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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 12, 2024·
Choosing between the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 depends on your priorities. If you need more onboard memory for multitasking and better-integrated graphics for casual gaming or graphic tasks, the Dell with its 16GB RAM and Intel graphics could suit you better. However, the Lenovo, despite having less RAM at 8GB, offers longer battery life, which is vital if you plan to work unplugged for extended periods. Additionally, the Lenovo has a touchscreen, a feature the Dell lacks, providing a more interactive experience for users who prefer touch navigation or creative tasks. Both have similar processors, storage capacity, and screen size and resolution, ensuring comparable performance for general use. If portability is important, both laptops are close in weight, but the Lenovo is slightly lighter. Make your choice based on which features align best with your needs: more RAM and better graphics, or longer battery life and a touchscreen. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3.
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
- Very good battery life
Key differences
Engineering and Design
6.9
6.1
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 are both only fair for engineering and design, though the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 provides better capabilities for engineering and design with higher RAM and a more capable CPU, along with a higher refresh rate screen which can benefit certain design tasks, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has lower RAM and a less powerful CPU, which may limit its performance for demanding engineering applications despite its slightly better screen brightness. Additionally, both laptops have IPS screens with the same resolution for clear visuals, but the Inspiron 15 has much higher contrast, further enhancing display quality which is crucial for design work.
Screen Quality
6.6
6.4
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
220.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
281.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 for gaming and AI.
For general use, both the Dell Inspiron and Lenovo IdeaPad offer screens that are satisfactory, as their resolution and brightness are likely adequate for everyday tasks, but they might lack the vividness and sharpness that higher-end panels provide. In the context of engineering and design, where precise color reproduction is crucial, these laptops may fall short due to their limited color gamut coverage, which means they won't display the full spectrum of colors professionals require. For 3D and gaming, the lower refresh rates of these laptops' displays may lead to less fluid motion and responsiveness, while the resolution and panel type may be sufficient but not optimal for an immersive gaming experience.
Battery
6.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has 10 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
$545
$650
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a price of $545 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 costs $650.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.4
7.0
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
220.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
281.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.9/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is better suited for general use due to its high-quality CPU and RAM, which offer faster performance and better multitasking capabilities compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, which has a less powerful CPU and less RAM, limiting its performance. Moreover, the Dell has a higher refresh rate display providing smoother visuals, but the Lenovo has a longer battery life and a touchscreen, which are advantageous for on-the-go use and interactive tasks.
Gaming and AI
6.3
5.9
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
9.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Inspiron 15 3530 to be only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is poor.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 are considered fair for gaming and 3D because both have integrated GPUs which are not as powerful as dedicated gaming GPUs, limiting their ability to handle intensive graphics. Furthermore, both laptops have standard screen refresh rates which are adequate for casual gaming but may not provide the smoothest experience for fast-paced games that benefit from higher rates.
Content Creation
7.3
7.2
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 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
7.1
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.2
6.5
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3530 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$545 | $650 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | March 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.65'' | 14.2'' x 9.3'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.64 lbs | 3.52 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 14.15" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.25" | 9.25" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1335U | AMD Ryzen 3 7330U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 47 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 220 nits | 281 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
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 | 9.5/10 | |
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 | Yes | |
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 | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
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Rtings
Olivier Martin, Ryan Lim, and John Peroramas | May 2023
"The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is decent for use as a workstation. Its Intel CPU and integrated graphics can only handle light productivity tasks, not demanding workloads like video editing or 3D graphics. You also can't do any color-critical work because the available displays have a narrow color gamut. It has a good port selection, but its USB-C lacks Thunderbolt 4 support. On the upside, it has a comfortable keyboard and doesn't get hot or loud under load."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
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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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the laptop team
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CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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