If performance in tasks like gaming or 3D rendering is a priority, the MSI Cyborg 15, with its Nvidia RTX graphics card and a more powerful processor, offers significantly better performance than the Dell Inspiron 15 3530; however, it comes at a higher price. The Dell Inspiron boasts longer battery life and is more lightweight, thus more portable, making it a good choice for everyday tasks and carrying around. Both have similar screen sizes and resolutions, so for general use like browsing or office applications, the Dell might provide better value for money. Keep in mind, the MSI has better capabilities for more intensive tasks. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 3530
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has no clear advantages over the MSI Cyborg 15.
Advantages of the MSI Cyborg 15
Good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
7.2/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Cyborg 15 is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is only fair.
The MSI Cyborg 15 offers superior gaming and 3D performance largely due to its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU which outclasses the Dell Inspiron 15 3530's integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, and the Cyborg also has a higher screen refresh rate of 144Hz compared to the Inspiron's 120Hz, resulting in smoother visuals for fast-paced gaming. Despite the Cyborg's advantages, the Dell Inspiron may still serve as a fair option for more casual gaming, particularly if budget considerations are a priority.
Engineering and Design
6.9/10
7.5/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The MSI Cyborg 15 is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 with its efficient CPU and ample RAM is suited for engineering and design tasks, but the MSI Cyborg 15 stands out with a more powerful CPU and a dedicated GPU, making it ideal for more graphics-intensive engineering applications. Although both have quality displays, the MSI's slightly better screen and gamer-friendly hardware may be more appealing despite it being less portable and potentially noisier than the Dell model.
Screen Quality
6.6/10
6.8/10
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
220.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
234.0 nits
The MSI Cyborg 15 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 for general use, and gaming and AI.
For general use, the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and the MSI Cyborg 15 offer screens that are good enough for activities like browsing the internet, working with office applications, or watching videos, though their resolution and brightness may not be top-tier. In engineering and design, where precise color representation is crucial, both laptops provide acceptable performance for casual users, but professionals may find the lack of wider color gamuts limiting for high-fidelity graphics work. When it comes to gaming and 3D tasks where smooth motion and visual detail are critical, the lower refresh rates on these laptops may lead to less than optimal experiences compared to models specifically geared toward those activities.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.3 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and MSI Cyborg 15 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
6.2/10
6.7/10
The MSI Cyborg 15 and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 both have only fair build quality, though the MSI Cyborg 15 has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$722
$1,100
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a price of $722 and the MSI Cyborg 15 costs $1,100.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and MSI Cyborg 15 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 stands out for general use with its adequate CPU and RAM, enhancing multitasking and everyday tasks, while its screen, portability and battery life align with standard user expectations. Conversely, the MSI Cyborg 15 offers a more powerful CPU for demanding applications, though with less RAM which may impact heavy multitasking, yet still maintains sound screen quality, portability, and battery performance for general use.
Content Creation
7.3/10
7.5/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Cyborg 15 and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 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
7.2/10
7.2/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Cyborg 15 and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 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.
Battery
6.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Cyborg 15 has 7.5 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.
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How the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and the MSI Cyborg 15 compare to other laptops
"The focus of the MSI Cyborg 15 lies on a compromise of performance, mobility, and power consumption. Due to the reduced performance settings, the CPU and GPU perform below their capabilities. Nonetheless, their computing power is still sufficient for FHD gaming at high to maximum settings even then. The power consumption, which is low for a gaming laptop, can be translated into a good battery life. Realistic values of 7 to 8 h are still possible, despite the relatively small battery capacity of 53.5 Wh. Unfortunately the USB-C port doesn't offer any support for Power Delivery, which would be a sensible feature in the case of the Cyborg."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 or the MSI Cyborg 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 MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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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