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Updated January 12, 2024·
Based on your information, if cost is a significant factor for you and you primarily need a laptop for basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, the Lenovo IdeaPad may suffice, but keep in mind it has limited storage and a less powerful processor which may not be suitable for more demanding applications. Conversely, the Dell Inspiron offers better performance, more storage, and possibly a higher quality display, making it more suitable for intensive tasks, but it comes with a higher price tag and it might be heavier to carry around. Therefore, your decision should weigh on how much performance and storage you need against your budget constraints and how often you plan to move your laptop. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
- Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
7.0
6.1
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 offers better performance for general use due to its superior CPU, twice the RAM, and a higher quality screen compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14", which has a lower-end CPU and less RAM, making it less suitable for multitasking and demanding applications. Additionally, the Dell has a larger, sharper display which improves the overall user experience, despite being less portable and having a shorter battery life than the more compact and longer-lasting Lenovo IdeaPad.
Gaming and AI
6.0
5.5
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
10.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 provides a fair gaming experience thanks to its more capable AMD integrated GPU and a higher resolution IPS display, providing clearer and more vivid visuals. In comparison, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" offers poor gaming performance due to its weaker Intel integrated GPU and lower resolution TN panel that delivers less crisp and vibrant images. Both laptops have similar screen refresh rates, but the GPU and screen quality of the Dell make it better suited for gaming and 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
6.4
5.5
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is only fair for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is better suited for engineering and design due to its more powerful AMD Ryzen CPU and integrated Vega graphics, as well as its larger, higher resolution IPS display, which offers better screen quality. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 has a less capable Intel Celeron CPU and weaker UHD Graphics, along with a smaller, lower resolution TN panel screen, which is less ideal for such demanding tasks.
Content Creation
7.1
6.2
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
8.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 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.
Screen Quality
6.3
5.3
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Dell Inspiron's better resolution and brighter screen provide a clearer and more vibrant viewing experience compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad's lower resolution and dimmer display. When it comes to engineering and design tasks, the Dell offers moderately improved color accuracy which is crucial for such detailed work, though neither laptop fully meets the high standards for color gamuts required by professionals in these fields. As for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short, but the Dell's slightly better panel type and resolution offer a modest advantage, although gamers would typically seek out screens with much higher refresh rates for smoother visuals.
Battery
6.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" 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.
Portability
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$400
$148
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has a price of $400 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" costs $148.
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Key similarities
Software Development
6.9
6.4
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
8.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and Lenovo IdeaPad 1 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.
Build Quality
6.2
6.0
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" both have only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3525 | Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$400 | $148 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2022 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.75'' | 12.9'' x 9.3'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.71 lbs | 3.09 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 12.88" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.27" | 9.25" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5625U | Intel Celeron N4020 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 64 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 32 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 | 239 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | |
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 | 10/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | |
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."
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Tom Brant | August 2021
"The IdeaPad 1 14 is a simple machine, but it’s well-designed and has nearly everything you’d expect from a no-nonsense laptop that allows you to check emails and get schoolwork or other light tasks done with relative ease. A "true" 128GB SSD (as opposed to an eMMC drive) and a roomy 14-inch full HD display are arguably the star attractions, with the comfortable keyboard and reasonably modern styling playing important backup roles."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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