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Updated January 12, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is more expensive and offers better performance, with a higher storage capacity and more memory, which is suitable if you regularly perform intensive tasks such as multitasking or running complex software. It also has a faster processor, better graphics, a larger and higher-resolution screen, and improved build materials. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is more affordable and could suffice for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. It's more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight, however, it has less storage, less memory, a lower-resolution display, and a processor that's fine for basic tasks but not for demanding applications. Additionally, the Lenovo is fanless, offering silent operation. Consider the Dell if you need higher performance and more features, and the Lenovo if affordability and basic functionality are your priorities. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
- Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
7.4
6.1
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
220.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is suitable for general use with its more powerful Intel i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, larger and higher-quality IPS screen with better color coverage, and a robust battery life, despite being a bit heavier, which might affect portability.
Gaming and AI
6.3
5.5
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
10.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is fair for gaming and 3D because it has a more capable Intel i5-1335U Iris Xe GPU and a higher screen refresh rate, which provide smoother graphics and play. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor for gaming and 3D, as it uses a weaker Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU and its screen refresh rate is lower, resulting in less fluid visuals.
Engineering and Design
6.9
5.5
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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is equipped with a robust Intel i5 processor, considerable RAM, and an Iris Xe graphics card, along with a higher quality IPS display, making it suitable for demanding engineering and design tasks. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a basic Intel Celeron processor, limited RAM, lower-end integrated graphics, and a TN display with lower resolution, which are less capable of handling such intensive workloads effectively.
Content Creation
7.3
6.2
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
TN
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
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
6.4
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
6.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" 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
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
220.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a screen that is adequate for everyday tasks due to its acceptable resolution and brightness, although it may not impress with vivid colors or crisp details. For engineering and design work, the lack of wide color gamut coverage means that colors might not be as accurate or vibrant as professionals require. When it comes to gaming and 3D applications, the screen's slower refresh rate could lead to less fluid motion and a less immersive experience, despite being tolerable for casual use.
Battery
6.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" 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.
Cost
$722
$150
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a price of $722 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" costs $150.
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Key similarities
Portability
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" to have 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
6.0
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" 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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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3530 | Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$722 | $150 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.65'' | 12.9'' x 9.3'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.64 lbs | 3.09 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 12.88" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.25" | 9.25" | |
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 | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 32 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 14" | |
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 | 239 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8/10 | 8.3/10 | |
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 | 10/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Tom Brant | August 2021
"The IdeaPad 1 14 is a simple machine, but it’s well-designed and has nearly everything you’d expect from a no-nonsense laptop that allows you to check emails and get schoolwork or other light tasks done with relative ease. A "true" 128GB SSD (as opposed to an eMMC drive) and a roomy 14-inch full HD display are arguably the star attractions, with the comfortable keyboard and reasonably modern styling playing important backup roles."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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