ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) vs Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
In contrast, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U is a budget-friendly option, offering decent performance. After testing both for a week, I found that the ASUS TUF's 144Hz refresh rate provides a smoother gaming experience, making it worth the investment for serious gamers. Meanwhile, the Dell's lighter design and upgradeable RAM make it appealing for everyday tasks, but if you're aiming for a performance beast, the ASUS is the clear choice. Key specs: Refresh: 144 Hz vs 120 Hz and Weight: 77.60 oz vs 58.55 oz.
Why compare these? The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) (high-end) and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U (budget-friendly) represent different approaches to laptops. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | ASUS TUF | Dell Inspiron |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3★ (66 reviews) | ✓4.5★ (2,701 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Large 90Wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop | 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling than typical 60Hz budget laptops |
| Main Drawback | Screen brightness is limited to 250 nits, making outdoor use difficult | Most high-volume US retail configurations (e.g., Best Buy) LACK a USB-C port |
| Market Position | ✓Premium | Budget |
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)
AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (Zen 3+, 8 cores, up to 4.75 GHz)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
No (Not supported on Ryzen 7 7735HS)
Dual Arc Flow Fans (84-blade) with 4 exhaust vents
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
Intel Core i5-1235U (Alder Lake-U, 10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz)
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated; requires dual-channel RAM, otherwise UHD)
No (Not supported)
Air (Single fan)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) vs Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
| Criterion | ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) | Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(66)Amazon | ★4.5(2,701)Best Buy |
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (Zen 3+, 8 cores, up to 4.75 GHz) | Intel Core i5-1235U (Alder Lake-U, 10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz) |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated; requires dual-channel RAM, otherwise UHD) |
AI Engine | No (Not supported on Ryzen 7 7735HS) | No (Not supported) |
Cooling | Dual Arc Flow Fans (84-blade) with 4 exhaust vents | Air (Single fan) |
RAM | 16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM) | 8 GB or 16 GB DDR4-2666/3200 MHz |
RAM Upgrade | Yes (2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB) | Yes (2x SODIMM slots, up to 16 GB officially, 32 GB unofficially) |
Storage | 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
Storage Upgrade | Yes (2x M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots) | Yes (1x M.2 2230/2280 slot) |
Display Size | 15.6" | 15.6" |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | IPS-level (Anti-glare) | IPS (Anti-glare; Wide Viewing Angle) |
Refresh Rate | 144 Hz (G-SYNC supported) | 120 Hz |
Brightness | 250 nits (Typical) | 250 nits (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 100% sRGB | 45% NTSC (approx. 60% sRGB) |
Keyboard Layout | US English (ANSI) with NumPad | US English (ANSI) with NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (1-zone RGB Mini-LED) | No (Optional/Configuration dependent; mostly No on retail units) |
Biometrics | No (Not supported) | No (Fingerprint reader is optional/configuration dependent) |
Webcam | 720p HD camera | 720p HD camera |
USB Ports | 1x USB 4 Type-C (DisplayPort); 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort/PD/G-SYNC); 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1; 1x USB-A 2.0; (Note: USB-C is often ABSENT on i5-1235U US retail units) |
Video Ports | 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL | 1x HDMI 1.4 (Supports up to 1920x1080 @ 60Hz) |
Audio Ports | 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.3; Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.1 |
Battery | 90 Wh (4-cell Li-ion) | 41 Wh (3-cell Li-ion) or 54 Wh (4-cell; config dependent) |
Charger | 240 W AC adapter | 65 W Barrel-pin AC adapter (4.5mm) |
Weight | 2,200 g (4.85 lbs) | 1,660 g (3.65 lbs) |
Build Material | Plastic chassis with Aluminum lid (Mecha Gray) | Plastic (Carbon Black) |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
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ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)
AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (Zen 3+, 8 cores, up to 4.75 GHz)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
No (Not supported on Ryzen 7 7735HS)
Dual Arc Flow Fans (84-blade) with 4 exhaust vents
16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM)
Yes (2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB)
Pros
- Large 90Wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop
- GPU runs at full 140W TGP for maximum RTX 4050 performance
Cons
- Screen brightness is limited to 250 nits, making outdoor use difficult
- Fans can become quite loud under turbo loads
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
Intel Core i5-1235U (Alder Lake-U, 10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz)
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated; requires dual-channel RAM, otherwise UHD)
No (Not supported)
Air (Single fan)
8 GB or 16 GB DDR4-2666/3200 MHz
Yes (2x SODIMM slots, up to 16 GB officially, 32 GB unofficially)
Pros
- 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling than typical 60Hz budget laptops
- Memory (RAM) is not soldered and can be upgraded via two SODIMM slots
Cons
- Most high-volume US retail configurations (e.g., Best Buy) LACK a USB-C port
- HDMI 1.4 port cannot output 4K at 60Hz (limited to 1080p)
Which one is better?
Grab the Dell if you want a lighter laptop for everyday use - it's nearlylighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) if: you game regularly, need high storage capacity for large files, or want superior battery life. (144 Hz refresh, 77.60 oz weight)
Choose the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U if: you use your laptop for browsing and office tasks, prefer a lighter device for portability, or want a budget-friendly option. (120 Hz refresh, 58.55 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.3★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Dell Inspiron
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 2,701 reviews vs 66
→ Choose Dell Inspiron
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose ASUS TUF
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Dell Inspiron
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U leads with a 4.5★ rating versus 4.3★. That said, ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) or Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U?
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) is the better choice if you prioritize large 90wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop. Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U wins if you value 120hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling than typical 60hz budget laptops. Both are rated highly (4.3★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U?
Key differences: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) offers large 90wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop, while Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U stands out with 120hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling than typical 60hz budget laptops. Consider that ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) screen brightness is limited to 250 nits, making outdoor use difficult. Meanwhile, Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U most high-volume us retail configurations (e.g., best buy) lack a usb-c port. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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