HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U vs Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
The HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U is the premium option here, boasting a brighter 300-nit display compared to the Dell Inspiron 15 3520's 250 nits. This means better visibility in bright environments, crucial for productivity. However, if you're gaming or watching videos, the Dell's 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother experience than the HP's 60Hz. In my testing, the HP's Intel Core i7-1355U processor delivers plenty of power for demanding tasks, while the Dell's Intel Core i5-1235U is solid for everyday use. The real kicker? The HP's memory is fully upgradeable, allowing for up to 64GB of RAM, which is a big deal for multitaskers. So, if you're looking for performance, the HP might be worth the extra cash.
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HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
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: HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U vs Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
| Criterion | HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U | Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,607)Best Buy | ★4.5(2,701)Best Buy |
Processor | Intel Core i7-1355U (Raptor Lake, 10 cores, up to 5.0 GHz) | Intel Core i5-1235U (Alder Lake-U, 10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz) |
Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Integrated; requires dual-channel RAM, otherwise UHD) |
AI Engine | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Cooling | Air (Single fan) | Air (Single fan) |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz (2x 8GB) | 8 GB or 16 GB DDR4-2666/3200 MHz |
RAM Upgrade | Yes (2x SODIMM slots, up to 64 GB) | Yes (2x SODIMM slots, up to 16 GB officially, 32 GB unofficially) |
Storage | 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
Storage Upgrade | Yes (1x M.2 slot) | 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 (Touchscreen; BrightView) | IPS (Anti-glare; Wide Viewing Angle) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz |
Brightness | 300 nits | 250 nits (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 45% NTSC (approx. 60% sRGB) | 45% NTSC (approx. 60% sRGB) |
Keyboard Layout | US English (ANSI) with NumPad | US English (ANSI) with NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | No | No (Optional/Configuration dependent; mostly No on retail units) |
Biometrics | No (Not supported) | No (Fingerprint reader is optional/configuration dependent) |
Webcam | 720p HD True Vision camera with privacy shutter | 720p HD camera |
USB Ports | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps; Data only); 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 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 | 1x HDMI 1.4b | 1x HDMI 1.4 (Supports up to 1920x1080 @ 60Hz) |
Audio Ports | 1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack | 1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.1 |
Battery | 41 Wh (3-cell Li-ion) | 41 Wh (3-cell Li-ion) or 54 Wh (4-cell; config dependent) |
Charger | 45 W Smart AC adapter (Barrel pin) | 65 W Barrel-pin AC adapter (4.5mm) |
Weight | 1,597 g (3.52 lbs) | 1,660 g (3.65 lbs) |
Build Material | Recycled plastic | Plastic (Carbon Black) |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
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HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U
✓ Pros:
- • Display brightness is rated at 300 nits (higher than the standard 250 nits in this class)
- • Memory is fully upgradable (2x DDR4 SODIMM slots)
- • Includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for modern wireless connectivity
- • Physical privacy shutter on the webcam
- • Lightweight for a 15-inch laptop at 3.52 lbs
✗ Cons:
- • USB-C port supports data only (no charging or video output)
- • Keyboard lacks backlighting
- • Battery capacity is small (41 Wh), limiting longevity off the charger
- • Chassis is made entirely of plastic
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
✓ 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.
Which one is better?
The HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U is the better buy for most people - its 300-nit display crushes the Dell's 250 nits. That said, grab the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 if you need a budget-friendly option with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate for gaming.
Who should buy each?
Choose the HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U if: you need a brighter display for work, want plenty of RAM for multitasking, or prefer a more powerful processor. (60 Hz refresh, 56.33 oz weight)
Choose the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U if: you want smoother scrolling for gaming, need a less expensive option, or prefer a similar-weight laptop for portability. (120 Hz refresh, 58.55 oz weight)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
HP 15.6" Pavilion Touch Laptop Core i7-1355U excels if you value display brightness is rated at 300 nits (higher than the standard 250 nits in this class). 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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