Dell Inspiron 3520 Business Laptop review powerful specs for multitasking and everyday use

Description

Design and Build Quality
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 Business Laptop has a sleek, minimalistic design that fits well in both professional and casual settings. Its 15.6-inch Full HD display is surrounded by a narrow bezel, giving it a modern look while maximizing screen real estate. I found the anti-glare coating to be a lifesaver during long hours of work under bright lighting. At just 3.65 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry around without feeling like you’re lugging a brick. However, the plastic chassis does feel less premium compared to some metal-clad competitors, but it’s sturdy enough to handle everyday use without issue.

Performance and Processing Power
Equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U processor, this laptop handled my daily tasks—like web browsing, video conferencing, and document editing—with ease. The 6 cores and turbo speeds up to 4.4 GHz ensure smooth multitasking, even when I had several browser tabs open alongside a streaming video. While it’s not designed for high-end gaming or intensive video editing, the Intel UHD Graphics performed well for casual gaming and light graphic design work. The inclusion of 16GB DDR4 RAM provided a noticeable boost in responsiveness, and the 512GB SSD offered fast boot times and quick file access.

Display and Visual Experience
The 15.6-inch Full HD display is a standout feature for this laptop. It delivers crisp, vibrant visuals, making it enjoyable for streaming shows or working on detailed spreadsheets. The 120Hz refresh rate and WVA technology add fluidity to tasks, especially video playback. I appreciated the anti-glare coating, as it cut down on reflections when I worked near windows. However, the color accuracy might not be ideal for professional photo or video editing, as the panel leans a bit towards cooler tones.

Connectivity and Ports
One of the key benefits of this laptop is its extensive connectivity options. It features Wi-Fi 6, which provided me with faster and more stable internet connections, even in areas with multiple devices competing for bandwidth. The Bluetooth support came in handy when connecting wireless peripherals like headphones and a mouse. Ports-wise, the laptop includes 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. The variety of ports made it easy to connect external devices without needing a hub, although I did miss having a USB-C port for faster data transfers.

Advantages
This laptop brings several pluses to the table:

• The 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor ensures smooth performance.
• Ample 16GB DDR4 RAM helps with multitasking without lag.
• The 512GB SSD delivers quick boot times and file access.
• Wi-Fi 6 ensures seamless and fast connectivity.
• Lightweight design makes it portable and convenient for on-the-go use.

Disadvantages
There are a few shortcomings to consider:

• The plastic build feels less premium compared to competitors.
• No USB-C port limits connectivity options slightly.
• The display’s color accuracy might not satisfy professionals in creative fields.

Competing Brands
Comparing this laptop to market rivals like the Acer Aspire 5 and HP Pavilion 15, it holds its ground in terms of processing power and RAM. For instance, the Acer Aspire 5 offers similar specs but often lacks the Wi-Fi 6 support found here. On the other hand, the HP Pavilion 15 might provide a more premium build quality with its aluminum chassis, but the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 beats it in terms of storage capacity and affordability. While some competitors include USB-C ports, this laptop compensates with its wide range of other connectivity options. Each brand has its strengths, but the Inspiron 15 3520 strikes a balance between performance and price.

Value for Money
Considering the features packed into this laptop, it offers excellent price-to-quality ratio. The high-speed processor, sufficient RAM, and SSD storage make it a practical choice for students, professionals, or casual users who need reliable performance without overspending. While it may not be the flashiest in its category, it delivers where it matters most—speed, functionality, and a user-friendly experience.

Additional information