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Updated January 12, 2024·
If cost is a significant consideration and your computing needs are basic, like browsing the web or using office applications, the Gateway 11.6" may serve you well and be more portable due to its smaller size. However, the Dell Inspiron 15 3530, while more expensive, generally offers better performance and a larger screen, which could be beneficial for tasks that require more processing power or a more spacious display, such as photo editing or multitasking. Keep in mind that the larger size may reduce portability, and you should also consider the Dell's likely longer battery life which is useful if you need to use the laptop on the 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 3530
- Good for general use
- Good for software development
- Good for content creation
Advantages of the Gateway 11.6"
- Excellent portability
Key differences
General Use
7.4
5.6
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
220.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
7.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.1/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is good for general use, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is better for general use because it has more RAM and a more capable CPU, which allow for smoother multitasking and faster processing, and its larger, higher-resolution screen offers a better viewing experience for various tasks. In contrast, the Gateway 11.6" has less RAM and a less powerful CPU, making it slower for multitasking and demanding applications, and its smaller, lower-resolution screen provides a less enjoyable viewing experience.
Gaming and AI
6.3
5.4
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 offers a fair gaming performance due to its Iris Xe graphics and a screen refresh rate that supports smoother visuals, whereas the Gateway 11.6" is considered poor because it's equipped with a much less powerful Intel UHD Graphics 600 and a lower screen refresh rate.
Engineering and Design
6.9
5.4
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is only fair for engineering and design, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is equipped with a stronger CPU, more RAM, and a more capable integrated GPU, which are very important for handling engineering and design tasks efficiently and smoothly, and it has a higher quality screen to view detailed designs. In contrast, the Gateway 11.6" has a weaker CPU, less RAM, and an inferior GPU, not suitable for the demands of engineering software, and its lower resolution screen compromises the clarity needed for precise design work.
Content Creation
7.3
5.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is good for content creation, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
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
5.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is good for software development, while the Gateway 11.6" is poor.
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
5.7
15.6in
SIZE
11.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
220.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
200.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a better screen than the Gateway 11.6" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 offers a better screen experience with adequate resolution and brightness, providing clearer and more vivid images compared to the Gateway 11.6", whose lower resolution and dimmer screen might strain the eyes over extended use. In engineering and design tasks, where accurate colors are essential, the Inspiron's ability to display a wider range of colors is beneficial, whereas the Gateway's limited color range could lead to less precise work. When it comes to gaming and 3D applications, the higher refresh rate of the Inspiron's screen allows for smoother motion, making it more suitable than the Gateway, which has a lower refresh rate that can result in choppier visuals.
Battery
6.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Gateway 11.6" 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.
Portability
Good
Excellent
15.6in
SIZE
11.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Gateway 11.6" 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
5.1
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has only fair build quality, while the Gateway 11.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$722
$89
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a price of $722 and the Gateway 11.6" costs $89.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and the Gateway 11.6" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3530 | Gateway 11.6" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$722 | $89 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | August 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.65'' | 11'' x 7.5'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.64 lbs | 2.6 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 11" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.25" | 7.5" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1335U | Intel Celeron N4020 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 4 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 64 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | Unknown | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 11.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1366 x 768 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 220 nits | 200 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8/10 | 9.2/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 0 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 or the Gateway 11.6"
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 Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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