Dell Inspiron 3520 vs HP 15-fd1099TU: Budget Laptop Showdown for Windows Users

The budget laptop market is fiercely competitive, with Dell and HP consistently delivering quality machines under $600. Today we compare two popular Windows 11 models - the Dell Inspiron 3520 and HP 15-fd1099TU - to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Introduction to the Contenders

Budget laptops have evolved significantly, now offering performance that rivals mid-range devices from just a few years ago. Both the Dell Inspiron 3520 and HP 15-fd1099TU represent excellent value propositions, but they take slightly different approaches to budget computing.

Design and Build Quality

• Dell Inspiron 3520:
• Plastic chassis with textured finish
• 1.78kg weight
• 14.96 x 9.99 x 0.78 inches dimensions

• Available in Platinum Silver and Carbon Black

• HP 15-fd1099TU:

• Premium-looking micro-edge display
• 1.6kg weight
• 14.11 x 9.21 x 0.71 inches dimensions
• Natural Silver color option

Winner: HP edges out with slightly more premium aesthetics and lighter weight.

Display Comparison

Key Insight: While both offer FHD resolution, the HP display is noticeably brighter at 250 nits versus Dell's 220 nits.

Performance Benchmarks

Both laptops feature 12th Gen Intel Core processors, but with different configurations:

• Dell Inspiron 3520:
• Intel Core i5-1235U (10 cores, 12 threads)
• Base clock 1.3GHz, boost up to 4.4GHz
• 8GB DDR4 RAM (expandable to 16GB)

• 512GB NVMe SSD

• HP 15-fd1099TU:

• Intel Core i5-1235U (same processor)
• 16GB DDR4 RAM (soldered, not expandable)
• 512GB NVMe SSD

Performance Notes:
- The HP comes with double the RAM (16GB vs 8GB)
- Dell offers RAM expandability while HP does not
- Both use the same capable processor for everyday tasks

Battery Life and Portability

• Dell Inspiron 3520:
• 41Wh battery
• Up to 8 hours of mixed usage

• 65W charging

• HP 15-fd1099TU:

• 47Wh battery
• Up to 9.5 hours of mixed usage
• 45W USB-C charging

Real-world Testing: HP lasts about 1.5 hours longer on average, plus offers the convenience of USB-C charging.

Keyboard and Input Devices

• Dell Keyboard:
• 1.4mm key travel
• Numeric keypad included

• Spongy feedback reported by some users

• HP Keyboard:

• 1.5mm key travel
• No numeric keypad
• More tactile feedback

Touchpads: Both offer precision touchpads with Windows gestures, though the HP's is slightly larger.

Connectivity and Ports

Dell Inspiron 3520 Ports:
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- 1x USB 2.0
- HDMI 1.4
- SD card reader
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Ethernet port

HP 15-fd1099TU Ports:
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
- HDMI 1.4
- 3.5mm audio jack
- No Ethernet or SD card reader

Wireless: Both feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2

Software and Windows 11 Experience

Both laptops ship with Windows 11 Home edition and include:
- Microsoft Office trial
- Manufacturer utilities (Dell SupportAssist vs HP Support Assistant)
- Minimal bloatware

Notable Differences:
- Dell includes McAfee LiveSafe (30-day trial)
- HP includes a 1-year subscription to HP Smart

Upgradeability and Longevity

• Dell Inspiron 3520:
• Accessible RAM slots (1 SODIMM)
• Extra M.2 slot for storage expansion

• Easy to open chassis

• HP 15-fd1099TU:

• Soldered RAM (not upgradeable)
• Single M.2 slot
• More difficult to service

Future-proofing: Dell wins with better upgrade options.

Price and Value Proposition

At time of writing:
- Dell Inspiron 3520: $549
- HP 15-fd1099TU: $599

Value Analysis:
- HP justifies its $50 premium with double the RAM and better battery
- Dell offers better upgrade path and more ports

Final Verdict

Choose Dell Inspiron 3520 if:
- You want upgradeability
- Need Ethernet or SD card reader
- Prefer a numeric keypad

Choose HP 15-fd1099TU if:
- You value better battery life
- Want 16GB RAM out of the box
- Prefer USB-C charging

Both are excellent Windows 11 budget laptops that outperform their price tags. Your specific needs should dictate which one makes more sense for your workflow.