Dell Inspiron 15 3520 Laptop Review A Powerful Touchscreen Option for Everyday Use

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 strikes a balance between aesthetics and practicality with its Carbon Black finish and minimalist design. The 14.11 x 9.27 x 0.83-inch dimensions make it slim enough to slide into my backpack effortlessly, and at 3.65 pounds, it’s light enough for me to carry around without feeling weighed down. The 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen display is surrounded by narrow bezels, giving it a modern feel. Although the laptop’s non-backlit keyboard might not be ideal for late-night work, the keys feel comfortable and responsive during long typing sessions. While the overall build feels sturdy, I did notice that the plastic finish attracts fingerprints quite easily, which means frequent cleaning is necessary to maintain its sleek look.

Performance

Equipped with the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor, this laptop is built to handle multiple tasks without breaking a sweat. I tested it with a mix of web browsing, video streaming, and light photo editing, and it performed admirably. The 16GB of DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD provides more than enough storage for my files and lightning-fast boot times. While the Intel UHD Graphics isn’t designed for heavy gaming or professional-grade video editing, it’s perfectly fine for casual gaming and streaming high-definition videos. The cooling system is efficient, and the fans aren’t noisy, even under moderate loads. However, I wouldn’t recommend this laptop for anyone who needs top-tier graphical performance or runs resource-intensive applications regularly.

Key Benefits

• Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor for reliable multitasking.
• Generous 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD ensure both speed and storage capacity.
• 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen display enhances usability and clarity.
• Lightweight design makes it highly portable.
• Excellent for general productivity tasks and entertainment.

Display and Audio

The 1920 x 1080 resolution touchscreen offers crisp visuals with vibrant colors, making it great for watching movies and working on detailed documents. The anti-glare coating is a godsend for someone like me who often works near windows or in brightly lit rooms. However, I noticed that the screen’s brightness could be a bit lacking in outdoor settings, which might be a concern for those who need to work on the go.

The stereo speakers deliver decent sound quality, with clear highs and mids, though the bass is understandably limited. For casual use, the audio is fine, but I’d recommend using headphones or external speakers for a more immersive experience, especially if you’re watching movies or listening to music.

Connectivity Options

One of the standout features is the variety of ports available. With two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, an HDMI 1.4b output, and an SD-card slot, I never felt short of options for connecting external devices. The laptop also includes a headphone/microphone combo jack, which I found useful during virtual meetings. The 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity are stable, but it doesn’t support the newer WiFi 6 standard, which could be a downside for some users looking for future-proof features.

Critiques

• Non-backlit keyboard could be inconvenient in low-light environments.
• Screen brightness is somewhat insufficient for outdoor use.
• Lacks WiFi 6 support, which some competitors offer.
• Plastic finish is prone to fingerprints and smudges.

Battery Life

The 3-cell, 41WHr battery offers respectable performance. I was able to get around 6 hours of mixed-use on a single charge, which included web browsing, streaming, and some light productivity tasks. While this isn’t groundbreaking, it’s sufficient for most daily activities. Charging is relatively quick, though it would’ve been nice to see a USB-C charging option instead of the traditional barrel jack.

Market Rivals

Comparing the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 to competitors like the HP Pavilion 15 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, it stands out for its touchscreen functionality and generous storage capacity. The HP Pavilion offers a slightly better audio experience, but its base model lacks the 16GB RAM that Dell provides. On the other hand, Lenovo’s IdeaPad 3 is more affordable but compromises on screen resolution and overall performance. While the Inspiron isn’t the most premium option, its balance of features makes it a strong contender in the mid-range laptop market.

Bang for the Buck

In terms of overall value for money, I’d say this laptop delivers well for its price range. While it doesn’t cater to niche users like gamers or creative professionals, it meets the needs of students, remote workers, and casual users exceptionally well. The inclusion of Windows 11 S mode and a Microsoft Office annual license adds extra value, though some might find the locked-down S mode limiting and prefer switching to full Windows 11 Home.

Overall, this product offers a good mix of performance, portability, and features. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable everyday laptop without breaking the bank. However, there are a few areas where it could improve, especially if you’re after a more premium experience.

Additional information