If price is a major concern and your needs don't include heavy tasks, the Dell Inspiron may serve you well; however, the Framework Laptop is built for future upgrades and repairs, offering better performance for demanding applications like 3D design, machine learning, and gaming. The Framework will also likely have superior build quality, but the Dell offers a good balance of performance and value for everyday use. Keep in mind that the Framework is also designed with portability and sustainability in mind, making it easier to carry and environmentally conscious. 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 Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.0/10
8.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is good.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 offers a balance of performance and value with sufficient CPU and RAM for everyday tasks, a decent screen, and adequate portability and battery life, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious users. However, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) excels with a higher-end CPU, more RAM, superior screen quality, better battery life, and enhanced portability, catering to those who require a stronger performance for more demanding applications and appreciate a laptop that can last longer on-the-go.
Gaming and AI
6.0/10
6.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are equipped with GPUs that can handle games and 3D applications decently, but they aren't top-tier, which may result in a less smooth visual experience compared to specialized gaming laptops. Both have reasonable refresh rates and adequate CPUs for a fair gaming experience, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a better screen quality which can enhance the overall visual enjoyment when gaming or using 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
6.4/10
8.1/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 offers adequate processing power, memory, and visuals for engineering tasks but may lag behind in more demanding applications, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023), with a more robust CPU, higher RAM, enhanced GPU, and superior screen quality, provides smoother performance for complex designs and simulations. Although the Inspiron is lighter and thus more portable, the Framework's better keyboard and quieter operation, along with its solid build, can significantly improve the overall user experience for engineering and design professionals.
Content Creation
7.1/10
8.1/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 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
6.9/10
8.0/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very 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.
Screen Quality
6.3/10
8.4/10
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
Considering your needs, the Dell Inspiron may suffice for routine tasks due to its acceptable panel type, resolution, and brightness but falls short for engineering due to limited color accuracy and coverage. The Framework Laptop, with its superior display, offers enhanced clarity and color fidelity, making it more suitable for engineering and design work. Yet, for gaming or 3D applications, neither laptop is ideal as their refresh rates are not designed for the high frame rates required for smooth visuals in fast-paced scenarios.
Battery
6.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 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
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very 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
$1,699
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has a price of $400 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
"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."
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 or the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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 Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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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