Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 vs Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 is the premium option here, thanks to its versatile 360-degree hinge and higher resolution of 1920x1200. However, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U offers a smoother 120Hz refresh rate that makes a difference for gamers and heavy multitaskers. If you're looking for a laptop that can handle a mix of work and play, the Dell could be the smarter buy unless you specifically need the 2-in-1 functionality of the Lenovo.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 vs Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U
| Criterion | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 | Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(21)Amazon | ★4.5(2,701)Best Buy |
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (Barcelo-R, 8 cores, up to 4.5 GHz) | Intel Core i5-1235U (Alder Lake-U, 10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz) |
Graphics | AMD Radeon 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 LPDDR4x-4266 | 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 PCIe NVMe M.2 2242 SSD | 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
Storage Upgrade | Yes (1x M.2 2242 slot; supports up to 1TB) | Yes (1x M.2 2230/2280 slot) |
Display Size | 14" | 15.6" |
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | IPS (Glossy; Touchscreen) | 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) without NumPad | US English (ANSI) with NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes | No (Optional/Configuration dependent; mostly No on retail units) |
Biometrics | Fingerprint reader (Palm rest) | No (Fingerprint reader is optional/configuration dependent) |
Webcam | 1080p FHD camera with Privacy Shutter | 720p HD camera |
USB Ports | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Power Delivery 3.0 / DisplayPort 1.4); 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (One Always On); 1x SD card reader | 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 (Supports up to 4K@30Hz) | 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 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.1 |
Battery | 52.5 Wh (Polymer) | 41 Wh (3-cell Li-ion) or 54 Wh (4-cell; config dependent) |
Charger | 65 W Round Tip (Barrel connector) adapter | 65 W Barrel-pin AC adapter (4.5mm) |
Weight | 1,550 g (3.42 lbs) | 1,660 g (3.65 lbs) |
Build Material | PC-ABS + 40% GF (Plastic chassis) | Plastic (Carbon Black) |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1
✓ Pros:
- • Versatile 360-degree hinge allows for laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes
- • Modern 16:10 WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution provides more vertical screen real estate
- • Includes USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4 support
- • Physical privacy shutter on the 1080p webcam
- • Fingerprint reader included for secure login
✗ Cons:
- • Display color gamut is limited to 45% NTSC, resulting in less vibrant colors
- • HDMI 1.4b port is limited to 4K output at only 30Hz
- • RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded
- • M.2 slot is limited to the physically shorter 2242 form factor
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 Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 is the better buy for most people - its versatile design and higher resolution crush the Dell. That said, grab the Dell if you want smoother visuals with the 120Hz refresh rate and save some cash.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 if: you need a versatile 2-in-1 design, want a higher resolution for productivity, or prefer longer battery life.
Choose the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U if: you play games often, require upgradeable RAM, or want a lower price point. (15.6" display, 120 Hz refresh)
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?
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 excels if you value versatile 360-degree hinge allows for laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.