Key points
- The Dell Inspiron 15 boasts a sleek and modern design with a thin profile and a weight of around 4.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has a more traditional laptop design with a thicker profile and a weight of around 5 pounds.
- The hinge is not as sturdy as the Inspiron 15’s, and the laptop can only be opened to a maximum angle of 135 degrees.
In the competitive world of laptops, two giants stand out: Dell Inspiron 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3. Both offer a compelling blend of features, performance, and affordability, making them popular choices for students, professionals, and everyday users. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each laptop to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 boasts a sleek and modern design with a thin profile and a weight of around 4.5 pounds. It’s constructed from durable plastic with a brushed aluminum finish, giving it a premium look and feel. The hinge feels sturdy and allows the laptop to be opened to a wide angle.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has a more traditional laptop design with a thicker profile and a weight of around 5 pounds. It’s made of plastic but has a textured finish that adds grip and durability. The hinge is not as sturdy as the Inspiron 15’s, and the laptop can only be opened to a maximum angle of 135 degrees.
Display
Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display. The display offers bright and vibrant colors with good viewing angles. The bezels are relatively thin, resulting in a screen-to-body ratio of around 80%.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 also features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display. However, the display quality is not as good as the Inspiron 15’s. The colors are less vibrant, the viewing angles are narrower, and the bezels are thicker.
Performance
Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 is available with various configurations, including Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. It also comes with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage. The laptop performs well for everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, checking emails, and creating documents. It can also handle light gaming and video editing.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is also available with a range of processors, including Intel Core i3, i5, and i7. However, the maximum RAM capacity is only 8GB, and the storage options are limited to 256GB or 512GB of PCIe NVMe SSD. The performance is comparable to the Inspiron 15, but it may struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 has a 3-cell, 40Wh battery that provides up to 6 hours of battery life. This is sufficient for most users, but it may fall short if you’re a heavy user or frequently travel.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has a 2-cell, 35Wh battery that provides up to 5 hours of battery life. This is less than the Inspiron 15, but it’s still adequate for most users.
Ports and Connectivity
Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 offers a good selection of ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, one HDMI 1.4 port, and a microSD card reader. It also has a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack and a Noble Wedge lock slot.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has a similar selection of ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 2.0 Type-A port, one HDMI 1.4 port, and a microSD card reader. However, it lacks a USB Type-C port, which is becoming increasingly common on modern laptops.
Price and Value
Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 starts at around $500 for the base model with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. The price increases depending on the configuration you choose.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 starts at around $450 for the base model with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. The price also increases with different configurations.
Verdict: The Winner
Both the Dell Inspiron 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 are excellent laptops that offer a good balance of features, performance, and affordability. However, the Dell Inspiron 15 emerges as the winner due to its superior display, better performance, and longer battery life. If you’re looking for a well-rounded laptop that can handle a wide range of tasks, the Dell Inspiron 15 is the best choice.
Alternatives to Consider
- Acer Aspire 5: Another budget-friendly laptop with a good balance of features and performance.
- HP 15-dw: A sleek and stylish laptop with a long battery life and a comfortable keyboard.
- Asus VivoBook 15: A well-rounded laptop with a large display and a dedicated graphics card.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Which laptop has a better display?
The Dell Inspiron 15 has a better display than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, with brighter and more vibrant colors, wider viewing angles, and thinner bezels.
2. Which laptop has better performance?
The Dell Inspiron 15 has better performance than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, especially for demanding tasks.
3. Which laptop has a longer battery life?
The Dell Inspiron 15 has a longer battery life than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, providing up to 6 hours of usage.
4. Which laptop is more affordable?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is slightly more affordable than the Dell Inspiron 15, starting at around $450.
5. Which laptop is better for students?
Both the Dell Inspiron 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 are good choices for students, but the Dell Inspiron 15 has a better display and performance.