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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 12, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 offers a larger screen size which is better for multitasking and media consumption but is heavier and thus less portable than the Dell XPS 13. The XPS 13, on the other hand, provides a higher resolution screen with a slightly taller aspect ratio, making it better for productivity tasks. It is lighter and more compact, ideal for carrying around. The XPS 13 also has a more powerful processor, which means it performs better in demanding tasks. However, the Inspiron has a numeric keypad which might be useful if you frequently work with numbers. If long battery life is a priority, the XPS 13 has an advantage there as well. In essence, choose the Inspiron 15 3530 if you want a larger display and a numeric keypad, or opt for the XPS 13 if you need portability, better performance, and longer battery life. 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 3530
- The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has no clear advantages over the Dell XPS 13.
Advantages of the Dell XPS 13
- Good for engineering and design
- Good overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Excellent portability
- Very good battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.6
7.2
15.6in
SIZE
13.4in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
220.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
442.0 nits
The Dell XPS 13 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has fair screen quality for general use due to its baseline resolution and brightness which suffice for typical tasks but lacks the sharpness and vibrancy for a premium experience. For engineering and design, its panel displays colors decently but may not cover the full range of professional color gamuts ensuring less accuracy in detailed color work. When it comes to gaming and 3D, its lower refresh rate makes it less suited for smooth, fast-paced visuals that these applications often require.
Battery
6.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Dell XPS 13 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.
Portability
Good
Excellent
15.6in
SIZE
13.4in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.5 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2
8.5
The Dell XPS 13 has very good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$722
$850
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a price of $722 and the Dell XPS 13 costs $850.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.4
7.7
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
220.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
442.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
7.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
The Dell XPS 13 and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530, equipped with a solid processor, ample memory, and a large screen, meets everyday computing needs while being budget-conscious; it also has satisfactory battery life and a good keyboard, which are crucial for general use. On the other hand, the Dell XPS 13 offers superior portability, a higher-quality keyboard, and longer battery life due to its higher-end processor and lighter build, making it ideal for users who need a more premium, mobile computing experience with a sharper display and excellent build quality.
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.2
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and Dell XPS 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a higher screen refresh rate which benefits gaming and 3D applications; however, its GPU, screen quality, and processing power are more modest, affecting overall performance. Conversely, the Dell XPS 13 offers lower refresh rates but has a higher quality display and a somewhat more advanced main processor, which can slightly improve performance in gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
6.9
7.2
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.2/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell XPS 13 to be good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is equipped with an Intel i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, making it suitable for engineering and design due to its balance of performance and a large screen size. On the other hand, the Dell XPS 13 offers a more powerful Intel i7 processor with the same graphics but provides higher screen quality and portability, which benefits engineering tasks requiring detailed visuals and those who need to work on the go.
Content Creation
7.3
7.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.2/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 13 and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 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
7.2
7.5
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Dell XPS 13 and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 are both good 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.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and the Dell XPS 13 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3530 | Dell XPS 13 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$722 | $850 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | August 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.65'' | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.64 lbs | 2.59 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 11.63" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.25" | 7.86" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1335U | Intel i7-1250U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 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 | 51 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 13.4" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 220 nits | 442 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8/10 | 9.3/10 | |
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 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell XPS 13
See more
Dig into reviews and images
The Verge
Monica Chen | April 2023
"In the past, the XPS 13 was a hands-down contender for the best laptop on the market. But the Apple-silicon MacBook has since barrelled onto the scene, and it wipes the floor with most of the ultraportable Windows laptops that cross my desk on a daily basis. This XPS is no exception. Compared to the M2 MacBook Air, battery life is worse."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 or the Dell XPS 13
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.
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