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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 12, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is a more budget-friendly option with sufficient storage and memory for general use, alongside a larger 15.6-inch screen that is good for multitasking or watching media but it makes the device less portable. Its battery life and performance are suitable for everyday tasks. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is pricier, but offers a higher-resolution 13.5-inch screen in a more portable and lightweight design, which is convenient for travel. It's also designed to be repairable and customizable, potentially offering longer lifespan and flexibility for upgrades. For users invested in sustainable practices and future-proofing with the option to customize and repair their device, the Framework Laptop would be the appropriate choice despite its higher cost. However, if affordability and a larger display are priorities and portability is not a major concern, then the Dell Inspiron would be a solid choice. 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 Framework Laptop 13 (2023).
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
- Good for engineering and design
- Good overall display quality
- Good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.6
7.4
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
220.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 for general use, engineering and design, and content creation.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 offers adequate resolution and brightness for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming, but its color accuracy and range may not meet the demands of engineering and design professionals needing precise color representation. The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) boasts a higher-quality display with better resolution and color gamut, catering well to detailed design work, though it may fall short for gaming and 3D applications due to a lower refresh rate. Gamers and 3D designers typically prioritize a high refresh rate for smooth visuals, something both laptops do not prioritize, hence their lower suitability for such activities.
Portability
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2
7.8
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has 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
$1,079
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a price of $722 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.4
7.5
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
220.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
7.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 with its larger screen, better CPU, and higher RAM capacity is well-suited for general use that may involve multitasking and productivity tasks. The Framework Laptop 13, with its high-resolution screen, lightweight design, and longer battery life, offers portability and a better visual experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize on-the-go usage and screen clarity.
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.3
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530, with a higher screen refresh rate, can offer smoother visuals important for gaming and 3D applications than the Framework Laptop 13 (2023), which offers a lower refresh rate. However, both laptops come with the same level of integrated graphics that may not handle intensive gaming and 3D tasks as well as dedicated gaming laptops, but are suitable for less demanding games and tasks.
Engineering and Design
6.9
7.3
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 13 (2023) to be good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 comes with ample RAM and a capable CPU and GPU that are suited for engineering and design tasks, plus its larger screen offers a standard quality for detailed work. The Framework Laptop 13 (2023), while also having a competent CPU and GPU, boasts a higher-resolution screen with better color coverage and is more portable and customizable, catering to users who prioritize display quality and ease of carry alongside repairability and customization.
Content Creation
7.3
7.5
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
7.6
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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.
Battery
6.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 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.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3530 | Framework Laptop 13 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$722 | $1,079 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.65'' | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.64 lbs | 2.95 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 11.7" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.25" | 9.01" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1335U | Intel i5-1340P | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 55 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2256 x 1504 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 220 nits | 472 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 1 | |
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
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 or the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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 Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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