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Updated January 12, 2024·
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 offers more storage and memory, which makes it suitable for heavier multitasking and data-intensive tasks, along with a powerful Intel i7 processor. With its larger screen and full-size keyboard, it's more comfortable for long work sessions, but it's also heavier and less portable. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, though with less storage and memory, highlights its portability due to its lighter weight and compact size, making it ideal for frequent travel or usage on the go. However, its smaller screen and less powerful Intel i5 processor denote that it's better suited for basic to moderate computing tasks. If you prioritize performance and larger display over portability, choose the Dell. If mobility and ease of carrying are crucial, the Microsoft Surface Laptop might be for you. 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 16 5630
- Very good for general use
- Good for engineering and design
- Very good for content creation
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
- Excellent portability
Key differences
General Use
8.2
7.2
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
300.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
337.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is very good for general use, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is good.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is valued for general use due to its strong CPU, ample RAM, and superior screen size and quality, offering a better multitasking and viewing experience, though it is less portable and heavier than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, which offers great portability and has a higher-quality touchscreen but falls short with a less powerful CPU and less RAM which might affect performance during heavy tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.7
6.8
8.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is better suited for engineering and design tasks because it has a more powerful processor, double the RAM, and a dedicated GPU for complex computations, while also offering a larger, high-resolution screen which helps in detailed work.
Content Creation
8.1
7.3
8.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is very good for content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is good.
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
7.9
7.1
8.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both good for software development, though the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 is somewhat better.
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
6.8
6.8
16.0in
SIZE
12.4in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
300.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
337.0 nits
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 for software development, and content creation.
The Dell Inspiron and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 boast panels with strong resolution and sufficient brightness, ensuring clarity and comfort for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming. Their displays cover a broad range of colors, essential for precision in engineering and design where color accuracy can be critical. However, for gaming and 3D applications that benefit from fluid motion, these laptops fall short due to their lower refresh rates, which could lead to less smooth visuals when compared to models specifically tailored for gaming.
Portability
Good
Excellent
16.0in
SIZE
12.4in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has excellent portability, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.0
7.8
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 and Dell Inspiron 16 5630 both have good build quality, though the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$849
$797
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has a price of $849 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 costs $797.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.5
6.1
3.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are fair for gaming and 3D because both have integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics which are decent for light gaming and 3D work but not for high-end gaming, and both have a screen refresh rate of 60Hz, which is standard but not ideal for fast-paced gaming which benefits from higher refresh rates. While the Dell has a larger screen and higher resolution which benefits screen quality, the Microsoft laptop, with a smaller screen and touch capability, offers better portability but a less immersive gaming and 3D experience.
Battery
8.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 16 5630 has 8 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has 8 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 16 5630 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Inspiron 16 5630 | Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$849 | $797 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | October 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 9.9'' x 0.67'' | 11'' x 8.1'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.28 lbs | 2.49 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.05" | 10.95" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.91" | 8.12" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1360P | Intel i5-1235U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 54 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 12.4" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1536 x 1024 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 300 nits | 337 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 10/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Joe Osborne | October 2023
"When it comes to affordably priced laptops, the numbers after the dollar sign are crucially important—more so than in any other price category. By increasing the starting price of its Laptop Go line by $200 and not changing much else, Microsoft irrevocably altered the calculus surrounding the decision of whether to buy the Surface Laptop Go 3. Sure, it has a newer processor and longer battery life, but don’t think for a second you’re not paying dearly for that extra RAM and SSD capacity at that new price."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 16 5630 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 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 Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
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