Dell Inspiron 15 3535: Review, Specs, And Performance

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Dell Inspiron 15 3535, a laptop that's been making waves in the budget-friendly segment. If you're looking for a reliable machine for everyday tasks, schoolwork, or even some light content creation, this might just be the one for you. Let's break down everything you need to know, from its specifications to its performance in real-world scenarios.

Design and Build Quality

First impressions matter, right? The Dell Inspiron 15 3535 sports a clean and understated design. It's not going to win any awards for groundbreaking aesthetics, but it's also not an eyesore. The chassis is primarily made of plastic, which helps keep the weight down. While it doesn't feel as premium as some of its more expensive counterparts, it's reasonably sturdy. There's minimal flex in the keyboard deck, which is a definite plus. The laptop is available in a few different color options, so you can choose one that suits your personal style. One thing to keep in mind is that the plastic finish can be a fingerprint magnet, so you might find yourself wiping it down frequently.

When it comes to portability, the Inspiron 15 3535 strikes a decent balance. It's not the lightest laptop on the market, but it's also not overly bulky. You should be able to comfortably carry it around in a backpack without feeling too weighed down. The hinge feels relatively solid and allows the screen to be opened with one hand, which is always a nice touch. Overall, the design and build quality are perfectly acceptable for a laptop in this price range. It's not flashy, but it's functional and gets the job done. Dell has clearly prioritized practicality over premium materials, which is a fair trade-off for affordability. If you're after a laptop that's both stylish and robust, you might need to look at higher-end models. But if you're primarily concerned with getting a reliable and functional machine, the Inspiron 15 3535 should meet your needs. The focus here is on providing a solid, everyday computing experience without breaking the bank. So, while it might not turn heads with its design, it's a dependable workhorse that you can count on. Remember, the key is to consider what you value most in a laptop. If practicality and affordability are at the top of your list, the Inspiron 15 3535 is definitely worth considering.

Display

The display is a crucial aspect of any laptop, and the Dell Inspiron 15 3535 features a 15.6-inch screen. However, the display is often one of the areas where budget laptops cut corners. The base model typically comes with a TN (Twisted Nematic) panel, which is known for its fast response times but often suffers from poor viewing angles and color accuracy. This means that the colors might appear washed out or distorted if you're not looking at the screen straight on. If you're planning on doing any color-sensitive work, such as photo or video editing, you'll likely find the TN panel to be inadequate.

Fortunately, Dell often offers an optional IPS (In-Plane Switching) display upgrade. IPS panels provide much better viewing angles and color accuracy, making them a worthwhile investment if your budget allows. With an IPS display, you'll be able to enjoy richer colors and a more consistent image, regardless of your viewing angle. This can make a significant difference in your overall experience, especially if you spend a lot of time watching videos or working with visual content. The resolution is typically 1920x1080 (Full HD), which is standard for laptops in this size and price range. While a higher resolution display would be nice, Full HD is perfectly adequate for most everyday tasks. Text and images appear sharp and clear, and you shouldn't have any issues with pixelation. Brightness is another important factor to consider. The display on the Inspiron 15 3535 is generally adequate for indoor use, but it might struggle in direct sunlight. If you frequently work outdoors or in brightly lit environments, you might find yourself wishing for a brighter screen. In summary, the display on the Dell Inspiron 15 3535 is a mixed bag. The base TN panel is a compromise that's made to keep the price down, but the optional IPS upgrade is highly recommended if you can afford it. It's worth checking the specifications carefully before you buy to ensure that you're getting the display that best suits your needs. A good display can make a world of difference in your overall computing experience, so it's an area where it's often worth spending a little extra.

Performance

Let's talk about what's under the hood! The Dell Inspiron 15 3535 typically comes with a range of AMD Ryzen processors. The specific processor you get will depend on the configuration you choose. Options might include Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, or even Ryzen 7 series CPUs. These processors offer a good balance of performance and efficiency, making them well-suited for everyday tasks like browsing the web, writing documents, and streaming videos. The integrated AMD Radeon Vega graphics are also capable of handling some light gaming. Don't expect to run the latest AAA titles at high settings, but you should be able to play older games or less demanding titles without any issues.

In terms of RAM, the Inspiron 15 3535 usually comes with 8GB or 16GB of DDR4 memory. 8GB is generally sufficient for most users, but 16GB is recommended if you plan on doing any multitasking or running memory-intensive applications. The storage options typically include a traditional hard drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). An SSD is highly recommended, as it will significantly improve the laptop's responsiveness and boot-up times. Opening applications and transferring files will also be much faster with an SSD. Some configurations might even offer a combination of an SSD for the operating system and a hard drive for additional storage. In real-world use, the Inspiron 15 3535 performs admirably for its price point. It's not a powerhouse, but it's perfectly capable of handling everyday tasks without any noticeable lag. You can comfortably browse the web with multiple tabs open, stream videos in HD, and work on documents without any slowdowns. If you're planning on doing any more demanding tasks, such as video editing or running complex simulations, you might want to consider a laptop with more powerful hardware. But for the average user, the Inspiron 15 3535 offers a good balance of performance and affordability. The AMD Ryzen processors provide enough power to handle most everyday tasks, and the optional SSD will make the laptop feel much more responsive. Just be sure to choose a configuration that meets your specific needs. If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of more RAM and storage. You can never have too much of either!

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard and touchpad are your primary interfaces for interacting with the laptop, so it's important that they're comfortable and responsive. The Dell Inspiron 15 3535 features a full-size keyboard with decent key travel. The keys have a slightly soft feel, but they're generally comfortable to type on for extended periods. Some users might find the key layout to be a bit cramped, but this is a common issue with laptops in this size range. The keyboard is not backlit, which is a shame. Backlighting can be very useful when typing in dimly lit environments. The touchpad is a decent size and provides accurate tracking. It supports multi-finger gestures, such as scrolling and zooming, which work smoothly and reliably. The touchpad buttons are integrated into the surface, which can sometimes lead to accidental clicks. However, this is a minor issue that most users will quickly get used to.

Overall, the keyboard and touchpad on the Inspiron 15 3535 are perfectly adequate for everyday use. They're not the best in class, but they're also not deal-breakers. The lack of backlighting on the keyboard is a minor disappointment, but the comfortable key travel and accurate touchpad make up for it to some extent. If you're a heavy typist, you might want to try out the keyboard in person before you buy to make sure it suits your preferences. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to keyboards, so it's always a good idea to get a feel for it yourself. Similarly, if you rely heavily on the touchpad, you might want to test out the multi-finger gestures to ensure that they work smoothly and reliably. In summary, the keyboard and touchpad on the Dell Inspiron 15 3535 are functional and get the job done. They're not exceptional, but they're also not a major drawback. If you're looking for a laptop with a superb keyboard and touchpad, you might need to look at higher-end models. But for the average user, the Inspiron 15 3535 should be perfectly satisfactory. Dell has clearly focused on providing a practical and functional experience, rather than trying to impress with fancy features or premium materials.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical factor for any laptop, especially if you plan on using it on the go. The Dell Inspiron 15 3535 typically offers decent battery life, but it's not exceptional. The exact battery life you can expect will depend on your usage patterns and the specific configuration of your laptop. Factors such as screen brightness, the number of applications you have running, and whether you're using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can all affect battery life. In general, you can expect to get around 6 to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge with moderate use. This should be enough to get you through a typical workday or a long flight. However, if you're planning on doing any demanding tasks, such as gaming or video editing, you can expect the battery to drain much faster.

The Inspiron 15 3535 typically comes with a 3-cell or 4-cell battery. A 4-cell battery will generally provide longer battery life than a 3-cell battery. Some configurations might also offer features such as battery-saving mode, which can help extend battery life by reducing screen brightness and limiting CPU performance. When it comes to charging, the Inspiron 15 3535 typically comes with a standard AC adapter. The charging time will vary depending on the size of the battery and the power of the adapter. However, you can generally expect it to take around 2 to 3 hours to fully charge the battery. Overall, the battery life on the Dell Inspiron 15 3535 is decent but not exceptional. It's good enough for most everyday tasks, but you might need to carry a charger with you if you're planning on doing anything demanding or if you're going to be away from a power outlet for an extended period. If battery life is a top priority for you, you might want to consider a laptop with a larger battery or a more power-efficient processor. But for the average user, the Inspiron 15 3535 should provide adequate battery life for most everyday needs. Just be sure to manage your power settings and usage patterns to maximize battery life.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's break down the pros and cons of the Dell Inspiron 15 3535:

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks
  • Optional IPS display upgrade
  • Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
  • Good battery life

Cons:

  • Plastic build quality
  • Base model comes with a TN display
  • No keyboard backlighting

Who is this Laptop For?

The Dell Inspiron 15 3535 is a great option for students, home users, and anyone who needs a reliable and affordable laptop for everyday tasks. It's not the most powerful or stylish laptop on the market, but it offers a good balance of performance, features, and price. If you're looking for a laptop that can handle web browsing, word processing, and streaming videos without breaking the bank, the Inspiron 15 3535 is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dell Inspiron 15 3535 is a solid and dependable laptop that offers good value for money. While it has some shortcomings, such as the plastic build quality and the base TN display, it makes up for them with its affordable price, decent performance, and comfortable keyboard and touchpad. If you're looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle everyday tasks without any fuss, the Inspiron 15 3535 is a great choice. Just be sure to choose a configuration that meets your specific needs and budget. And don't forget to consider the optional IPS display upgrade, as it can make a big difference in your overall experience.