The Dell Inspiron 3520 laptop presents a compelling balance of performance and practicality, featuring an Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD for efficient multitasking and storage. Its 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen enhances usability, though its brightness may fall short in certain environments. With Thunderbolt 4 and USB 3.2 ports, connectivity is robust, while its lightweight design adds to its portability. However, Windows 11 S mode may limit software options. For those seeking a budget-friendly device for productivity and light multimedia, the Inspiron 3520 raises questions about its true value and limitations.
Key Takeaways
- Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor with 4 cores and 8 threads ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance for everyday tasks.
- 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD provide fast data access, quick boot times, and seamless application performance.
- 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen display offers vibrant visuals and intuitive navigation, though brightness is limited to 220 nits.
- Lightweight design at 1.7 pounds and long battery life make it highly portable for professionals and students on the go.
- Thunderbolt 4 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports ensure versatile connectivity for fast data transfer and device integration.
##
The Dell Inspiron 3520 laptop is equipped with an Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor, featuring 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base frequency of 2.5GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of up to 4.5GHz, ensuring efficient performance for multitasking and demanding applications. The processor's power efficiency contributes to improved battery life efficiency, making it suitable for extended use without frequent recharging. The laptop offers versatile port connectivity options, including 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, an HDMI port, a headset jack, and an SD card reader, catering to diverse peripheral and display needs. These features, combined with the Intel UHD Graphics and 16GB DDR4 RAM, provide a balanced hardware configuration for productivity and multimedia tasks. The upgradeable components enhance the laptop's longevity and adaptability, allowing users to customize performance as needed.
Features and Benefits
The Dell Inspiron 3520 is equipped with an Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor, delivering efficient performance for multitasking and productivity. Its 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD guarantee rapid data access and seamless application handling. The 15.6'' FHD touchscreen display enhances user interaction with crisp visuals and responsive touch functionality. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics provide satisfactory performance for casual gaming and expedited video editing, ensuring a smooth multimedia experience.
Intel Core I5-1155g7 Processor
Featuring 4 cores and 8 threads, the Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor delivers a base frequency of 2.5GHz, capable of reaching up to 4.5GHz at maximum turbo frequency, guaranteeing efficient multitasking and responsive performance for everyday computing tasks. Built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin architecture, this processor balances processor performance with thermal efficiency, making it ideal for productivity and light creative workloads. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics enhances visual performance, supporting smooth multitasking and multimedia experiences. With Intel's advanced power management, the i5-1155G7 optimizes energy consumption, reducing heat output and extending battery life. Its support for PCIe 4.0 guarantees faster data transfer speeds, further enhancing system responsiveness. Overall, the i5-1155G7 strikes a balance between power and efficiency, making it a reliable choice for users seeking consistent performance in a compact form factor.
6GB DDR4 RAM
Complementing the Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor, the 16GB DDR4 RAM guarantees seamless multitasking and efficient handling of demanding applications. With a high ram speed, this configuration secures rapid data access and smooth performance across productivity tasks, creative workflows, and light gaming. The DDR4 technology offers improved power efficiency and bandwidth compared to its predecessors, enhancing overall system responsiveness. Ram compatibility is secured with the laptop's architecture, allowing for peak utilization of memory resources without bottlenecks. This capacity is ideal for users running multiple applications simultaneously or working with memory-intensive software. The 16GB DDR4 RAM strikes a balance between performance and future-proofing, making it a reliable choice for both everyday use and more demanding workloads. Its integration with the system secures stability and consistent performance under varying workloads.
TB PCIe NVMe SSD
With a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, the Dell Inspiron 3520 delivers exceptional storage performance, leveraging the NVMe protocol to achieve substantially faster data transfer speeds compared to traditional SATA SSDs. The SSD speed guarantees rapid boot times, quick application launches, and seamless multitasking, enhancing overall productivity. The 1TB storage capacity provides ample space for large files, multimedia content, and software installations, catering to both professional and personal needs. The NVMe interface minimizes latency and maximizes throughput, making it ideal for data-intensive tasks. This combination of high-speed performance and generous storage capacity secures the Dell Inspiron 3520 meets the demands of modern computing, offering a balanced solution for users seeking efficiency and reliability in a compact form factor.
5.6'' FHD Touchscreen Display
The Dell Inspiron 3520's 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen display enhances user interaction with its 1920 x 1080 resolution, delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors. The display clarity guarantees crisp text and detailed images, making it ideal for productivity and multimedia tasks. With 220 nits of brightness, the screen remains usable in various lighting conditions, though it may struggle in direct sunlight. The touch responsiveness is precise, enabling smooth navigation and intuitive control, particularly beneficial for Windows 11's touch-friendly interface. While the display lacks advanced features like higher refresh rates or HDR support, it strikes a balance between functionality and affordability. Overall, the FHD touchscreen provides a practical and engaging experience for everyday use, catering to both casual and professional users.
Product Quality
Although the Dell Inspiron 3520 laptop delivers solid performance for its price range, its product quality presents a mixed experience. A durability assessment reveals that the chassis, primarily constructed from plastic, feels lightweight but lacks the rigidity of higher-end models. The build quality is functional yet unremarkable, with noticeable flex in the keyboard deck and lid under moderate pressure. While the hinge mechanism operates smoothly, it may not withstand prolonged heavy use. The touchpad and keyboard, though responsive, exhibit a somewhat plasticky feel, which detracts from the overall premium experience. Despite these compromises, the laptop's internal components, such as the SSD and RAM, are securely housed, ensuring reliable performance. For budget-conscious users, the trade-offs in build quality may be acceptable, but those prioritizing durability may find it lacking. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor enhances performance, making it suitable for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
What It's Used For
The Dell Inspiron 3520 is well-suited for everyday productivity tasks, such as document editing, web browsing, and multitasking, thanks to its Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB RAM. Its 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen and Intel UHD Graphics make it ideal for multimedia consumption, including streaming and light photo editing. While not designed for intensive gaming, it handles casual gaming and basic graphics work with adequate performance. The laptop also features effective cooling mechanisms to prevent overheating during extended use, ensuring consistent performance.
Everyday Productivity Tasks
With its Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the Dell Inspiron 3520 is well-suited for handling everyday productivity tasks efficiently. The quad-core processor and ample memory guarantee smooth multitasking, enabling users to run applications like Microsoft Office, web browsers, and communication tools simultaneously without performance bottlenecks. The 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD provides fast data access, reducing load times for files and applications. Battery efficiency is commendable, supporting extended work sessions without frequent recharging. Its lightweight design, weighing just 1.7 pounds, enhances portability convenience, making it ideal for professionals on the go. The 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen offers clear visuals for document editing and presentations, while the robust connectivity options, including USB 3.2 and HDMI, secure seamless integration with peripherals. This laptop excels in delivering reliable performance for daily productivity needs.
Multimedia and Entertainment
Featuring a 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen with 220 nits brightness, the Dell Inspiron 3520 delivers vibrant visuals suitable for multimedia consumption, including streaming videos, photo editing, and casual gaming. The display's color accuracy and sharp resolution enhance video playback, making it ideal for watching high-definition content. While the Intel UHD Graphics guarantees smooth rendering of visuals, the laptop's audio quality is adequate for casual use, though external speakers or headphones may be preferred for a richer sound experience. The combination of a responsive touchscreen and robust processing power allows for seamless navigation during multimedia tasks. However, the 220 nits brightness may limit visibility in brightly lit environments. Overall, the Inspiron 3520 is well-suited for users prioritizing multimedia and entertainment, offering reliable performance for everyday media consumption.
Light Gaming and Graphics
Equipped with Intel UHD Graphics and a 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen, the Dell Inspiron 3520 handles light gaming and graphics tasks with moderate efficiency. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics delivers adequate graphics performance for casual gaming, such as indie titles or older AAA games at low to medium settings. While the 220-nit display guarantees decent visual clarity, it may struggle with demanding modern titles due to limited GPU capabilities. The gaming experience is further supported by the 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, which reduce load times and improve responsiveness. However, for more intensive gaming or professional-grade graphics work, a dedicated GPU would be necessary. Overall, the Inspiron 3520 is suitable for users seeking a budget-friendly option for light gaming and basic graphic tasks.
Product Specifications
The Dell Inspiron 3520 laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor, offering 4 cores and 8 threads with a base frequency of 2.5GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.5GHz, ensuring efficient multitasking and responsive performance. It features 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, delivering fast storage and seamless hardware compatibility for demanding applications. The 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen display, with 220 nits brightness, provides crisp visuals. Performance benchmarks highlight its capability for productivity tasks and light multitasking. Connectivity options include USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI, and an SD card reader, ensuring versatility. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics enhances visual experiences, making it ideal for creative professionals.
| Component | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1155G7 | 4 cores, 8 threads |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 | 3200MHz |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | High-speed storage |
Who Needs This
The Dell Inspiron 3520 laptop, with its robust Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, is well-suited for users seeking a balance of performance and portability. Students will benefit from its multitasking capabilities and ample storage for academic projects, while professionals can leverage its efficient processing power for productivity tasks like document editing, data analysis, and presentations. Remote workers will appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi connectivity and lightweight design, making it ideal for hybrid work environments. The 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen enhances usability for creative tasks or collaborative work. With Windows 11 Home, it supports modern workflows, including Android app integration. Its combination of hardware and features makes it a practical choice for users requiring dependable performance in a portable form factor. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ensures lightning-fast data transfer speeds and versatile connectivity options for external devices.
Pros
Boasting a powerful Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the Dell Inspiron 3520 delivers exceptional performance for multitasking and demanding applications. Its fast performance guarantees seamless handling of productivity tasks, creative workloads, and light gaming. The 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD accelerates boot times and file transfers, while the 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen enhances usability with vibrant visuals and responsive touch input. Additionally, the laptop offers a long battery life, making it ideal for on-the-go use. The Full HD IPS display ensures a comfortable visual experience with expanded vertical space, perfect for productivity and multimedia.
- Efficient multitasking: Handles multiple applications simultaneously without lag.
- Rapid storage: 1TB SSD guarantees quick access to files and faster system responsiveness.
- Immersive display: 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen with 220 nits brightness.
- Portable productivity: Lightweight design and long battery life for extended use.
Cons
Despite its strengths, the Dell Inspiron 3520 has notable drawbacks that may impact user experience. While it boasts Windows compatibility, some users have reported challenges with Windows 11 S mode, limiting software flexibility. Additionally, customer support has been criticized for delayed responses and inadequate resolution of issues. The laptop's display, though functional, lacks brightness at 220 nits, making it less ideal for outdoor or well-lit environments. Moreover, the Intel UHD Graphics may struggle with demanding tasks, limiting its appeal for gaming or graphic-intensive work. The Intel Core i7-8650U processor found in the Dell Latitude 7490 demonstrates superior performance, highlighting the Inspiron 3520's limitations in handling intensive workloads.
- Windows 11 S mode restrictions hinder software installation flexibility.
- Customer support delays and inconsistent issue resolution.
- Dim display brightness at 220 nits affects visibility in bright settings.
- Intel UHD Graphics limitations for high-performance tasks.
These cons highlight areas where the Dell Inspiron 3520 falls short of expectations.
What Customers Are Saying
While the Dell Inspiron 3520 has garnered praise for its performance and design, customer reviews reveal a mixed reception. Many users highlight its fast performance, smooth multitasking, and long battery life as key strengths, contributing to positive customer satisfaction. The 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen and 16GB RAM are frequently commended for enhancing the user experience. However, some customers report frustrations with Windows 11 S mode limitations, delayed deliveries, and inconsistent seller support, which detract from overall satisfaction. Issues with partial refund disputes and occasional hardware concerns further complicate the user experience. Despite these drawbacks, the laptop's solid build and reliable performance remain appealing to a significant portion of users, indicating a balance of strengths and weaknesses in real-world usage. The innovative cooling system ensures consistent performance during demanding tasks, which is a notable advantage for users who prioritize stability.
Overall Value
When evaluating the Dell Inspiron 3520, its overall value is determined by a combination of its competitive hardware specifications, user experience, and price-to-performance ratio. The laptop's Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD deliver robust performance for everyday tasks, making it a strong contender in its price range. A price comparison with similar models highlights its affordability, particularly given its feature set. Warranty coverage, including Amazon's 30-day return policy and Dell's standard warranty, adds peace of mind, though extended options may be necessary for long-term reliability. While the 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen and Windows 11 integration enhance usability, the 220-nit display brightness may limit outdoor use. The inclusion of Eye Comfort Technology reduces blue light emissions, promoting healthier screen habits and aligning with eco-conscious design. Overall, the Inspiron 3520 offers solid value for budget-conscious users seeking reliable performance and essential features.
Tips and Tricks For Best Results
To maximize the performance and usability of the Dell Inspiron 3520, users can implement several practical strategies. For battery optimization, adjust power settings in Windows 11 to prioritize efficiency, reduce screen brightness, and disable unnecessary background apps. Regularly update the BIOS and drivers to guarantee compatibility and performance enhancements. For system maintenance, schedule periodic disk cleanup and defragmentation to maintain SSD health, though defragmentation is less critical for SSDs. Use built-in tools like Windows Defender for malware protection and uninstall unused software to free up resources. Enable automatic updates to keep the operating system secure and optimized. Additionally, consider using a cooling pad to prevent thermal throttling during intensive tasks. These practices secure sustained performance and longevity of the device.
Conclusion
The Dell Inspiron 3520 stands out as a versatile and capable laptop, offering a balance of performance, portability, and modern features tailored for everyday computing needs. With its Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, it delivers smooth multitasking and ample storage for productivity tasks. The 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen enhances the user experience, while its lightweight design guarantees portability. Future upgrades are feasible, thanks to its expandable storage and RAM options. However, the Intel UHD Graphics may limit gaming or graphic-intensive applications. Windows 11 Home provides a modern interface, though some users reported challenges with S mode. Overall, the Inspiron 3520 is a reliable choice for students and professionals seeking a well-rounded laptop for daily use.
