The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series is a line of budget-friendly laptops that offer decent performance and features for everyday use. The model we are reviewing is the Inspiron 15 3501, which comes with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch Full HD display. It also has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics card, a full-size keyboard with a Numpad, a 720p webcam, and a 42Wh battery. It has a thin and light design, weighing only 1.73 kg and measuring 17.5 mm at its thickest point. It has a plastic chassis with a carbon black finish that feels sturdy and durable.
Pros
- Affordable price: The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series is one of the most affordable laptops in its category, starting from €429.99 on the Dell website. It offers good value for money, considering its specs and features.
- Good performance: The Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor is a dual-core CPU that can handle most basic tasks like web browsing, text editing, video streaming, and light multitasking. It has a base clock speed of 3 GHz and can boost up to 4.1 GHz when needed. It also supports Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, which allows each core to run two threads simultaneously, improving performance and efficiency. The 8GB of RAM is enough for most users, and the 512GB of SSD storage provides fast boot times and data transfers.
- Full HD display: The 15.6-inch display has a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, which delivers sharp and clear images and text. It has an IPS panel, which means it has wide viewing angles and good color accuracy. It also has an anti-glare coating, which reduces reflections and eye strain.
- Full-size keyboard: The keyboard has a standard layout with a Numpad on the right side, which is convenient for those who work with numbers frequently. The keys have decent travel and feedback, making typing comfortable and accurate.
- Easy to upgrade: The laptop has outstanding serviceability, as it is easy to open and access the internal components. There are two RAM slots, one of which is occupied by an 8GB module, and the other is free for future upgrades. There is also an M.2 slot for the SSD, which can be replaced with a larger or faster one if needed.
Cons
- Short battery life: The laptop has a 42Wh battery, which is relatively small for its size and power consumption. According to our battery test, it lasted only about 4 hours of mixed usage on a single charge, which is below average for its category. You will need to carry the charger with you if you plan to use it for longer periods away from a power outlet.
- Poor webcam quality: The laptop has a 720p webcam, which is standard for most laptops in this price range. However, the image quality is not very good, as it looks unnatural and underexposed. The microphone is also too loud and picks up background noise easily.
- No USB-C port: The laptop has three USB-A ports (two USB 3.2 Gen 1 and one USB 2.0), an HDMI 1.4 port, an SD card reader, an Ethernet port, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. However, it lacks a USB-C port, which is becoming more common and versatile in modern devices. A USB-C port would allow faster data transfers, charging, and video output with compatible devices.
- Tiring keyboard: While the keyboard is comfortable to type on for short periods, it can feel tiring for extended sessions. This is because the keys are slightly stiff and require more force to press down. The keyboard also lacks backlighting, which makes it harder to see the keys in dim environments.
Conclusion
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series is a good choice for those who are looking for a budget laptop that can handle basic tasks without breaking the bank. It offers good performance, a Full HD display, a full-size keyboard, and easy upgradability. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as short battery life, poor webcam quality, no USB-C port, and a tiring keyboard. If you can live with these limitations or find them minor compared to the benefits, then this laptop might be suitable for you.
