Dell Vostro 3520 Laptop Review: A Budget-Friendly Workhorse
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Dell Vostro 3520 is a budget-friendly laptop designed for professionals and students who need a reliable machine for everyday tasks. This laptop comes equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it capable of handling light productivity work, browsing, and multimedia content. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the Vostro 3520’s features, performance, and overall value to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Features
The Dell Vostro 3520 boasts a number of features that cater to its target audience. Let’s explore some of the key highlights:
- 15.6″ FHD WVA 120Hz Display: The Vostro 3520’s display is a standout feature. The 120Hz refresh rate delivers smoother visuals, especially when navigating through web pages or watching videos. The FHD resolution ensures sharp and detailed images, making it suitable for multimedia consumption.
- Intel Core i3-1215U Processor: This 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor provides ample performance for everyday tasks such as document editing, web browsing, and light video editing. While not a powerhouse, it handles everyday activities with ease.
- 8GB RAM: The 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing you to switch between multiple applications without encountering lag. This is sufficient for most users who primarily need the laptop for productivity and light multitasking.
- 512GB SSD: The 512GB SSD provides ample storage for your files, applications, and operating system. The SSD’s fast read and write speeds ensure quicker boot times and faster application loading, boosting overall system responsiveness.
- Intel UHD Graphics: While not meant for gaming, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics handle casual games and basic video editing. The graphics performance is adequate for daily use and light entertainment purposes.
- FreeDOS: The Vostro 3520 comes with FreeDOS, a free and open-source operating system. This allows users to customize their operating system environment and install their preferred operating system, like Windows or Linux, at no extra cost.
Performance
During our testing, the Dell Vostro 3520 consistently delivered solid performance for everyday tasks. The Intel Core i3-1215U processor handled basic productivity tasks, web browsing, and streaming video content without any significant hiccups. The 8GB of RAM ensured smooth multitasking, allowing us to switch between multiple applications without experiencing noticeable lag. The 512GB SSD greatly improved overall system responsiveness, with fast boot times and quick application loading.
While the Vostro 3520 is not designed for heavy workloads or gaming, it excels in its intended purpose. It provides a smooth and efficient computing experience for basic productivity, web browsing, and multimedia consumption.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a summary of the Dell Vostro 3520’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Adequate performance for everyday tasks
- Fast 512GB SSD
- FreeDOS allows for operating system customization
Cons:
- Limited RAM upgradeability
- Integrated graphics not suitable for demanding games
- Limited port selection
Final Verdict
The Dell Vostro 3520 is a solid choice for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable laptop for everyday tasks. Its smooth 120Hz display, decent performance, and fast SSD make it a great option for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a dependable machine for basic productivity and multimedia consumption. While it has limitations in terms of upgradeability and gaming capabilities, its overall value proposition makes it a worthwhile consideration.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that offers a smooth display and sufficient performance for everyday tasks, the Dell Vostro 3520 is a good option. However, if you require more powerful performance, particularly for demanding tasks or gaming, you might consider a different model.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1215U |
| Memory | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD WVA 120Hz |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Operating System | FreeDOS |
| Keyboard | English |
| Color | Black |
