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Updated January 12, 2024·
If the higher cost of the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 isn't a major concern, you may appreciate its potential for better performance in demanding tasks like engineering software, compared to the HP Pavilion 15. However, the HP Pavilion 15 could offer better value for everyday tasks such as web browsing, office applications, and media consumption. In terms of portability, the weight and dimensions of the laptops should be considered – if you often carry your laptop around, a lighter model would be more convenient. Remember to weigh the importance of battery life for your usage; longer battery life is beneficial for frequent travel or long days without access to power. Consider the types of ports available and the quality of the display if connectivity and media are priorities. Some users may also prioritize build quality and design, which can differ greatly between these two models. Always evaluate the precise specifications of each model as these can vary within the same product lines. 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 software development
- Good battery life
Advantages of the HP Pavilion 15
- The HP Pavilion 15 has no clear advantages over the Dell Inspiron 15 3530.
Key differences
Engineering and Design
6.9
6.2
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and HP Pavilion 15 are both only fair for engineering and design, though the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 outshines the HP Pavilion 15 in engineering and design use due to its superior main processor and screen resolution, which enhances CPU-intensive tasks and detail clarity, qualities very important for such applications.
Software Development
7.2
6.6
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.2/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is good for software development, while the HP Pavilion 15 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.
Screen Quality
6.6
5.3
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
220.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a better screen than the HP Pavilion 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize screen quality for all-around tasks like browsing or watching videos, the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 offers a better experience with its fair display, providing clearer images and better brightness compared to the HP Pavilion 15. For engineering and design work where color accuracy is crucial, the Dell's display presents colors more precisely, which is essential for detailed visual work. On the other hand, for gaming and 3D applications where the smoothness of motion is key, both laptops fall short, but the Dell still maintains a slight edge with its somewhat better resolution and panel type.
Battery
6.5 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The HP Pavilion 15 has 3 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.
Cost
$722
$500
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a price of $722 and the HP Pavilion 15 costs $500.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.4
7.0
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
220.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
3.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.2/10
7.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.7/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and HP Pavilion 15 are both good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.0
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
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
8.7/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and HP Pavilion 15 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Content Creation
7.3
7.1
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and HP Pavilion 15 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and HP Pavilion 15 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2
6.2
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and HP Pavilion 15 both have only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and the HP Pavilion 15 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3530 | HP Pavilion 15 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$722 | $500 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | August 1, 2020 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.65'' | 14.1'' x 9.5'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.64 lbs | 3.75 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 14.1" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.25" | 9.53" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1335U | Intel i3-1115G4 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 51 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | TN | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1366 x 768 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 220 nits | 220 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
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 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
HP Pavilion 15
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Dig into reviews and images
TechRadar
Alex Cox | August 2022
"The HP Pavilion 15 carries a fair amount of power and a sharp display in its handsome slimline shell. It's not perfect, but it's a hard worker. This is wonderfully designed and totes a heck of a lot of desktop power, with the added benefit of a decent webcam and a full-sized keyboard. If you're getting down to business on a budget, it's a great fit."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 or the HP Pavilion 15
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 HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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