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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 12, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 offers better overall performance due to its AMD Ryzen 5 processor and higher screen resolution, which means it's more suited for tasks that require more power, like photo editing or multitasking. With its larger screen, it's more comfortable for extended use, but its portability is reduced compared to the HP Stream 14". The HP Stream 14", on the other hand, is significantly less expensive and offers better portability due to its smaller size and lower weight. However, it comes with a lower-powered Intel Celeron processor and a lower resolution screen, making it more suitable for basic tasks like browsing and document editing. If cost is a primary concern and your usage is light, the HP Stream may suit you well, but if you need a machine for more demanding tasks and better visuals, investing in the Dell Inspiron 15 could be the better choice. 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
- Good for general use
- Good for content creation
Advantages of the HP Stream 14"
- Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
7.0
6.5
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.1/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is good for general use, while the HP Stream 14" is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is considered suitable for general use due to its more powerful AMD Ryzen processor, the ample 8GB of RAM, and its full HD IPS touchscreen which provides a clearer and more vivid display than the HP Stream 14", but it is slightly less portable and has shorter battery life. The HP Stream 14", while also fair for general use, has the advantage of greater RAM at 16GB and slightly better portability due to its smaller size and lighter weight, but is hindered by a less capable Intel Celeron processor and a lower resolution TN screen, which is less sharp and vibrant.
Engineering and Design
6.4
5.7
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.4/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is only fair for engineering and design, while the HP Stream 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is more suitable for engineering and design tasks due to its better CPU (AMD Ryzen 5 5625U), more capable integrated GPU (Vega 7), and higher-quality IPS screen with Full HD resolution, which are crucial for such demanding tasks.
Screen Quality
6.3
5.2
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has a better screen than the HP Stream 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Dell Inspiron 15 3525's fair screen quality stems from an adequate balance of resolution and brightness, making it comfortable for everyday tasks like browsing and document editing, but it may lack the crisp details desired by more discerning users. In contrast, engineering and design users might find the Dell acceptable for casual work, as it covers basic color needs, but professionals requiring precise color accuracy for critical projects may find the screen limiting due to less comprehensive color gamut coverage. Meanwhile, gamers and 3D designers would find the laptop's refresh rate insufficient for smooth motion and fast-paced visuals, and while the resolution and panel type may be adequate, the overall experience won't satisfy those who seek high-performance graphics and fluid gameplay.
Build Quality
6.2
5.5
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has only fair build quality, while the HP Stream 14" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$400
$299
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has a price of $400 and the HP Stream 14" costs $299.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.0
5.7
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 15 3525 to be only fair for gaming and AI, while the HP Stream 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has a more capable integrated GPU in the AMD Ryzen processor and a full HD IPS display which enhances gaming and 3D performance compared to the HP Stream 14", which has a lower-end Intel UHD integrated GPU and a less crisp TN display with lower resolution. Both laptops have standard screen refresh rates, but the Dell's superior GPU and screen quality give it an edge for these tasks, despite both being limited compared to dedicated gaming laptops.
Content Creation
7.1
6.7
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 15 3525 to be good for content creation, while the HP Stream 14" is only fair.
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
6.5
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.4/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and HP Stream 14" are both only fair for software development.
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.
Battery
6.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The HP Stream 14" has 7.5 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
14.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers HP Stream 14" to have very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and the HP Stream 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3525 | HP Stream 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$400 | $299 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2022 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.75'' | 12.8'' x 8.9'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.71 lbs | 3.5 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 12.76" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.27" | 8.86" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5625U | Intel Celeron N4120 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 320 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | TN | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1366 x 768 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 259 nits | 220 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
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 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Dell Inspiron 15 3525
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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. 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."
HP Stream 14"
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Zachary Cuevas | November 2021
"With half of the main system memory and a fraction of the storage that we recommend in any budget Windows laptop, the HP Stream 14 does not impress. Perhaps it doesn't need to, depending on your reference point. For the price, you're getting a functional laptop with Windows 10, which already places the HP Stream 14 above most Chromebooks on that merit alone. Still, in this price range, you can't do much worse, but you can do better. In fact, for just $100 more, you can grab the much superior budget option, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 or the HP Stream 14"
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 HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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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.
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About the laptop team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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.
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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.
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