The Dell Inspiron 15 3525, being significantly less expensive, offers a larger screen and an AMD processor with integrated graphics, suited for general use and light tasks. It is less ideal for heavy 3D rendering or intensive engineering work due to its more modest hardware. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, while more expensive, is equipped with a dedicated Nvidia graphics card and a higher-end Intel processor, making it a better fit for demanding applications such as engineering tasks, 3D rendering, and machine learning. It also provides a higher resolution touchscreen with a unique aspect ratio, beneficial for creative professionals. However, the Surface Laptop Studio is heavier and may offer less portability compared to the Dell Inspiron. The choice depends on whether you prioritize cost savings with the Dell for everyday tasks or invest more in the Surface for better performance in specialized applications. 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio.
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Very good speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.0/10
6.6/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.7/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has an integrated AMD graphics processor and a 60Hz screen refresh rate, factors that provide only a fair experience for gaming and 3D applications due to limited graphics processing power and less fluid motion. In comparison, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio includes a dedicated Nvidia graphics card and a higher 120Hz refresh rate, offering better performance and smoother visuals suitable for these tasks, but it is still categorized as fair potentially due to a balance between performance capabilities and other essential features like screen quality and CPU power.
Engineering and Design
6.4/10
7.3/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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.
Screen Quality
6.3/10
8.0/10
15.6in
SIZE
14.4in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
259.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
491.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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 may possess a resolution and brightness adequate for everyday tasks and basic design work but falls short in gaming and 3D due to its limited refresh rate. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, with its higher resolution and brightness, provides an enhanced viewing experience for both general and engineering uses, offering rich color representation essential for professional design. However, both laptops might not satisfy serious gamers or those into 3D work, as neither are built with high refresh rates, which are crucial for smooth visuals in fast-paced games and fluid 3D rendering.
Battery
6.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has 8 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
8.5/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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
$1,700
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525 has a price of $400 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio costs $1,700.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3525, with its less advanced CPU and lower RAM, offers satisfactory performance for general use tasks but may lag behind in multitasking efficiency and speed compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, which has a more powerful CPU and double the RAM, allowing for smoother operation. Moreover, the Surface Laptop Studio outshines the Dell in screen quality with a higher resolution, better color accuracy, and a higher refresh rate which contributes to a sharper and more vibrant display, on top of being more portable with a longer battery life, making it a superior choice for general use despite likely being more expensive.
Content Creation
7.1/10
7.4/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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.
Software Development
6.9/10
7.3/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio to be 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.4in
3.7 lbs
WEIGHT
4.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and Dell Inspiron 15 3525 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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."
"There’s no doubt that the Surface Laptop Studio is groundbreaking. We’ve come to expect such things from the Surface lineup, so it’s always nice to see a product that exceeds our expectations. The pull-forward laptop-screen concept has been tried before, but never in a device that’s so stylish and packed with innovative features like a haptic touchpad and robust digital stylus support."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3525 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
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 Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
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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