Choose the Latitude 5431 for its overall capabilities if budget is less of a concern; otherwise, the Inspiron 15 may suffice for more casual use and is easier on the wallet. 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 3525
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has no clear advantages over the Dell Latitude 5431.
Advantages of the Dell Latitude 5431
Good for software development
Good overall build quality
Very good speakers
Good keyboard
Key differences
Engineering and Design
6.4/10
6.9/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.1/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both only fair for engineering and design, though the Dell Latitude 5431 is somewhat better.
The Dell Latitude 5431 offers better suitability for engineering and design because it has more RAM and a higher quality CPU, which are very important for such tasks, whereas the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has less RAM and a modest CPU, making it less powerful for demanding workloads. Furthermore, the Latitude 5431 includes features such as a premium business laptop build and Windows 11 Pro, enhancing its performance and durability in professional settings, while the Inspiron 15 3525, although larger in screen size and storage space, is designed more for general use with Windows 11 Home.
Screen Quality
6.3/10
6.1/10
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
241.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has a better screen than the Dell Latitude 5431 for general use, and engineering and design, while the Dell Latitude 5431 has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and the Dell Latitude 5431 have screens that offer acceptable viewing experiences thanks to their decent resolution and brightness, although they might not have the most vibrant panels. In engineering and design, users may find the color accuracy and range slightly lacking as these laptops may not fully cover professional color gamuts like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB, which are crucial for precision work. When it comes to 3D applications and gaming, the lower refresh rates of these laptops' screens can make for less fluid visuals, which could detract from the immersive experience that is often desired in these scenarios.
Battery
6.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Dell Latitude 5431 has 9 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.
Build Quality
6.2/10
7.4/10
The Dell Latitude 5431 has good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$400
$950
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has a price of $400 and the Dell Latitude 5431 costs $950.
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is rated as fair for general use largely because it has less RAM and a less powerful CPU than the Dell Latitude 5431, which is marked as good for the same purpose. Additionally, even though the Inspiron 15 3525 offers a larger screen and more storage, the Latitude 5431 compensates with better portability due to being lighter and boasting a longer battery life.
Gaming and AI
6.0/10
6.2/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and the Dell Latitude 5431 are both considered fair for gaming and 3D because they have integrated GPUs, which are less powerful than dedicated gaming GPUs, and standard screen refresh rates, which are lower than the higher rates often preferred for gaming. The Inspiron has an AMD Ryzen GPU and the Latitude has an Intel Iris Xe GPU, which are capable for general use but may not handle intensive gaming graphics as well; both models use IPS screens with a refresh rate typical for non-gaming laptops.
Content Creation
7.1/10
7.4/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both good for content creation.
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
6.9/10
7.3/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Latitude 5431 to be good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.3 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and the Dell Latitude 5431 compare to other laptops
"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. Many of its slightly higher-end rivals have to be on sale (and frequently are) to match it on price, but the Inspiron 15 (3525) is outclassed even by some similarly priced options, making it a difficult recommendation."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 or the Dell Latitude 5431
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.
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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