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Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) Review: A Versatile and Powerful Laptop
The Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) is a 15.6-inch laptop designed to meet the needs of users looking for a versatile machine for both work and play. With a solid configuration, including a 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD storage, it positions itself as an interesting option in the mid-range laptop range. In this review, we will explore its key features, performance, and use in different scenarios to help you decide if this model is right for you.
First of all, the 15.6-inch screen of the Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) stands out for its Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) , offering sharp and smooth image quality. Thanks to a 120 Hz refresh rate and WVA technology, the display remains bright and clear, even in well-lit environments. The screen is also anti-glare, which improves the viewing experience, especially when using it outdoors. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who need to work in different lighting conditions.
Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) 's 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1235U processor delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. It can effortlessly handle multitasking, web browsing, word processing, and more resource-intensive applications. The processor's 10 cores allow for smooth application handling, and its modern architecture provides significant power efficiency. While this isn't a machine for heavy-duty tasks like professional video editing or intensive gaming, it's a great fit for office users.
Another important feature is the 16GB DDR4 memory. It ensures a smooth experience, even with multiple applications open simultaneously. Paired with a 512GB SSD, the computer boasts impressive performance speeds. Boot times are fast, and access to files and applications is almost instantaneous. Additionally, the use of an NVMe improves overall system responsiveness.
-wise , the Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) has decent battery life. ExpressCharge can recharge the battery up to 80% in 60 minutes, which is a great benefit for mobile users. Actual battery life will vary depending on usage, but for typical office use, you can expect around 7-8 hours. For more intensive tasks, battery life is reduced, but it's still sufficient for a full workday.
Finally, the Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) , while not designed for resource-intensive gaming, can handle most common graphics needs. It's ideal for streaming videos, light photo editing, and undemanding games. Graphics performance is good for office use, but if you're looking for a computer for creative or gaming applications, you might be better off looking at models with dedicated graphics cards.
Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) 15.6 Laptop
Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) Key Features
Description of the Dell Inspiron 15 (3520)
Display : 15.6″ FHD, 120 Hz, WVA anti-glare, LED backlight
Processor : Intel Core i5-1235U, 10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz
Memory : 16 GB DDR4
Storage : 512GB NVMe SSD
Graphics card : Intel Iris Xe
Operation : Windows 11 Home
Connectivity : Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, SD card reader
Battery life : Up to 8 hours
Weight : 1.83 kg
Warranty : 2 years
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 15.6 inches |
| Screen resolution | FHD (1920 x 1080), 120 Hz |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U, 10 cores up to 4.4 GHz |
| RAM memory | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Graphics card | Intel Iris Xe |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home |
| Weight | 1.83 kg |
| Autonomy | 7-8 hours |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
The Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) Display: A Rich Visual Experience
Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) 's 15.6-inch display seems to offer a fairly pleasant viewing experience, especially thanks to its Full HD resolution and 120Hz refresh rate . The fact that the refresh rate is 120Hz is a real plus for those who use interactive software or like to have a smooth experience when scrolling. It's also a good asset for videos or even light gaming.
The anti-glare screen is also a great addition, especially for mobile users who may have to work in bright or outdoor environments. This significantly improves readability, even under direct sunlight.
Dell Inspiron Battery: Battery Life and Fast Charging
The Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) has a pretty good battery life for a machine in this class. Thanks to ExpressCharge technology, it's possible to recharge the battery up to 80% in just 60 minutes, saving valuable time for users on the go. Under normal use, the computer can last up to 8 hours, but this will depend on the workload. For typical office tasks, the battery life will be enough to last a full workday.
Memory and Storage: Performance and Responsiveness
Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) laptop doesn't skimp on performance with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD , making it a particularly responsive machine. The SSD is a key component that completely transforms the user experience compared to a traditional hard drive. Thanks to its speed, instant system startups, fast application loading , and smooth file management become the norm. This can really transform everyday productivity, especially if you're working on heavy projects or resource-intensive applications.
The Dell Inspiron 15 (3520)' s built-in 16GB of DDR4 RAM is also a big plus. This allows you to run multiple applications at the same time without the system suffering from slowdowns. This is especially useful for professionals who juggle word processing software, spreadsheets, video conferencing applications, and even a few more resource-intensive programs. In short, this combination of RAM and SSD not only ensures smooth performance , but also optimal responsiveness , which is crucial for those looking for a machine that can keep up with a fast and demanding work pace.
Processor and Graphics Card: Power and Efficiency
i5-1235U processor is particularly well-suited for multitasking scenarios hybrid technology (P + E cores), it is able to juggle between light tasks (such as document management or browsing) and more resource-intensive tasks (such as slightly more complex office applications or light video editing) without compromising responsiveness. In addition, its optimized power consumption guarantees extended battery life when traveling or working on battery power, which is a major advantage for mobile users.
That said, for intensive applications like 4K video editing or heavy data processing, the i5-1235U might show its limitations, but in everyday professional use, it excels. Thermal management remains good, and the processor does not heat up excessively when running long tasks.
Intel Iris Xe Graphics Card
Intel Iris Xe graphics card that comes with this processor is an integrated , but nevertheless very powerful for general use . It allows you to run Full HD movies , consume multimedia content (streaming videos, light gaming), and process photos in software like Photoshop or Lightroom . For less demanding graphics tasks, it performs solidly, offering sharp and fluid graphics. It also handles office applications with graphical interfaces well.
However, it remains limited for modern video games or complex 3D applications . Recent games that require high-quality graphics may not run smoothly, and professional software that is very graphically intensive (such as CAD or high-resolution video editing software) may also slow down performance.
Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) Target Users
The Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) was designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of users. Thanks to its well-balanced features, it positions itself as a versatile machine, suitable for different types of professionals and students. Here's an overview of the main user profiles that could benefit most from this computer:
1. Professionals on the Move
Nomadic workers and professionals who are often on the move (consultants, salespeople, or even remote workers) are undoubtedly the first to benefit from the advantages of the Dell Inspiron 15 (3520). Thanks to its lightweight and sleek , it is easy to carry , which is ideal for those who have to travel frequently. In addition, with a respected battery life thanks to the Intel Core i5-1235U processor and optimized energy management , this computer can last a whole workday without having to look for an outlet. Its anti-glare screen is also an important asset when using outdoors or in bright environments.
Office performance ( Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is more than sufficient, allowing you to create presentations, manage documents or participate in video conferences without any problems. It can even handle more demanding tasks, such as light video editing or photo editing , if necessary.
2. Students
Students of all backgrounds will also appreciate this Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) for its versatility and affordability . Whether taking notes in class, researching the internet, or completing assignments and projects, the Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) can easily handle word processing, spreadsheets, and even light graphics or video editing .
The long battery life is a plus for classroom days or library revisions, while the portability makes it easy to transport from one classroom to another, or during revision sessions at home. In addition, the Full HD screen guarantees good visibility when consulting online teaching resources or educational videos.
3. Multi-skilled Users (Office + Multimedia)
This Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) is also aimed at those looking for a versatile , capable of combining basic office tasks with multimedia activities. Users who enjoy watching movies , listening to music , or consuming multimedia content in general, will find the Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) an excellent companion. Thanks to its Full HD screen , the quality of videos and images is clear and pleasant, and its speaker is powerful enough for a satisfactory multimedia experience.
Light photo processing and simple video editing are also possible thanks to the Intel Iris Xe , which offers decent performance for these activities without competing with dedicated graphics cards.
4. Frequent Travelers and Digital Nomads
For digital nomads and frequent travelers , this computer meets the demands of mobility while maintaining performance for most daily tasks. With its light weight , compact design , and solid battery life , it can be an excellent choice for those who work flexibly, whether in cafes, airports, or coworking spaces. Connectivity ( Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) is also an important point to stay productive wherever you are.
In addition, the combination of office performance and multimedia consumption means that this computer can also be used to relax after a day of work, watching series or playing light games.
5. Small Businesses and Freelancers
Freelancers and small businesses that don't need ultra-powerful machines, but are looking for a reliable and efficient tool for everyday professional tasks (project management, administrative follow-up, communication) will also be able to benefit from this Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) laptop . With an affordable price for small businesses and solid performance, the Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) offers excellent value for money.
Conclusion: A Computer for Everyone
In summary, the Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) is a versatile computer , designed for those looking for good performance in office and multimedia tasks without sacrificing portability or battery life. Whether you are a professional on the go, a student, or looking for a versatile tool for work and play, this computer will meet your daily needs while remaining affordable.
Positive Points
Good overall performance with a 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor.
15.6-inch FHD display with 120Hz refresh rate.
Large RAM capacity (16GB) for a smooth experience.
512GB SSD, providing fast boot and transfer speeds.
ExpressCharge technology for fast charging.
Sleek, modern design with a carbon black finish.
Negative Points
No dedicated graphics card for games or heavy graphics applications.
Average battery life, which may be reduced during heavy use.
Graphics performance is not suitable for users looking for gaming capabilities.
Positive and Negative Reviews from Amazon Customers
Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) Positive Reviews
“Very good computer for office work and everyday tasks. The screen is nice and the fast charging is a real plus.”
“I use this model for remote work, and it's fast enough to handle all my office applications.”
Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) Negative Reviews
"Battery life could be better. I expected better graphics performance for movies and games."
“Not powerful enough for heavier content creation applications.”
Comparison with other PCs in the same price range
| Characteristic | Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) | Acer Aspire 3 A317-55P-36YL | ASUS Vivobook 17 S1704ZA-AU216W |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 15.6 inch FHD (1920 x 1080), 120 Hz | 17.3 inch Full HD (1920 x 1080), 60 Hz (assumed) | 17.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), 60 Hz (assumed) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U (12th Generation) | Intel Core i3-N305 (different architecture, newer) | Intel Core i5-1235U (12th Generation) |
| Graphics Card | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics (integrated in i3-N305) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Random Access Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD | 512GB NVMe SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 10 | Windows 11 Home |
| Size | 15.6 inches | 17.3 inches | 17.3 inches |
| Keyboard | AZERTY (French) (assumed) | AZERTY (French) | AZERTY |
Detailed Analysis:
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Screen Size and Immersion:
- The Acer Aspire 3 laptop and ASUS Vivobook 17 notebook offer a larger 17.3-inch screen, which is ideal for multitasking, watching movies, and a more immersive experience in general.
- The Dell Inspiron 15, with its 15.6-inch screen, is more compact and therefore potentially easier to carry.
- Advantage: Acer and ASUS for size, Dell for portability.
-
Screen Refresh Rate:
- The Dell Inspiron 15 notebook boasts a 120Hz refresh rate. This results in a smoother image, especially when scrolling through web pages, watching animations, and watching videos. This is a significant benefit for visual comfort.
- The Acer and ASUS displays probably run at 60Hz, which is standard.
- Advantage: Dell for screen smoothness.
-
Processor Performance:
- The Dell and ASUS notebooks share the same Intel Core i5-1235U processor. This 12th generation processor offers good performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and some more demanding applications. It has 10 cores (2 Performance cores and 8 Efficient cores) and 12 threads.
- The Acer is equipped with an Intel Core i3-N305. This is a newer processor, but based on a different architecture (Alder Lake-N) with 8 E-cores (Efficient-cores) and 8 threads. While it can be efficient for some tasks, overall performance, especially in heavy multitasking scenarios, might be slightly lower than the i5-1235U.
- Advantage: Dell and ASUS for processor power (i5).
-
Graphics Performance:
- Both the Dell and ASUS use integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. It provides sufficient graphics performance for web browsing, office work, high-resolution video playback, and some light gaming at low settings.
- The Acer uses Intel UHD Graphics integrated into the i3-N305. Performance with Intel UHD Graphics may be slightly lower than with the Iris Xe.
- Advantage: Dell and ASUS for Iris Xe graphics.
-
Random Access Memory (RAM):
- Both the Dell and ASUS come with 16GB of RAM, which is ideal for smooth multitasking and running demanding applications.
- The Acer has 8GB of RAM, which is enough for everyday tasks, but could be limiting if you tend to open a lot of applications simultaneously or use memory-intensive software.
- Advantage: Dell and ASUS for the amount of RAM.
-
Storage :
- All three laptops offer a 512GB SSD, which ensures fast boot times and quick application loading.
- ASUS specifies an NVMe SSD, which is generally faster than a standard SATA SSD, potentially offering slightly faster file transfer times.
- Advantage: Slight advantage for the ASUS (NVMe SSD).
-
Operating System:
- Both the Dell and ASUS come with Windows 11 Home, the latest version of Microsoft's operating system.
- The Acer comes with Windows 10. While still functional, it's not the most recent version. An upgrade to Windows 11 is usually possible, but it can take time.
- Advantage: Dell and ASUS for the operating system version.
-
Portability and Size:
- The Dell Inspiron 15 is the most compact of the three due to its smaller screen.
- The Acer and ASUS, with their 17.3-inch screens, are larger and less portable, but offer a more comfortable workspace.
- Advantage: Depends on your mobility needs. Dell is more portable, Acer and ASUS offer a larger screen.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
-
If screen fluidity is a priority (web browsing, video) and portability is important: The Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) is an excellent choice. Its 120 Hz display is a significant advantage in this price range.
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If you prefer a large screen for viewing comfort and multitasking, and you need 16GB of RAM: The ASUS Vivobook 17 S1704ZA-AU216W is a solid option. It offers a large screen, an i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and an NVMe SSD.
-
The Acer Aspire 3 A317-55P-36YL is the lowest-performing option of the three in terms of RAM and potentially processor power. Its main advantage is its large screen, but the i3-N305 processor and 8GB of RAM could be limiting for intensive use or heavy multitasking. The fact that it comes with Windows 10 is also a point to consider.
Dell Inspiron 15 laptop stands out for its 120Hz display, while the ASUS Vivobook 17 offers a large screen and specs equivalent to the Dell in terms of performance and RAM. The Acer could be an option if the price is significantly lower and your needs are more basic.
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