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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize longer battery life and higher screen resolution for crisp visuals and tasks that involve graphic design or video editing, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro also offers a dedicated graphics card for better performance in tasks such as 3D rendering or gaming, but it is heavier and more expensive than the Dell. The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is more budget-friendly with a touchscreen and a lighter build, making it more portable and better for general use or if you prefer a device that is easier to carry around. However, it has less RAM and a lower screen resolution, which may affect multitasking and the clarity of the display. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro.
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for software development
- Good overall display quality
- Good overall build quality
- Very good battery life
- Good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Engineering and Design
6.4
7.2
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.3/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is only fair.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro is rated better for engineering and design mostly because it has a stronger CPU, more RAM, and a superior GPU than the Dell Inspiron 15 3525, translating into smoother multitasking and better handling of complex tasks. Additionally, the IdeaPad's higher resolution screen with a greater pixel density offers more clarity and detail, which is beneficial for design work, while both laptops are comparable in terms of portability and keyboard quality.
Software Development
6.9
7.4
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro is 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
7.8
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
409.0 nits
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525's screen, with modest brightness and resolution, meets the needs for everyday tasks but lacks the vibrancy needed for precise color work in engineering and design and doesn't have the high refresh rates required for smooth gameplay in fast-paced 3D games. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro's screen provides sharper images and brighter visuals, making it suitable for both general use and detailed engineering work, but it still falls short for gaming due to a lower refresh rate. Both laptops' screens may not deliver the fluid motion that gamers crave, but they present a good balance between display quality and price for users with general productivity or professional design needs.
Battery
6.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro has 10 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
7.6
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 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
$860
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has a price of $400 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro costs $860.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.0
7.5
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
409.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both good for general use.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro outperforms the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 due to its superior processor, double the RAM, a more vibrant and higher resolution screen, and a longer battery life, enhancing both performance and portability. However, the IdeaPad is slightly heavier and has a higher price, whereas the Dell Inspiron offer a fair user experience, especially in terms of keyboard and heat management, at a more budget-friendly cost.
Gaming and AI
6.0
6.5
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.3/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has an integrated AMD Ryzen GPU, which is less powerful for gaming compared to the dedicated NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU found in the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro, while both have screens with standard quality, the IdeaPad 5 Pro offers a higher refresh rate which is crucial for smooth gameplay.
Content Creation
7.1
7.5
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
4.3 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3525 | Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$400 | $860 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.75'' | 14'' x 9.9'' x 0.67'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.71 lbs | 4.3 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 14.02" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.27" | 9.88" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5625U | AMD Ryzen 5 6600HS | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 75 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 259 nits | 409 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 7.7/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 2 | |
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 5 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Florian Glaser | September 2022
"The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro turns out a successful all-rounder that, aside from 3D applications, always strikes a good or very good figure. This begins with the elegant metal case that isn't particularly light but fairly robust, giving a high-quality impression. The input devices are also better than those of many competitors. Both the keyboard and the touchpad are attractive and comfortable. In addition, the performance of the Ryzen 5 6600HS is easily able to keep up with the Intel competitors."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro
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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