When choosing between the Dell Inspiron and Lenovo ThinkPad X13, consider how important cost is to you. The Dell Inspiron might be more affordable and could offer a larger screen for better viewing experiences but may be heavier and less portable than the ThinkPad. The ThinkPad X13 is typically more expensive but is known for its durability and business-friendly features; it might also have better portability and a longer battery life. If you need a laptop for intensive tasks, ensure the model you choose has the necessary performance capabilities. For lighter use, a less expensive option may suffice. 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 5635
Very good speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad X13
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall build quality
Very good portability
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
8.0/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is good.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635, with its robust CPU, ample RAM, and dedicated GPU, excels in resource-intensive engineering tasks and provides a larger, higher-quality screen for detailed design work. Meanwhile, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13, while also equipped with a strong CPU and sufficient RAM for engineering software, offers a more compact form factor with a high-quality keyboard and quieter operation, beneficial for on-the-go professionals who may sacrifice some screen real estate and speaker quality.
Screen Quality
6.6/10
6.9/10
16.0in
SIZE
13.3in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
265.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
Considering general use where panel type, resolution, and brightness are key, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13's superior display offers clear and vibrant images, making it preferable over the Dell Inspiron 16 5635, which provides an adequate but less impressive visual experience. For engineering and design tasks, the ThinkPad's better coverage of color gamuts ensures more accurate color representation, which is crucial for detailed work, whereas the Inspiron falls short in this aspect. When it comes to gaming and 3D applications, however, both laptops are not ideal choices due to their poor refresh rates, which can lead to less smooth visuals in fast-paced scenarios.
Portability
Good
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
13.3in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has very good portability, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.0/10
8.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has very good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$700
$1,459
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has a price of $700 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 costs $1,459.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Dell Inspiron 16 5635 are both very good for general use.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635, with a capable CPU and ample RAM, excels with everyday tasks and multitasking, offering a good balance of screen real estate and performance, while its larger screen size may affect portability and battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13, known for its durability and excellent keyboard, also provides strong CPU performance and sufficient RAM for smooth operation, in a more compact and travel-friendly design likely yielding longer battery life; storage and speaker quality are decent in both, with heat and noise kept in check to avoid distractions.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.7/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Dell Inspiron 16 5635 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is equipped with a decent GPU, which allows for fair gaming and 3D performance, and has an adequate screen refresh rate, though its CPU and screen quality may not be top-of-the-line. Similarly, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 offers a capable GPU for respectable gaming and 3D capabilities, and while the screen refresh rate is sufficient for most tasks, the CPU and screen quality don't lead the pack but still contribute to an overall solid experience.
Content Creation
7.9/10
8.2/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad X13 to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 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
7.7/10
8.1/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad X13 to be very good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is good.
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
8.0 Hours
8.5 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has 8 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has 8.5 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 16 5635 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 compare to other laptops
"Compared to the previous year’s Inspiron, Dell upgraded the screen aspect ratio on this generation, but also transitioned to a more minimalistic centered keyboard flanked by up-firing speakers. The 16-inch screen is huge plus and I really appreciate the extra real estate without sacrificing the footprint much. This year’s model is a little larger than last, though, as the former model was already very small for a 15 incher."
"The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 has very good input devices, a wide array of security features and ports as well as 5G in the tested configuration. It is more compact and lightweight compared with its predecessor, and it has improved speakers and a slightly better webcam. On the other hand, the fan is more annoying and the performance is barely improved. The battery is worse as well, but this is primarily attributable to the OLED screen - if this aspect is important, buyers should choose the IPS Low Power LCD."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 or the Lenovo ThinkPad X13
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.
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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