What To Know
- The IdeaPad Slim 3 comes with a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
- If you value a sharp and immersive viewing experience, faster performance, and a lightweight design, the IdeaPad Slim 3 is the ideal laptop for you.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has a higher resolution IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
In the realm of budget-friendly laptops, two contenders stand tall: the Dell Inspiron 3520 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3. Both offer an array of features at an affordable price point, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Dell Inspiron 3520:
The Inspiron 3520 sports a sleek and lightweight chassis with a subtle silver finish. Its plastic construction feels sturdy and durable, ensuring it can withstand everyday use.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3:
The IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts a slim and stylish profile with a metallic gray color scheme. Its aluminum top lid adds a touch of premiumness, while the plastic base provides a lightweight and portable experience.
Display
Dell Inspiron 3520:
The Inspiron 3520 features a 15.6-inch anti-glare display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. While it’s not the sharpest screen, it offers decent viewing angles and colors.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3:
The IdeaPad Slim 3 comes with a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Its higher resolution provides a crisp and detailed viewing experience, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and multitasking.
Performance
Dell Inspiron 3520:
Powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, the Inspiron 3520 is suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. Its 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD provide adequate performance for everyday computing.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3:
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor, the IdeaPad Slim 3 offers a significant performance boost. Its 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD enable smooth multitasking and faster loading times.
Battery Life
Dell Inspiron 3520:
The Inspiron 3520 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge. This makes it a great choice for students or professionals who need a laptop that can last throughout the day.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3:
The IdeaPad Slim 3 offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 5 hours. While it’s still decent for light usage, it may be a limiting factor for those who spend extended periods away from an outlet.
Features
Dell Inspiron 3520:
The Inspiron 3520 comes with a built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers. It also features a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, two USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3:
The IdeaPad Slim 3 offers a similar set of features, including a webcam, microphone, and speakers. Additionally, it has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Portability
Dell Inspiron 3520:
Weighing in at 4.2 pounds, the Inspiron 3520 is relatively portable for a 15.6-inch laptop. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3:
At 3.3 pounds, the IdeaPad Slim 3 is even more portable than the Inspiron 3520. Its slim profile and lightweight construction make it an ideal choice for those who prioritize portability.
The Verdict
Both the Dell Inspiron 3520 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 offer compelling features at an affordable price. However, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 emerges as the better choice due to its superior display, performance, and portability. If you value a sharp and immersive viewing experience, faster performance, and a lightweight design, the IdeaPad Slim 3 is the ideal laptop for you.
Alternatives to Consider
- Acer Aspire 5: Offers a larger 15.6-inch IPS display and a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor.
- HP 15s-eq2000: Features a 15.6-inch HD display, an Intel Core i3 processor, and a spacious 1TB HDD.
- ASUS VivoBook 15: Boasts a sleek and stylish design, a 15.6-inch IPS display, and a powerful Intel Core i5 processor.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The Dell Inspiron 3520 offers an impressive battery life of up to 8 hours.
Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is more portable, weighing in at only 3.3 pounds.
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has a higher resolution IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
