The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 i3520-5810BLK-PUS is a mid-range laptop that promises to deliver a balanced computing experience for everyday tasks. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into its key features, performance, and overall value.
Design and Dimensions
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 i3520-5810BLK-PUS sports a sleek design in Carbon Black, giving it a professional and modern look. It measures 0.83 inches in height, 14.11 inches in width, and 9.27 inches in depth, making it relatively compact for a 15.6-inch laptop. At 3.65 pounds, it's also fairly lightweight, making it a suitable choice for those on the move.
Display
The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD touch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This display offers impressive color and clarity, making it suitable for multimedia consumption and productivity tasks. The use of IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles, which is ideal for sharing content or collaborating with others. However, with a brightness of 220 nits, it may struggle in very bright environments.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Powering the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is the Intel 11th Generation Core i5-1155G7 processor. This quad-core CPU has a base clock frequency of 2.5 gigahertz and can boost up to 4.5 gigahertz when needed. It's a capable processor for everyday computing tasks, offering a good balance between performance and power efficiency. However, for more demanding applications such as gaming or professional video editing, users may find it somewhat limited.
Graphics Processor (GPU)
Graphics are handled by the integrated Intel UHD Graphics, which is suitable for basic tasks and light gaming but falls short when it comes to more graphics-intensive activities. Gamers and creative professionals may find the graphics performance lacking, and a dedicated GPU would have been a valuable addition.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
The laptop comes equipped with 8 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM running at 3200 megahertz. While this is sufficient for everyday multitasking and running office applications, it may feel limited for users who frequently work with large files or run memory-hungry software. The presence of two memory slots allows for potential future upgrades to enhance performance.
Storage
Storage is provided by a 256-gigabyte M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive (SSD). SSDs are known for their speed and reliability, offering faster boot times, application loading, and data access compared to traditional hard drives. However, the storage capacity might be limiting for users who need to store a significant amount of data, such as large media files or extensive software libraries.
Connectivity
On the connectivity front, the laptop offers a reasonable selection of ports. It includes two USB-A 3.2 ports, one USB-A 2.0 port, and an HDMI 1.4 port. While this should suffice for connecting peripherals and external displays, the absence of USB Type-C or Thunderbolt ports may disappoint users looking for more versatility in their connectivity options. Additionally, the laptop lacks an Ethernet port, relying solely on Wi-Fi for network connectivity.
Operating System
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 runs on Windows 11 Home in S Mode. While Windows 11 promises enhanced security features, fast boot times, and improved responsiveness, the S Mode may limit the installation of apps from sources other than the Microsoft Store. Users who require greater flexibility in software installation may choose to switch out of S Mode.
Camera and Audio
The laptop features a front-facing HD webcam with 0.92 megapixels and a video resolution of 720p. While this is adequate for video conferencing and online chats, it may not meet the expectations of users who require higher-quality video for content creation or streaming.
Audio is delivered through MaxxAudio Pro-powered stereo speakers, providing decent sound quality for casual multimedia consumption. However, audiophiles or those seeking immersive audio experiences may want to consider external speakers or headphones for a better audio experience.
Battery Life
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is equipped with a 3-cell lithium-ion battery, which promises extended battery life. Additionally, it supports express charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery. This is a convenient feature for users who are frequently on the go and need a laptop that can keep up with their demands.
Additional Features
The laptop includes a few extra features worth mentioning:
- The absence of a backlit keyboard may disappoint users who work in low-light environments.
- It does not offer a 2-in-1 design, so users looking for a versatile convertible laptop may need to explore other options.
- The laptop incorporates ComfortView, a low blue light software solution designed to reduce eye strain during prolonged screen time.
- It is built using post-consumer recyclable plastics and waterborne paints, demonstrating Dell's commitment to environmental consciousness.
Pros
- Sleek and professional design.
- Compact and lightweight for a 15.6-inch laptop.
- Full HD touch screen with wide viewing angles.
- 11th Generation Intel Core i5 processor for efficient everyday performance.
- Fast SSD storage for quick boot times and data access.
- Decent battery life with express charging.
- Environmental-conscious design with recyclable materials.
Cons
- Integrated graphics may limit gaming and creative tasks.
- 8GB of RAM may feel limited for memory-intensive applications.
- Lack of USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports limits connectivity options.
- Windows 11 Home in S Mode may restrict software installation choices.
- Front-facing camera resolution may not meet the needs of content creators.
Conclusion
The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 i3520-5810BLK-PUS offers a balanced computing experience with a sleek design and compact form factor. It is well-suited for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing. The inclusion of a Full HD touch screen and a fast SSD adds to its appeal, but it does have its limitations.
Users looking for a laptop primarily for multimedia consumption or casual productivity will find this model a good fit. However, those who require more graphics power, memory, or advanced connectivity options may want to explore alternatives in Dell's product lineup or from other manufacturers.
In summary, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 i3520-5810BLK-PUS is a competent mid-range laptop with a focus on portability and everyday performance, but it falls short in catering to users with more demanding computing needs.
