![Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop Review [Updated 2022]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NDM3Ojc5OQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTIwMCA3MDAiIHdpZHRoPSIxMjAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjcwMCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
You may acquire a Dell Inspiron 15 3000 with a variety of Intel 11th Gen CPUs as a budget laptop. While it’s made out of plastic, it’s sturdy and light enough to be carried about with ease. However, because of its limited color gamut and lack of precision, the IPS display of 1080p on our machine is unsuitable for color-critical work. If you’re looking for a good typing experience, the touchpad and keyboard are both good options. Its Intel CPU and integrated graphics can perform basic activities like web surfing, video playing, and general productivity, but they lack the capacity to tackle more demanding workloads, such as 3D animations. USB-C ports are missing, and the camera picture seems dim. There isn’t enough battery life to get you through an 8-hour shift, so you’ll need to bring your power adaptor.
Let’s get into the details and intricacies with our Dell Inspiron 15 3000 laptop review.
We have a Dell Inspiron 3000 with an IPS display of 1080p, an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, Intel UHD Graphics for 11th generation CPUs, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage. If you don’t want to spend the extra money for a 720p TN panel, we advise against it. Upgrade to an Intel Core i5-1135G7 or i7-1165G7 if you require stronger multi-thread performance for demanding programmes or intensive multitasking. It’s possible to add a GeForce MX330 discrete GPU, however, the performance advantage over integrated Iris Xe graphics of Intel is negligible
Our Verdict
There is nothing wrong with the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 for corporate usage. At first glance, it seems to be well-built and lightweight, making it ideal for business travels. Web surfing, text formatting, spreadsheets, and presentations can all be handled by its Intel 11th Gen processor. A full-size keyboard with a numeric pad is fantastic for individuals who deal with quite a lot of numbers, but typing on it for a long length of time might be a little exhausting. In order to go through an 8-hour workday, you’ll have to recharge the battery every now and again. In addition, the webcam picture seems unnaturally underexposed.
Pros
- It’s simple to carry because of its compact and lightweight design.
- The speakers are well-balanced in terms of volume.
- For video playback, the battery life is adequate.
Cons
- Distressed appearance on screen.
- Poor out-of-the-box color accuracy.
- In low light, blacks seem gray because of a low contrast ratio.
Specifications
Laptop Class: Budget
Processor: Intel Core i3-1115G4
Processor Speed: 3 GHz
RAM (as Tested): 8 GB
Boot Drive Type: SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested): 256 GB
Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution: 1920 by 1080
Touch Screen: No
Panel Technology: LED
Variable Refresh Support: None
Screen Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Graphics Processor: Intel UHD Graphics
Wireless Networking: 802.11ac, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD): 0.7 by 14.1 by 9.2 inches
Weight: 3.82 lbs
Operating System: Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours: Minutes): 7:38
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop Design
Style
The Inspiron 15 3501 features a basic yet unappealing style that is ideal for a professional corporate setting. The borders are a little thick, particularly on the bottom chin, and they seem a little cheap since they’re made of plastic. There are exhaust vents at the rear and speakers near the front on the bottom of the laptop. Because it includes a full-size keyboard having a numpad, the touchpad is relocated to the left so that it stays centered with the main section of the keyboard, which some users may find uncomfortable. It only comes in one color scheme that is Carbon Black.
Build Quality
This laptop features a sturdy design. Despite the fact that it is completely made of plastic, it seems well-made, and there are no noticeable weaknesses in the construction. There is considerable flex in the display and keyboard deck while the laptop is closed, but nearly none when it is open. Similarly, the plastic chassis gathers up grease from handling, although it’s not a big deal.
Hinge
The hinge of the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is unsatisfactory. It’s somewhat stable, so the screen does not wobble too much, but it seems cheaply manufactured since there’s very little resistance, and opening and shutting the laptop doesn’t feel smooth.
Portability
The Inspiron 15 3000 is a portable laptop that is small and light. It lacks a USB-C charging connector, so you must use the provided barrel plug power converter, but it is also incredibly tiny and fits easily into most luggage.
Serviceability
The serviceability of the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is excellent. The internals are simple to access since just a few Philips screws need to be removed. The rear corner screws are partly connected to the panel to assist you in pulling it out without the assistance of a pick. Our device has 8 GB of RAM in single-channel mode, which means it only uses one of the two slots, so there’s room for more or to swap to a dual-channel setup for improved performance. There’s also extra storage space for a 2.5 inches SSD. Opening the hardware and making modifications to it may violate the manufacturer’s warranty.
In The Box
- Inspiron 15 3000 laptop
- Cable and 45W power adapter
- Documentation
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop Display
Screen Specs
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Pixel Density: 141 PPI
Panel Type: IPS
Touch Screen: Yes
Screen-To-Body Ratio: 78%
The laptop comes with a 1080p IPS or 720p TN display. The pixel density of the 1080p display is adequate; it’s enough for basic productivity but may not be crisp enough for video developers. Because the 720p display has a reduced pixel density of 100 PPI, text and pictures will seem fuzzy and distorted. It is optional to support touch input.
Refresh Rate
Refresh Rate: 60 Hertz
Variable Refresh Rate: No
Dell Inspiron 3000’s 1080p display offers a basic refresh rate of 60 Hertz with no VRR capability, which is normal for a low-cost work laptop. The reaction speed is poor, resulting in significant ghosting, making it unsuitable for watching fast-moving video or gaming. We anticipate that the 720p TN panel will perform quite the same.
Contrast
Native Contrast: 1,098 : 1
Contrast ratio of our Dell Inspiron 15 3000’s IPS display is within the normal range for an IPS screen. It isn’t ideal for seeing information in low-light conditions since blacks seem yellowish. The TN panel is said to have the same contrast as the LCD screen. Individual units’ contrast ratios may differ.
Brightness
Minimum Brightness: 9 cd/m²
Maximum Brightness: 239 cd/m²
The screen brightness on our Dell Inspiron 15 3000’s IPS display is poor. Because it does not grow bright enough to counteract glare, visibility is a concern in well-lit areas. In contrast, at the lowest brightness level, it becomes quite dim, enabling a more pleasant viewing experience when it is dark. Dell claims that the maximum brightness of the TN screen is the same as that of the IPS panel. This laptop’s BIOS has an Eco Mode that reduces screen brightness and is enabled by default, but we deactivated it for testing.
Reflections
Calculated Direct Reflections: 0.63%
Indirect Reflections: 4.86%
Screen Finish: Matte
Total Reflections: 5.49%
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 handles reflections well. Although its matte anti-reflective coating does a fantastic job of minimizing the intensity of direct light, some reflections are still apparent even when the screen is set to full brightness setting.
Black Uniformity
Uniformity (Standard Deviation): 2.800%
The black uniformity on our Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is poor. The screen is severely clouded throughout, with considerable backlight leakage around the top and bottom borders. This is only noticeable while viewing a dark scene sitting in a dark room. We anticipate that the TN panel would perform much worse because of its limited viewing angles. The homogeneity of black varies across units.
Horizontal Viewing Angle
The horizontal viewing angles on the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 are sufficient. The image seems darker and washed out from the sides, however, the overall picture quality is excellent enough for sharing the laptop screen with anyone else as long as precise precision is not required. The performance of the TN panel will be much lower.
Vertical Viewing Angle
Vertical viewing angles on the Dell Inspiron 3000 are adequate. The picture stays correct until you reach a modest angle, so you may tilt the laptop screen before the accuracy declines. The TN panel will be even worse since TN panels are prone to color inversion.
Color Accuracy
The color fidelity of the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is bad right out of the box. Because of the panel’s limited color gamut, most colors are incorrect, although the white balance is acceptable. The color temperature is somewhat higher than our aim of 6500K, giving the picture a faint reddish hue. The gamma does not follow the sRGB curve and it seems to aim for a flat 2.3, making most situations look darker than they should. The color accuracy varies depending on the equipment.
Color Gamut
The color spectrum of the Dell Inspiron 3000 is limited. It doesn’t even cover the whole standard sRGB color gamut, making most things seem washed out. It also provides extremely limited support for larger color spaces such as DCI P3, Rec. 2020, and Adobe RGB. We suggest this monitor for basic productivity and media consumption, but not for color-critical work or watching HDR material.
Flicker
Flicker Active Below: 0%
Flicker Frequency: No Flicker
Flicker-Free: Yes
The backlight of Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is completely flicker-free at all brightness settings, which helps individuals decrease eye strain.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop Interface
Keyboard
The keyboard on the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is adequate. The typing experience is satisfactory since the keys are quite sturdy and have a reasonable amount of travel. However, the keys feel mushy and are not appropriately spaced, making it difficult to write on for long periods of time. It lacks backlighting, which makes it unsuitable for usage in low-light conditions, however, it is available on certain variants.
Touchpad
The touchpad on the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is adequate. The size is adequate; it might be bigger, but it is functional. It tracks well, and its click function is rather pleasurable, however dragging and dropping things sometimes fails.
Speakers
The speakers on the Dell Inspiron 3000 are rather decent. They sound rather well-balanced, with some bass extension but not enough to provide a deep rumbling sound. However, they are down-firing and do not produce a lot of noise.
Webcam & Microphone
The webcam on the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is average. The photograph seems soft and underexposed, and the majority of the colors are incorrect. It captures certain little features, such as the cards, but other delicate elements, such as the rope and hair, are gone. The microphone is reasonably clean, however, it is very loud and sensitive to background noise. There’s some static in the background as well.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop Connectivity
Ports
The port choices of the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is average. There are two USB-A ports on the left supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds (up to 5Gbps), however, the one on the right supports USB 2.0. (up to 480Mbps). Our unit lacks a USB-C port, however, Dell states that it is an optional feature on some models. Its HDMI port allows you to connect an external display more easily; however, the output is restricted to a max resolution of 1080p @ 60 Hertz. On the right side, there is a Kensington lock slot.
Wireless Communication
- Bluetooth: 0
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
The Dell Inspiron 3000’s adapter is a Qualcomm QCA9377.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop Configurations
CPU
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 may be configured with an Intel Core i7-1165G7, i5-1135G7 or i3-1115G4 CPU. All three CPUs are U-series processors optimized for easy activities like web surfing, video playing, and text formatting. However, as long as the content isn’t extremely complicated, the Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs can manage heavy multitasking and demands like picture editing. On paper, the Core i7-1165G7 is quicker than the Core i5-1135G7, but the boost in performance is unlikely to be significant since it may throttle more under stress owing to thermal restrictions.
GPU
The GPU is determined by the CPU. The Core i3-1115G4 has 48 execution units of Intel UHD Graphics for 11th Generation CPUs, the Core i5-1135G7 has 86 execution units of Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and the Intel Core i7-1165G7 has 96 execution units of Intel Iris Xe Graphics. There’s also a discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX330 GPU option, however it seems to be limited to select countries.
The Intel integrated graphics are intended for basic operations like web surfing and movie playing. The Iris Xe Graphics on the Core i5 and Core i7 can handle some light gaming well, but you’ll probably have to cut down several graphics settings to reach decent frame rates. You may also obtain a very smooth experience while executing visually heavy jobs like picture and video editing, although it relies on the intricacy of the content, just like with the CPU. The NVIDIA GeForce MX330 is a low-cost discrete GPU that performs comparable to the NVIDIA GeForce MX350. It will deliver a smoother experience in VRAM-heavy apps than the Iris Xe graphics since it has 2GB of dedicated VRAM, but it isn’t strong enough to play demanding current AAA blockbusters.
RAM
The Inspiron 15 3000 is available with 4 GB, 8 GB, 12 GB, or 16GB of RAM. We suggest at least 8GB since 4GB is quite limited and might create stutters or slowdowns while multitasking. The 8GB in our device is configured in single-channel mode, which might have an effect on performance in certain apps. There is, however, a 2nd RAM slot, so you may simply install another memory stick after purchasing. Memory speeds of 3200MHz are available, but only on models equipped with an GeForce MX330 discrete GPU.
Storage
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 may be ordered with 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of PCIe NVMe storage. If you want extra space, there is a second slot for a 2.5 inches SSD.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop Performance
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop Performance
Geekbench 5 (Synthetics)
In the Geekbench 5 benchmarks, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 having a Core i3-1115G4 performs quite well. It offers good single-thread performance, but owing to the low number of cores and threads, its multi-thread performance is mediocre. The Intel Core i5 and Core i7 models will run marginally faster in single-threaded programmes, but the largest benefit will be seen in multi-threaded applications since they have twice the thread and core count.
If you just do basic things like web surfing and video playing and don’t undertake heavy multitasking, the Intel Core i3 is strong enough to deliver a seamless experience. However, if you wish to run multi-threaded apps or have many programmes running at the same time, we suggest the Core i5 or Core i7.
In terms of GPU compute capability, the integrated GPUs aren’t suitable for graphically demanding applications in a professional setting. If you need to conduct light picture or video editing on a regular basis, the Intel Core i5 and Core i7 versions with Iris Xe graphics or machines with the GeForce MX330 are ideal.
Cinebench R23 (CPU Rendering)
The Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor in our Dell Inspiron 15 3000 performs well in Cinebench R23. Its single-thread performance is superb and fairly comparable to the Core i5 and Core i7, however the multi-thread performance is much poorer due to the fewer threads and cores.
Blender (3D Rendering)
In the Blender test, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 having an Intel Core i3-1115G4 delivers poorly. The Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors are speedier and require less time to produce the same picture, but they are still insufficient for practical use. Because Blender does not support the integrated GPU, we were unable to execute the GPU render test. However, we anticipate that the GPU will take considerably longer to finish the work. The GeForce MX330 by Nvidia will be somewhat quicker than integrated graphics, but only marginally.
Basemark GPU (Game Scene)
In the Basemark GPU test, Dell Inspiron 15 3000 having an Intel Core i3-1115G4 scores poorly, which is to be expected for a lower power CPU having an integrated GPU. The Iris Xe graphics by Intel on Core i5 and i7 processors, as well as the GeForce MX330 discrete GPU, can run certain older or light games, but you’ll probably have to play at the minimum graphical settings to obtain consistent frame rate.
Storage Drive Performance
The storage drive performance of the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 laptop is excellent. Because of its rapid read and write speeds, the system seems incredibly quick, especially when opening up the computer, running programmes, and transferring data. Its random write performance is very remarkable, outperforming several luxury computers like the MacBook Pro 16. The SSD’s speed may vary based on its size, with bigger SSDs performing better.
Battery
The battery life of the Dell Inspiron 15 3501 is adequate. It does not last long enough for a regular 8-hour workday of mild productivity, but it’s near enough that you’ll need to plug it in for about a few minutes at some point throughout the day. Video playing often takes more power and reduces battery life, however it’s plenty for a couple of movies and a few TV programme episodes. Gaming rapidly depletes the battery, but it’s still much better than laptops having a dedicated GPU. Because they operate at a faster clock speed and have more threads and cores, the Intel Core i5 and i7 versions will likely have lower battery life, and it will be much shorter on models with an GeForce MX330 GPU.
Borderlands 3
It cannot be played on the Dell Inspiron 3000 having an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor. It can’t even get 30 frames per second at the lowest graphics settings, and we had to run the test in DirectX 11 since DirectX 12 kept crashing. The Intel Core i5 models will outperform the Core i3, but not enough to make the gaming enjoyable. The Intel Core i7 and versions equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce MX330 are likely to achieve 30 frames per second at the lowest settings, although with frequent stutters.
Civilization VI
The game performs poorly on Inspiron 15 3000 having an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor. Even at the lowest graphics settings, it’s jerky, and the turn time is slow. It’s playable on Intel Core i5 and i7 versions, as well as those with a GeForce MX330, but only if the graphics settings are reduced to near-zero. We ran the test using DirectX 11 since DirectX 12 kept crashing.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
The Inspiron 15 3000 having an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor performs badly in CS:GO. At the lowest level, you can achieve above 60fps on average, but it’s still jerky at times, which is not ideal for an FPS game. Intel Core i5 and i7 CPUs and variations with a GeForce MX330 can produce reasonable frame rates, however, certain graphics settings may need to be reduced.
Shadow of The Tomb Raider
The game performs horribly on our Dell Inspiron 15 3000 with an Intel Core i3 processor. At high settings, it can only output frames in the single digits, and even with the graphics dialed down, it is still quite choppy. The Core i7 or i5 variations, as well as machines equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce MX330, should be able to achieve 30fps at the lowest graphics settings, although there will be a lot of frame dips in busy sequences. We did the test with DirectX 11 since DirectX 12 kept crashing.
Thermals And Noise
The Inspiron 15 3000 performs well in terms of thermal and noise characteristics. When idle, the keyboard deck stays cool, and fan noise isn’t audible unless you’re in an absolutely quiet area. Under stress, the temperature increases dramatically, yet the hottest location is towards the keyboard’s top, away from where the hands typically rest while typing. Under load, fan noise is loud but not annoying.
Performance Over Time
This laptop’s performance throughout time has been outstanding. Under load, the CPU temperature is fairly high, but there is very minimal thermal throttling, and its performance loss isn’t visible in most applications. The GPU does not overheat and does not throttle at all.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop Software and additional features
Software
The Inspiron 3000 having an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor comes with Windows 10 by default in S mode, however the Core i5 and i7 variants come with the full version. Windows S mode is a simplified version of Windows intended for low-end hardware. It only allows you to install software from the Windows Store, so you can’t install Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. You can exit S mode, but you can’t return to it after you have activated the Windows’ full version.
There are a few software programmes that come pre-installed, including:
- Dell Mobile/Customer Connect
- MyDell
- Disney+
Extra Features
Biometrics: No
RGB Illumination: No
Secondary Display: No
Touch Pen: No
There are no added features on the Dell Inspiron 15 3000. Some versions have a fingerprint sensor, however, only in select areas.
Differences Between Variants and Sizes
We put the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 through its paces with a Core i3-1115G4 processor, Intel UHD Graphics 11th Generation, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage. The CPU,display, RAM, GPU, and storage are all customizable; the choices are shown in the table below.
To minimize misunderstanding, our evaluation solely relates to the Inspiron 15 3501 model having Intel 11th Gen Core CPUs, which will be launched in the late 2020s. Dell replaced this series in 2021 with the Inspiron 15 models, which similarly contain Intel 11th Gen CPUs but vary in port choices and design. There are also Inspiron 15 3510 variants that are lower-end with Intel Pentium or Celeron CPUs.
Screen
- 6″ TN 1366 x 768 60Hz
- 6″ IPS 1920 x 1080 60Hz
CPU
- Intel Core i3-1115G4 (2 cores/4 threads, up to 4.1GHz)
- Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.2GHz)
- Intel Core i7-1165G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.7GHz)
GPU
- Intel UHD Graphics for 11th Gen Intel processors (integrated, Core i3, 48 execution units)
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated, Core i5, 86 execution units)
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated, Core i7, 96 execution units)
- NVIDIA GeForce MX330 2GB (discrete)
Memory
- 4GB LP-DDR4 2666MHz
- 8GB LP-DDR4 2666MHz
- 12GB LP-DDR4 2666MHz
- 16GB LP-DDR4 2666MHz
Storage
- 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Color
- Carbon Black
Our findings for display and performance are solely relevant for the setup we tested. If you find an alternative configuration choice that isn’t shown above, or if you have a comparable Dell Inspiron 15 laptop that does not match our evaluation, please let us know and we will update it. Some tests, such as color accuracy and black uniformity, may differ across units.
Comparison With Other Laptops
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15
Both the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15 and Dell Inspiron 15 3000 are 15.6-inch Windows laptops. For most purposes, the IdeaPad 3 outperforms the Inspiron 15 thanks to a stronger construction, a more color-accurate and brighter display, and a longer battery life. It also boasts a more ergonomic keyboard, a better camera, and a greater variety of ports. The IdeaPad 3 comes with AMD Ryzen 5000 CPUs, but the Inspiron 15 comes with Intel 11th Gen CPUs. For the most part, AMD and Intel processors perform similarly in single-thread tasks; however, AMD Ryzen CPU performs better in multi-threaded workloads owing to their larger core count, particularly the Ryzen 5 5500U & Ryzen 7 5700U processors.
MacBook Pro 16
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 and the MacBook Pro 16 laptops are diametrically opposed. The Inspiron 15 is a low-cost 15.6-inch Windows laptop intended for basic activities including online surfing, text editing, and video playing. The MacBook Pro is a high-end 16-inch macOS laptop built for professionals that need a high level of processing power for applications like video editing and 3D rendering. For the most part, the MacBook is superior because it provides a better experience with a clearer, more color-accurate and brighter display, as well as a far better touchpad and camera. It also boasts a higher build quality and lasts longer on a single charge.
Lenovo IdeaPad F
lex 5 14
For most tasks, Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14 outperforms the Dell Inspiron 15 3000. The IdeaPad Flex includes a more comfortable backlit keyboard, a larger port variety, and a substantially longer battery life. Furthermore, the IdeaPad Flex can also be used as a tablet due to its 360-degree hinge, but the Inspiron can only be utilized in clamshell form. However, the Dell Inspiron 15 is more serviceable, making it simpler to upgrade after purchase. The Dell Inspiron 15 is exclusively available with Intel CPUs, however the IdeaPad Flex is available with either an AMD or Intel CPU.
Acer Aspire 5 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 and the Acer Aspire 5 15 are two Windows laptops that are quite similar. The Aspire 5 boasts a backlit keyboard for a more comfortable typing experience, as well as a larger port selection which includes a USB-C connector. The Inspiron 15, on the other hand, offers a longer battery life which is more maintainable, making it simpler to update the components after purchase. The Inspiron 15 can only be ordered with an Intel CPU, whereas the Aspire 5 may be ordered with either an AMD or an Intel processor.
What We Like in Dell Inspiron 15 3000
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is exactly what it says. It’s a low-priced laptop. It boasts a 15.6-inch display, a complete numeric keypad, and a plethora of legacy connectors. The Inspiron 15 3000 shocked us with how much it can perform despite its low hardware.
The model we tested just has a Core i3 CPU, but it’s more than enough for web surfing, Office, and general productivity. We normally prefer Core i5 models, but examining this device showed us how far the bottom end of the Core i3 range has progressed over the years. If you’re looking for a laptop for light productivity and work, Core i3 models are worth considering, particularly if you’re on a tight budget.
Dell crammed a lot of laptops into the 14-inch Inspiron 15 3000’s chassis. The bezels around the 15.6 inches display are small, though not as thin as on luxury laptops. As a result, despite its modest size, the laptop boasts a huge screen. When you open the Inspiron 15 3000, an ErgoLift hinge raises the screen slightly, which is a lovely touch. This hinge also raises the keyboard to a more comfortable position.
The Inspiron 15 3000’s battery life is adequate. Streaming 1080p material at maximum brightness can deplete the battery in around six hours.
What We Don’t Like in Dell Inspiron 15 3000
While the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 features a plethora of connectors, it lacks a USB-C port. On a laptop, it’s fantastic to have a SD card slot, an HDMI port, 3 USB-A ports, and a headphone jack, but there is not even a single USB-C port. Some people value legacy compatibility, but we believe Dell could have replaced one of the USB-A connectors for a USB-C port. Alternatively, the manufacturer should have eliminated the barrel charging connector and replaced it with a USB-C port that would serve as a power source for the laptop.
Many of the finest cameras for Windows PCs utilize USB-A, so having older ports makes sense, although other PC peripherals use USB-C. Some of the finest external hard drives, for example, connect through USB-C.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 lacks a built-in method for unlocking the laptop using Windows Hello. You can use a webcam or a fingerprint reader that supports Windows Hello, but it’s not as convenient as built-in hardware.
The trackpad on the Inspiron 15 3000 is a little loose and hollow, especially in the lower corners. It detects movement effectively and is clickable, but its trackpad is one of the places where the device’s pricing shines through.
Competition
While the Inspiron 15 3000 is an excellent laptop for the price, it is not the only nice laptop available for 350 USD to 500 USD. The HP 14z Laptop, which begins at $430, is a reliable computer. It includes a variety of interfaces, including a USB-C connection, and has a good battery life.
One of the best low-cost laptops is the ASUS Vivobook 15. The Vivobook 15 boasts a 15.6 inches FHD display and a slew of legacy connectors, much like the Dell Inspiron 15. The Vivobook 15 sports backlit keys, a fingerprint sensor, and a USB-C connector, unlike the Inspiron 15 3000.
The Surface Laptop Go is more expensive than the entry-level Dell Inspiron 15 3000, but it is in the same price range as several Dell mid-range versions. Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go, which costs $550, is an amazing laptop. It boasts a vivid display, strong performance, and a longer battery performance.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000: Is it Worth Buying?
Buy this if…
- You are looking for a device that is affordable
- You want a laptop that comes with a number pad
- You need a laptop that has a large screen
Don’t buy this if…
- You require a gaming laptop
- You do graphically demanding work
- You are looking for a premium laptop
This laptop falls clearly into the low-cost bracket. Those looking for a dependable computer for ordinary productivity should be pleased with the Dell Inspiron 15 3000. Those looking for a more expensive gadget or laptop for graphic design or video editing should look at more capable hardware.
Conclusion
That’s all that we had in the Inspiron 15 3000 laptop review. Whether buying a single laptop or many in quantity, Inspiron 15 3000 is an obvious recommendation. It’s a budget-friendly laptop with the good build quality you would expect from Dell. We would like to see built-in Windows Hello and a USB-C port, but they aren’t deal breakers for most users.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a reliable laptop with an affordable starting price. The gadget, for the most part, conceals the fact that it is a cheap laptop by having good build quality and a decent design.
