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Updated January 12, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is generally less expensive and has good battery life and portability, which is great for general use like web browsing, office tasks, or light multimedia consumption. However, if your work involves more demanding tasks such as 3D modeling, machine learning, or gaming, the MSI Thin GF63, despite being somewhat more expensive, offers significantly better performance due to its more powerful processor and dedicated graphics card. Additionally, the MSI features a higher refresh rate display, which could enhance the experience for gaming and video editing. If portability is key, the Dell is lighter and thinner, making it easier to carry around. Consider the MSI if performance is a priority, or choose the Dell for cost savings and portability. 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 battery life
Advantages of the MSI Thin GF63
- Good for engineering and design
- Good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.9
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
5.6/10
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
8.0/10
The MSI Thin GF63 and Dell Inspiron 15 3530 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the MSI Thin GF63 is somewhat better.
The MSI Thin GF63 offers better gaming and 3D capabilities primarily because it has a more powerful Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics card and a higher screen refresh rate of 144Hz, compared to the less powerful integrated graphics on the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and its 120Hz refresh rate. While both laptops have similar processors and screen quality, the GPU and refresh rate are more critical for gaming and 3D applications, giving the MSI an edge in these areas.
Engineering and Design
6.9
7.5
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
5.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Thin GF63 is good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530, with its Intel i5 processor and integrated GPU, offers balanced performance for engineering work, while the MSI Thin GF63's Intel i7 and Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU make it well-suited for more GPU-intensive tasks like 3D rendering or simulations. The Dell has slightly better battery life and a lighter build for easy portability, whereas the MSI offers a higher refresh rate screen and is equipped with features beneficial for rigorous design tasks, but with a tradeoff in battery duration and a bit more weight.
Screen Quality
6.6
6.8
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
220.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
The MSI Thin GF63 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 for general use, and gaming and AI.
For general use, both laptops' screens may not be as sharp or vibrant as higher-end models due to average resolution and brightness, making prolonged use or multitasking less enjoyable. Engineering and design professionals may find the displays limit color precision due to inadequate coverage of professional color gamuts, which is critical when precise color representation matters. Gamers and creators dealing with 3D content may experience less fluid motion and detail in fast-paced scenes, as the refresh rates and resolutions on these models don't meet the high standards required for the best visual experience in these applications.
Battery
6.5 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Thin GF63 has 4.5 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and MSI Thin GF63 both have good portability, though the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$722
$1,150
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 has a price of $722 and the MSI Thin GF63 costs $1,150.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.4
7.4
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
220.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.5 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and MSI Thin GF63 are both good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 offers a balance of performance and portability with a capable CPU and enough RAM for everyday tasks, a decent screen, and good battery life, making it a solid choice for routine activities. The MSI Thin GF63 leans more into performance, with strong CPU and RAM specs that support more demanding applications, along with a high-quality screen, while still maintaining portability, though it may have a shorter battery life in comparison.
Content Creation
7.3
7.4
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Thin GF63 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
7.2
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 and MSI Thin GF63 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.
Build Quality
6.2
6.5
The MSI Thin GF63 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 MSI Thin GF63 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 3530 | MSI Thin GF63 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$722 | $1,150 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.3'' x 0.65'' | 14.1'' x 10'' x 0.85'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.64 lbs | 4.1 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.11" | 14.13" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.25" | 9.99" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1335U | Intel i7-12650H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 4.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 51 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 | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 220 nits | 262 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
MSI Thin GF63
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Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Hardware
Charles Jeffries | November 2022
"The MSI GF63 Thin 11SC can be an admirable value for gamers and power users on a minimal budget. For just $599 as reviewed in its base model, its Intel Core i5 H-class processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics perform much better than low-wattage CPUs and integrated graphics. That said, this is a light-class gaming laptop. Low scores in our demanding gaming benchmarks indicate using lower visual-quality settings will be required for playable performance."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 15 3530 or the MSI Thin GF63
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.
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