When choosing between the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and the LG Ultra 16, consider the following: the Dell is less expensive and offers a touch screen, ideal for hands-on interaction, but it has a lower processing power compared to the LG. The LG, while costing more, provides superior performance with a more powerful processor, making it suitable for more demanding tasks, and boasts significantly longer battery life, which enhances its portability despite lacking a touch screen. Both laptops have similar screen sizes and resolutions, but the LG's slightly larger screen offers a taller 16:10 aspect ratio, which can be better for productivity. The Dell's keyboard quality is rated similarly to the LG's, but the Dell might be the better choice if you prefer a touch screen and want to save some money. However, if you need more power, longer battery life, and don't mind spending extra, the LG Ultra 16 could be the way to go. 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 LG Ultra 16.
Advantages of the LG Ultra 16
Good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Excellent battery life
Good speakers
Key differences
General Use
7.0/10
7.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
259.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
270.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
17.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.7/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.9/10
The LG Ultra 16 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both good for general use, though the LG Ultra 16 is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Engineering and Design
6.4/10
7.0/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The LG Ultra 16 is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.1/10
7.7/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The LG Ultra 16 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both good for content creation, though the LG Ultra 16 is somewhat better.
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
7.5/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.7/10
The LG Ultra 16 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
6.3/10
6.2/10
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
270.0 nits
The LG Ultra 16 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 for content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and the LG Ultra 16 both offer adequate display attributes such as resolution and brightness, but they may not stand out among other laptops, which could affect the viewing experience for detailed work or entertainment. In engineering and design, both models lack wide color gamut coverage that is critical for precise color work, which could limit their effectiveness for professional graphic tasks. When it comes to gaming and 3D applications, their lower refresh rates can result in less smooth visuals, which may not be suitable for high-speed gaming or intensive 3D rendering.
Battery
6.5 Hours
17.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The LG Ultra 16 has 17 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.
Cost
$400
$1,000
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has a price of $400 and the LG Ultra 16 costs $1,000.
The LG Ultra 16 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has an integrated GPU which is just adequate for gaming and 3D applications, and while its screen offers a standard refresh rate and full HD resolution, its screen quality and GPU do not allow for high-end gaming performance.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The LG Ultra 16 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2/10
6.5/10
The LG Ultra 16 and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 both have only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 and the LG Ultra 16 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."
"Unlike the gram, the Ultra PC isn't designed to be as lightweight as possible. The 16-inch laptop is a whole 400 g (0.88 lb) heavier than its 16-inch gram counterpart partly because its chassis is not made of magnesium. Other than that, the Ultra PC seems like a copy of the gram – but with longer battery life, lower noise levels, and a clean, delicate look."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 or the LG Ultra 16
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 LG
LG is a South Korean conglomerate company. While LG is mainly known for various products outside of technology, LG also develops laptops. Within the laptop industry, they are known for their thin-and-light Gram series, as well as their value-oriented Ultra series. LG laptops offer very thin and light laptops with phenomenal battery life, and are often on sale.
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
97,095
Recommendations made
21,038
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
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.