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LaptopsUpdated Jan 4, 20263 min read
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U - Laptops - 4.5 stars

Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U

15.6" FHD 120Hz everyday laptop with Intel Core i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. Features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and upgradeable memory in a plastic chassis.

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💡 Is Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U Worth It?

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Key specifications

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

+ Is the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U worth buying in 2026?

Yes, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U is worth it if you prioritize 120hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling than typical 60hz budget laptops. With a 4.5/5 rating, it stands out in the laptops category. However, consider that most high-volume us retail configurations (e.g., best buy) lack a usb-c port. Check our detailed verdict above.

+ What are the main specs of Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U?

Key specifications include: 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). See the full specifications table above for complete technical details.

+ Where is the best place to buy Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U?

For US buyers, Amazon offers the best combination of competitive pricing, fast Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. Use our affiliate links above to check current prices and availability.

+ What are the pros and cons of 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). 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). See our detailed breakdown above for the complete analysis.

+ How does Dell Inspiron 15 3520 — Intel Core i5-1235U compare to alternatives?

We have 18+ detailed comparisons with similar laptops. Popular matchups include Acer Aspire 5 15 Slim Laptop (A515-58M-7570, i7-1355U) and Acer Nitro V 15 Gaming Laptop i5-13420H. Check the comparison section above.

+ Are PageBen reviews independent and unbiased?

Yes. PageBen is an independent review site. While we use affiliate links for monetization, our recommendations are research-driven and based on objective specifications, user feedback, and real-world performance. We are not sponsored by manufacturers.

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