Dell Inspiron 15 3520 Review

In this Dell Inspiron 15 3520 review, you’ll find various essential details about the laptop to help you make an informed decision. The device provides a balanced blend of performance and portability, making it an ideal choice for students, professionals, and casual users alike. It can handle everything from daily computing tasks to more intensive applications. Let’s begin with the pros and cons.

Pros:

• High-level multitasking capabilities.
• Quiet operation and speedy response times.
• Comfortable keyboard with a smooth surface that’s easy on the fingers.
• HD front-facing camera and high-quality microphone
• Ample storage space and upgrade options.
• Multiple processor options from the 12th Gen Intel® Core™ lineup for customizable performance.
• WiFi 6 support ensures faster and more reliable internet connectivity.
• ExpressCharge technology offers rapid battery recharging, minimizing downtime.
• The FHD display features narrow borders for an immersive viewing experience.
• Dell’s ComfortView software effectively reduces blue light emissions, aiding eye comfort.
• EPEAT Silver certification highlights a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Cons:

• The absence of a backlit keyboard in the base model can be a limitation in low-light conditions.
• Some may find navigating the various configuration options available a challenge

Dell Inspiron 15 3520 Review: Overview

The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 was crafted with versatility at its core. With configurations that span from the efficient 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i3 to the more powerful i7 options for those requiring additional processing power—this laptop can meet the diverse demands of today’s users.

Its build quality is sturdy and reliable, and the design is intentionally straightforward, focusing on user comfort and efficiency rather than ornamental aesthetics. The display minimizes eye strain during prolonged use, and the keyboard is designed for comfortable typing experiences.

Overall, it’s ideal for users seeking a blend of performance and value (professionals, students, etc.). It offers consistent, reliable performance across various use cases.

Specifications

As noted earlier, the Dell Inspiron laptop is designed to be configurable, allowing potential buyers to select from various specifications to meet their specific needs.

Here are the detailed specs and possible configuration options.

Processor Options:

• 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-1215U (6 cores, up to 4.40 GHz Turbo)
• 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1235U (10 cores, up to 4.40 GHz Turbo)
• 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1255U (10 cores, up to 4.70 GHz Turbo)

Operating System:

• Windows 11 Home, English, French, Spanish
• Windows 11 Pro, English, French, Spanish (recommended for business use)

Graphics Card:

• Intel® UHD Graphics (standard)
• Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics (for higher performance)

Memory (RAM):

• 8 GB DDR4, 2666 MT/s (standard)
• 16 GB DDR4, 2666 MT/s (for enhanced multitasking)

Storage Options:

• 256 GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (base model)
• 512 GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
• 1 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (maximum storage)

Display:

• 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080) resolution
• 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals
• WVA (Wide Viewing Angle) Non-Touch, Anti-Glare screen
• 250 nit brightness, Narrow Border, LED-Backlit

Color Options:

• Carbon Black (Plastic)

Keyboard:

• Carbon, standard backlit keyboard
• Carbon, standard non-backlit keyboard

Connectivity and Ports:

• Wi-Fi 6 AX201, 2×2, 802.11ax, Bluetooth® wireless card for superior wireless performance.
• 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C® port with DisplayPort and power delivery capabilities.
• 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports for versatile peripheral connectivity.
• 1 HDMI 1.4 port for external display connections.
• 1 SD card slot for easy access to media and additional storage.
• Ethernet port for wired internet connections.

Camera and Microphone:

• An integrated HD webcam at 30 fps and up to 1080p resolution.
• Dual-array microphones with noise reduction technology.

Design and Build

Continuing with the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 review, it is time to discuss the build and design in more detail.

The Dell Inspiron 15 laptop features a design that balances functionality with a minimalist appeal. Its Carbon Black chassis presents a sleek, professional look. It incorporates low VOC waterborne paint and uses recycled plastics, illustrating Dell’s eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

It weighs a mere 3.65 pounds, which is great if you’re always on the go, as portability is easier. The laptop also has a spacious touchpad, which was achieved by omitting the traditional extra numeric keypad to create additional space for comfortable navigation.

While the base model may lack a backlit keyboard, this minor compromise doesn’t detract from the overall value and utility the Inspiron 15 3520 provides. Plus, a backlit keyboard is available in upgraded configurations.

All in all, there’s a strong focus on user comfort and efficiency, like many modern Dell Inspiron laptops.

Display Quality

The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 features a 15.6-inch Full HD display, offering clear and detailed visuals for various uses—from document editing to video streaming. Visuals are more enjoyable and less prone to motion blur. The high resolution ensures that the text is sharp and images are crisp.

Plus, with a 120Hz refresh rate, you can expect smooth motion, which is particularly beneficial for video playback and casual gaming. The slim bezels around the screen maximize the viewing area, contributing to the modern aesthetic and allowing for more immersive viewing.

An anti-glare coating on the screen is a practical feature that minimizes reflections, making the display easier to view in bright environments or near windows. This consideration helps reduce eye strain during prolonged use.

Also, the Inspiron 15 3520’s brightness is set at 250 nits, which is adequate for indoor and occasional outdoor use in shaded areas. So, the screen should remain visible under various lighting conditions.

Further, Wide Viewing Angle (WVA) technology ensures that colors and contrast remain consistent even when viewing the screen from off-center positions. This feature is helpful during collaborative work or when sharing content with others, ensuring everyone gets a good view.

Performance

This laptop packs a punch in the performance department, partly thanks to its 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processor. You can get this laptop with the entry-level i3 for everyday tasks or the higher-end i5 and i7 for more intensive projects. It’s a laptop that’s quick and smooth in execution.

But the real game-changer here is the PCIe NVMe SSD storage, which speeds up everything from starting up to loading favorite apps. That also means no long waits, and it will be ready to use when you are.

In addition, you can buy the Inspiron 15 3520 with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, so multitasking feels like a breeze. Switch between apps, browse with multiple tabs open, work on big projects, etc.… the laptop should keep up without breaking a sweat.

Battery Life

You can get the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 with either a 3-cell 41Wh or 4-cell 54Wh battery. Both are designed to support a full day’s work, with the larger capacity providing extended use for those needing more time away from a power source.

Some users report the laptop can run for 7 hours without needing a charge, and others get 4 to 5 hours. The exact time between charges will depend on how you use the laptop and your specific settings.

A standout feature of this laptop is Dell’s ExpressCharge technology, which enables the ability to recharge up to 80% in just about an hour. That’s incredibly convenient, as it means less time tethered to a power socket and more time being productive wherever you are.

Connectivity and Ports

Regarding staying connected, the Inspiron 15 3520 offers various connectivity options to accommodate current and future technology needs.

It includes a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C® port, which supports faster data transfer rates, charging capabilities, and direct connections to displays. This is complemented by USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and accessories.

Additionally, an HDMI 1.4 port is available for connecting to external displays and projectors. It’s suitable for standard 1080p output, which meets the needs of most professional presentations and home entertainment setups. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6, providing improved internet connectivity that is beneficial for bandwidth-intensive online activities.

Software and Features

The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is equipped with Windows 11, which is a user-friendly operating system designed for efficiency. Windows 11 offers an updated interface, enhanced multitasking features, and comprehensive security measures to accommodate various user needs. It also supports the ability to run Android apps via the Microsoft Store.

For those concerned about eye strain from prolonged computer use, the Inspiron 15 3520 features Dell’s ComfortView software. This application reduces blue light emission from the screen, which can help mitigate eye fatigue and support better sleep by adjusting the color temperature for a more comfortable viewing experience. It may be particularly beneficial if you spend a lot of time in front of your computer.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Thanks for sticking around to the end of our Dell Inspiron 15 3520 review. This laptop is a strong option that strikes a commendable balance between performance, portability, and affordability. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who enjoys a mix of productivity and leisure, this laptop has configurations to suit many requirements. And even though it comes with some downsides, they are relatively minor and don’t significantly detract from the overall value.

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Tech Help Canada Staff

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