Choosing a new laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with multiple models that seem to offer similar features. If you’re eyeing the Dell Inspiron 15 series, specifically the 3511 vs. 3520 models, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision. We’ll dissect key differences, performance metrics, and user experience to ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Review Overview
When it comes to mid-range laptops, Dell’s Inspiron series is a popular choice among tech enthusiasts, laptop shoppers, and business professionals. The Inspiron 15 3511 and 3520 models offer promising features for daily tasks, multimedia, and light gaming. However, they cater to slightly different needs. In this post, we’ll explore the main differences between these two models, helping you determine which one aligns best with your requirements.
Key Differences
Case
The first noticeable difference is in the build and design. The Inspiron 15 3511 sports a plastic chassis with a matte finish, which gives it a more budget-friendly feel. On the other hand, the 3520 offers a slightly upgraded design with a more refined look and feel, featuring a brushed metallic finish on the lid. This subtle enhancement not only makes the 3520 look more premium but also adds to its durability.
The 3511 is a bit lighter, making it a convenient choice for those who prioritize portability. However, the 3520’s sturdier build might appeal to users seeking a more robust laptop that can withstand daily wear and tear. Both models come with a standard full-size keyboard and a numeric keypad, but the 3520 has slightly better key travel and tactile feedback, making typing more comfortable.
Display
Display quality is crucial, especially for those who spend long hours staring at their screen. The Inspiron 15 3511 features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. It offers decent brightness and color accuracy, suitable for general use, including streaming videos and browsing the web.
The 3520, however, takes things up a notch with its enhanced display options. While it also has a 15.6-inch Full HD screen, it boasts better color reproduction and brightness levels, making it a better choice for users involved in photo and video editing. Additionally, the 3520 offers an optional touchscreen display, providing more versatility for users who prefer interactive screens.
Battery
Battery Life on Programming/Coding
Battery life is a critical factor for users who need their laptops to last through long coding sessions or remote workdays. The Inspiron 15 3511 offers a respectable battery life of up to 6-7 hours under typical usage conditions, such as programming or coding. This makes it a reliable companion for developers who require a steady power source without frequent recharging.
In contrast, the 3520 excels in battery life, lasting up to 8-9 hours on a single charge during similar usage. This extended battery life is especially beneficial for professionals who work on the go and need their laptop to keep up with their busy schedules.
Battery Life on Web Browsing
For casual users primarily engaged in web browsing, both models perform well. The Inspiron 15 3511 provides around 7-8 hours of battery life during continuous web browsing at moderate brightness levels. This is sufficient for most users to get through a typical workday or evening of online entertainment.
The 3520, however, demonstrates its superiority with an impressive 9-10 hours of battery life under the same conditions. This extra battery capacity ensures you can browse, shop, or stream content without worrying about running out of juice.
Battery Life on Full Brightness and CPU Intensive Tasks
When it comes to more demanding tasks like running CPU-intensive applications at full brightness, battery life tends to drain faster. The Inspiron 15 3511 manages about 4-5 hours under such conditions, which is still reasonable for a mid-range laptop.
The 3520 once again outshines its counterpart, offering approximately 5-6 hours of battery life during intensive tasks. This advantage makes the 3520 a better choice for power users who require their laptop to handle heavy workloads without frequent interruptions.
CPU
CPU Performance Comparisons
CPU performance is a crucial aspect for anyone considering a new laptop. The Inspiron 15 3511 is equipped with an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor, depending on the configuration. While it handles everyday tasks efficiently, it may struggle with more demanding applications.
The 3520, on the other hand, comes with options for Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, delivering significantly better performance. This makes the 3520 ideal for users who need a laptop capable of multitasking and handling resource-intensive software.
Web Browsing Performance
In terms of web browsing performance, both models provide a smooth experience. The Inspiron 15 3511 handles multiple tabs and media-rich websites well, thanks to its efficient processor and adequate RAM.
However, the 3520 takes web browsing to the next level with faster page load times and smoother transitions between tabs. This enhanced performance is particularly noticeable when juggling multiple browser windows or engaging in more complex online tasks.
Photo and Video Editing
For users involved in creative work like photo and video editing, the choice between the two models becomes clearer. The Inspiron 15 3511 can manage basic photo editing and light video editing, but it may struggle with large files or complex projects.
The 3520, with its more powerful CPU options and improved display, handles photo and video editing with ease. It provides a smoother workflow, faster rendering times, and better color accuracy, making it a more suitable choice for creative professionals.
Exporting 4k/8k Videos
When it comes to exporting high-resolution videos, the Inspiron 15 3511 may fall short. Its processing power and RAM are not optimized for handling large 4K or 8K video files, resulting in longer export times and potential lag.
The 3520, however, excels in this area, thanks to its robust hardware. Exporting 4K and even 8K videos is faster and more efficient, making it the clear winner for video editors and content creators.
Benchmarks
3DMarks
Benchmarking is a great way to gauge a laptop’s performance, and 3DMarks is a reliable tool for this purpose. The Inspiron 15 3511 scores reasonably well in 3DMarks tests, but it is outperformed by the 3520, which delivers higher scores across the board. This means better performance in graphics and gaming applications.
Cinebench
Cinebench provides a comprehensive measure of a CPU’s capabilities. The Inspiron 15 3511 shows respectable performance in Cinebench benchmarks, but the 3520, with its higher-end processors, scores significantly better. This makes the 3520 a more powerful option for CPU-intensive tasks.
UserBenchmark
UserBenchmark is another useful tool for comparing overall system performance. The Inspiron 15 3511 performs admirably in UserBenchmark tests, but the 3520 once again takes the lead with higher scores in all categories, including CPU, GPU, and storage performance.
Graphics Card
Both models come with integrated Intel UHD graphics, which are sufficient for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, the 3520 offers an optional upgrade to Nvidia GeForce MX series graphics, providing a significant boost in graphical performance. This makes the 3520 a better choice for users who require more robust graphics capabilities for gaming or creative work.
Ram and Storage
When it comes to RAM and storage, both models offer similar configurations, with options for 8GB or 16GB of RAM and SSD storage ranging from 256GB to 1TB. However, the 3520’s RAM is slightly faster, providing a marginally better performance in multitasking and data transfer speeds.
Sound
Sound quality is an often-overlooked aspect of laptops, but it can significantly impact your user experience. The Inspiron 15 3511 features decent speakers that deliver clear audio for general use. The 3520, however, offers an upgraded audio system with Waves MaxxAudio Pro, providing richer sound and better bass response, making it a more enjoyable experience for multimedia consumption.
Connectivity
Connectivity options are essential for any modern laptop. Both the Inspiron 15 3511 and 3520 come equipped with a variety of ports, including USB 3.2, HDMI, and an SD card reader. The 3520, however, offers an additional USB-C port, providing more versatility and faster data transfer speeds. Both models also support the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
Conclusion
The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 and 3520 are both excellent mid-range laptops, but they cater to slightly different needs. If you prioritize portability and a budget-friendly option, the 3511 is a solid choice. However, if you need more robust performance, better display quality, and enhanced battery life, the 3520 is the clear winner.
Both models offer a range of features that make them suitable for tech enthusiasts, laptop shoppers, and business professionals. By understanding the key differences and considering your specific needs, you can make an informed decision that will serve you well in the long run.
For those eager to explore more about these models or need personalized recommendations, feel free to reach out to our team of experts. We’re here to help you find the perfect laptop that meets all your requirements.
Here’s a detailed comparison table for the Dell Inspiron 3511 and Dell Inspiron 3520:
| Feature | Dell Inspiron 3511 | Dell Inspiron 3520 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1115G4 / i5-1135G7 / i7-1165G7 | Intel Core i3-1215U / i5-1235U / i7-1255U |
| RAM | 4GB / 8GB / 16GB DDR4 | 8GB / 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB SSD | 256GB / 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics / Optional NVIDIA MX550 |
| Display | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare LED Backlight | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare LED Backlight |
| Battery | 3-Cell, 42 WHr Battery | 4-Cell, 54 WHr Battery |
| Operating System | Windows 10 / Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Weight | Approx. 1.85 kg (4.08 lbs) | Approx. 1.78 kg (3.92 lbs) |
| Ports | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 2.0, HDMI 1.4, SD Card Reader, Audio Jack | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 2.0, HDMI 1.4b, SD Card Reader, Audio Jack |
| Keyboard | Standard non-backlit / Optional backlit keyboard | Standard backlit keyboard |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Webcam | 720p HD Camera | 720p HD Camera |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro | Stereo Speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro |
| Price Range | Starts around $500 | Starts around $600 |
