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Updated March 21, 2024·
When choosing between the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023), consider that the Dell Inspiron may be easier on the budget and suitable for basic tasks, but the Framework Laptop is designed for easy upgrades and repairs, potentially offering longer-term value with high performance for demanding applications. The Framework also boasts a larger, higher-quality display which is ideal for visual tasks but may reduce portability compared to the Dell. If you prioritize future-proofing and are willing to invest upfront, the Framework could serve you better, whereas for immediate affordability and simpler use-cases, the Dell may suffice. 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 16 (2023).
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Best in class speakers
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.4
8.0
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
220.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is good.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 offers adequate computing power and memory for everyday activities, along with reasonable screen quality, but its bulkier design and shorter battery life might not be ideal for on-the-go users. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) boasts a superior processor and more RAM, ensuring smoother performance for a variety of tasks, a higher-quality display for better viewing experiences, and is lighter with a longer-lasting battery, though these enhancements come with a higher price tag.
Engineering and Design
6.9
8.1
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530, with its robust CPU, ample RAM, and quality GPU, ensures smooth operation for engineering software, while its decent screen provides clarity for design work. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) not only offers similar high-performance internals and an even better screen for detailed visual tasks but also adds the benefit of enhanced portability and a superior keyboard, making it a more versatile choice for professionals on the move.
Content Creation
7.3
8.1
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is good.
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
8.0
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is good.
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
6.6
8.4
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
220.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530's screen may not be as sharp or bright as needed for immersive general use, and the color spectrum it covers may be limited, affecting precision in engineering and design tasks. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) offers a much more vivid and accurately colored display, which enhances both everyday tasks and professional design work where color fidelity is crucial. However, due to their lower refresh rates, neither laptop is ideal for gaming or 3D applications, which often demand higher refresh rates for smoother visuals and better overall performance.
Battery
6.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 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
Good
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability, though the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2
8.0
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) 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
$1,699
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a price of $722 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.8
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 comes with a GPU that supports gaming and 3D tasks adequately, although it may fall short for the most demanding games or professional 3D applications, and its screen quality and refresh rate are acceptable, making games look good and play smoothly to a certain extent. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) also features a capable GPU for decent gaming and 3D performance, and while its higher screen quality enhances the visual experience, it shares a similar screen refresh rate with the Dell, providing a satisfactory but not top-tier gaming response.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3530 | Framework Laptop 16 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$722 | $1,699 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | July 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.65'' | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.64 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 14.04" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.25" | 10.63" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1335U | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 85 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 | 120Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 220 nits | 490 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
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 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 or the Framework Laptop 16 (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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