Dell Inspiron 3520 Business Laptop review 2023 features, performance, and value analysis

Description

A Hands-On Review of the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 Business Laptop

Design and Build Quality
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is definitely a sleek and professional-looking laptop. Its black finish gives it a classic and understated vibe that feels perfect for both business and casual settings. At just 3.65 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around without breaking a sweat, yet it feels sturdy in the hands. The 14.11 x 9.27 x 0.83-inch dimensions make it compact without sacrificing screen real estate. While I was initially skeptical about its durability, the laptop survived my backpack commute and a few accidental bumps without showing any signs of wear. The 15.6-inch Full HD display with anti-glare coating is a treat for the eyes, especially during long hours of usage where minimizing strain becomes crucial.

Performance: A Solid Workhorse
Powered by the 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U processor, this machine is surprisingly fast. With 6 cores and 8 threads, it handled multiple browser tabs, video calls, and even light photo editing without a hitch. The up to 4.40 GHz Turbo boost ensures that even more demanding tasks are handled smoothly. I tested its multitasking abilities with 16GB DDR4 RAM, which was more than enough for my workflow. From streaming high-definition videos to running productivity apps, the performance was reliable. That said, this laptop isn’t designed for heavy gaming or resource-intensive software, but it excels at business tasks and day-to-day use.

Display and Visuals
The 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) display is one of the laptop’s standout features. The anti-glare coating is a lifesaver in brightly lit environments, reducing reflections and ensuring clarity. While watching a few shows on Netflix, I appreciated the vivid colors and sharp details. The display also features a 120Hz refresh rate, which isn’t typical in this price range, making scrolling and navigation feel incredibly smooth. However, the screen’s WVA technology doesn’t quite match the vibrancy of an OLED panel, but for everyday tasks, it’s more than adequate.

Key Benefits

• The Wi-Fi 6 connectivity ensures fast and stable internet speeds, even during heavy usage.
• The 512GB SSD storage not only provided ample space for my files but also ensured lightning-fast boot times and quick data access.
• Multiple ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI, and an SD card reader, make it adaptable for different peripherals.
• The Windows 11 Home operating system feels modern and intuitive, with features like Snap Layouts making multitasking easier.

Downsides

• While the Intel UHD Graphics are fine for basic tasks, they struggle with graphic-intensive software or gaming.
• The laptop lacks an optical drive, which might be a downside for those who still use CDs or DVDs.
• The keyboard lacks backlighting, which makes typing in low-light conditions a bit challenging.
• Although the battery life is decent, it’s not mind-blowing. I found myself reaching for the charger after about 6-7 hours of moderate use.

Competing Products
When compared to peers like the HP Pavilion 15 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 holds its ground remarkably well. The HP Pavilion offers slightly better battery life but lacks the refresh rate and multitasking prowess this Dell model provides. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 may come with similar specs but falls short in terms of design and build quality. The Inspiron 15 3520 strikes a balance between performance, display quality, and portability, making it a strong contender in its category.

Affordable Quality
From a price-performance perspective, this laptop delivers exceptional value. The combination of 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processing power, ample storage, and high-speed RAM makes it suitable for professionals, students, or casual users. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, it’s definitely built to last and performs like a much pricier device. If you’re looking for a dependable day-to-day laptop that doesn’t break the bank, this one’s worth considering.

Additional information