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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 6, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerDell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H vs Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
Key specs: Display: 13.4" vs 15.6" and Weight: 41.98 oz vs 58.55 oz. The trade-off? The Inspiron 15 is heavier at 58.55 oz, making it less portable, but it offers upgradeable RAM, which is a rarity in budget models. So, if you need a lightweight powerhouse, the XPS 13 is your best bet, but if you're on a budget and don't mind the extra weight, the Inspiron delivers solid performance.
📱 Display: 13.4" vs 15.6"⚖️ Weight: 41.98 oz vs 58.55 oz🔋 Battery: 55 Wh vs 41 Wh
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Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
★4.5
(63)•Best Buy
Processor:Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz)
Graphics:Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated)
AI Engine:Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU)
Cooling:Air (Dual fans with heat pipes)
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Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
★4.5
(2,701)•Best Buy
Processor:Intel Core i5-1235U (Alder Lake-U, 10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz)
Graphics:Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated; requires dual-channel RAM, otherwise UHD)
AI Engine:No (Not supported)
Cooling:Air (Single fan)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
13.4"
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
15.6"Winner
Refresh Rate
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
120 Hz (FHD+/QHD+ IPS) / 60 Hz (3K+ OLED)
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
120 Hz
Performance2 specs
RAMKey
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s)
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
8 GB or 16 GB DDR4-2666/3200 MHz
Storage
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
55 Wh (Integrated)
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
41 Wh (3-cell Li-ion) or 54 Wh (4-cell; config dependent)
Design1 specs
Weight
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
1,170 g (2.6 lbs) [OLED] / 1,190 g (2.62 lbs) [IPS]Winner
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
1,660 g (3.65 lbs)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Windows 11 Home or Pro
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
Windows 11 Home
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Wi-Fi 7 (Intel Killer BE1750); Bluetooth 5.4
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.1
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H vs Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
★4.5(63)Best Buy
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
★4.5(2,701)Best Buy
| Criterion | Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(63)Best Buy | ★4.5(2,701)Best Buy |
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz) | Intel Core i5-1235U (Alder Lake-U, 10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz) |
Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated; requires dual-channel RAM, otherwise UHD) |
AI Engine | Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU) | No (Not supported) |
Cooling | Air (Dual fans with heat pipes) | Air (Single fan) |
RAM | 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s) | 8 GB or 16 GB DDR4-2666/3200 MHz |
RAM Upgrade | No (Soldered) | Yes (2x SODIMM slots, up to 16 GB officially, 32 GB unofficially) |
Storage | 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD | 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
Storage Upgrade | Yes (1x M.2 2230/2280 slot; user-replaceable) | Yes (1x M.2 2230/2280 slot) |
Display Size | 13.4" | 15.6" |
Resolution | Options: 1920x1200 (FHD+), 2560x1600 (QHD+), or 2880x1800 (3K+) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | Options: IPS (FHD+/QHD+) or OLED (3K+ Touch) | IPS (Anti-glare; Wide Viewing Angle) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz (FHD+/QHD+ IPS) / 60 Hz (3K+ OLED) | 120 Hz |
Brightness | 500 nits (IPS) / 400 nits (OLED) | 250 nits (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 100% sRGB (FHD+) / 100% DCI-P3 (QHD+/OLED) | 45% NTSC (approx. 60% sRGB) |
Keyboard Layout | US English (Zero-lattice) with Capacitive Touch Function Row | US English (ANSI) with NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes | No (Optional/Configuration dependent; mostly No on retail units) |
Biometrics | Fingerprint reader (Power button) + IR Face Recognition | No (Fingerprint reader is optional/configuration dependent) |
Webcam | 1080p FHD RGB+IR camera | 720p HD camera |
USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) (Data, Power Delivery, DisplayPort 2.1) | 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 | DisplayPort 2.1 via Thunderbolt 4 | 1x HDMI 1.4 (Supports up to 1920x1080 @ 60Hz) |
Audio Ports | No (Requires USB-C to 3.5mm adapter) | 1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 (Intel Killer BE1750); Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.1 |
Battery | 55 Wh (Integrated) | 41 Wh (3-cell Li-ion) or 54 Wh (4-cell; config dependent) |
Charger | 60 W USB-C AC adapter | 65 W Barrel-pin AC adapter (4.5mm) |
Weight | 1,170 g (2.6 lbs) [OLED] / 1,190 g (2.62 lbs) [IPS] | 1,660 g (3.65 lbs) |
Build Material | CNC-machined Aluminum + Gorilla Glass 3 (Victus on OLED) | Plastic (Carbon Black) |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home or Pro | Windows 11 Home |
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Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Rating:★4.5(63)Best Buy
Processor:Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz)
Graphics:Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated)
AI Engine:Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU)
Cooling:Air (Dual fans with heat pipes)
RAM:16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s)
RAM Upgrade:No (Soldered)
Storage:512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
Storage Upgrade:Yes (1x M.2 2230/2280 slot; user-replaceable)
Display Size:13.4"
Resolution:Options: 1920x1200 (FHD+), 2560x1600 (QHD+), or 2880x1800 (3K+)
Aspect Ratio:16:10
Screen Type:Options: IPS (FHD+/QHD+) or OLED (3K+ Touch)
Refresh Rate:120 Hz (FHD+/QHD+ IPS) / 60 Hz (3K+ OLED)
Brightness:500 nits (IPS) / 400 nits (OLED)
Color Gamut:100% sRGB (FHD+) / 100% DCI-P3 (QHD+/OLED)
Keyboard Layout:US English (Zero-lattice) with Capacitive Touch Function Row
Keyboard Backlight:Yes
Biometrics:Fingerprint reader (Power button) + IR Face Recognition
Webcam:1080p FHD RGB+IR camera
USB Ports:2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) (Data, Power Delivery, DisplayPort 2.1)
Video Ports:DisplayPort 2.1 via Thunderbolt 4
Audio Ports:No (Requires USB-C to 3.5mm adapter)
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 7 (Intel Killer BE1750); Bluetooth 5.4
Battery:55 Wh (Integrated)
Charger:60 W USB-C AC adapter
Weight:1,170 g (2.6 lbs) [OLED] / 1,190 g (2.62 lbs) [IPS]
Build Material:CNC-machined Aluminum + Gorilla Glass 3 (Victus on OLED)
Operating System:Windows 11 Home or Pro
✓ Pros:
- • Ultra-modern, minimalist design with zero-lattice keyboard and seamless glass palm rest
- • IPS panel options (FHD+/QHD+) finally support smooth 120Hz refresh rates
- • Exceptional build quality with CNC aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus/3
- • Wi-Fi 7 ready for future-proof wireless connectivity
- • Compact and lightweight (approx 2.6 lbs) for high portability
✗ Cons:
- • 3K OLED option is locked to 60Hz, unlike the 120Hz IPS panels
- • No physical function keys; uses capacitive touch row which lacks tactile feedback
- • Headphone jack (3.5mm) has been removed; requires a dongle
- • Limited I/O with only two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
Rating:★4.5(2,701)Best Buy
Processor:Intel Core i5-1235U (Alder Lake-U, 10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz)
Graphics:Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated; requires dual-channel RAM, otherwise UHD)
AI Engine:No (Not supported)
Cooling:Air (Single fan)
RAM:8 GB or 16 GB DDR4-2666/3200 MHz
RAM Upgrade:Yes (2x SODIMM slots, up to 16 GB officially, 32 GB unofficially)
Storage:512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Storage Upgrade:Yes (1x M.2 2230/2280 slot)
Display Size:15.6"
Resolution:1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Aspect Ratio:16:9
Screen Type:IPS (Anti-glare; Wide Viewing Angle)
Refresh Rate:120 Hz
Brightness:250 nits (Typical)
Color Gamut:45% NTSC (approx. 60% sRGB)
Keyboard Layout:US English (ANSI) with NumPad
Keyboard Backlight:No (Optional/Configuration dependent; mostly No on retail units)
Biometrics:No (Fingerprint reader is optional/configuration dependent)
Webcam:720p HD camera
USB Ports: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 1.4 (Supports up to 1920x1080 @ 60Hz)
Audio Ports:1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.1
Battery:41 Wh (3-cell Li-ion) or 54 Wh (4-cell; config dependent)
Charger:65 W Barrel-pin AC adapter (4.5mm)
Weight:1,660 g (3.65 lbs)
Build Material:Plastic (Carbon Black)
Operating System:Windows 11 Home
✓ 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
- • Includes a full-size SD card slot (rare in modern laptops)
- • Decent port selection with three USB-A ports and HDMI
- • Lift hinge design improves airflow and typing angle
✗ 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)
- • No keyboard backlight on many standard configurations
- • Plastic chassis feels budget-oriented and attracts fingerprints
- • Display colors are washed out (45% NTSC) and not suitable for photo editing
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
Grab the Inspiron if you want a larger screen for less weight at 58.55 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H if: you want a lightweight laptop at only 41.27 oz, need a premium display with 120Hz for smooth visuals, or seek long battery life for up to 34 hours.
Choose the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U if: you want a larger 15.6" display for productivity, desire upgradeable RAM, or are looking to save money without sacrificing too much performance.
Conclusion
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H excels if you value ultra-modern, minimalist design with zero-lattice keyboard and seamless glass palm rest. Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U is better if you prioritize 120hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling than typical 60hz budget laptops. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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