2024 Dell Inspiron 3530 (Inspiron 3530) Laptop Review: A Powerful & Portable Performer?

Introduction

The Dell Inspiron 3530 (Inspiron 3530) promises a compelling blend of performance and portability. This review dives deep into my experience using this 15.6-inch laptop, equipped with a Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Intel Iris XE graphics. I’ve put it through its paces for several weeks, tackling everything from everyday tasks to more demanding photo and video editing, to give you a well-rounded assessment.

Features & Design

The Inspiron 3530 boasts a clean, professional design. The black chassis feels sturdy and well-built. The 15.6-inch Full HD display is surprisingly vibrant and bright, making it comfortable for extended use. The keyboard is comfortable for typing, though I did find the travel distance slightly shallow. The trackpad is responsive and accurate. Connectivity options are good, with multiple USB ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. The inclusion of a HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones is also a plus.

Processor Speed 3.4 GHz
RAM Size 16 GB
Internal Memory 512 GB
Version International Version
Screen Size 15.6 in
Display Resolution 1920×1080
Screen Features Brightness Intelligence
Colour Name Black
Keyboard Language English
Graphics Processor Version Intel Iris XE
Display Type LED
Display Resolution Type Full HD
Connection Type HDMI
Average Battery Life 8 Hours
Storage Type SSD
Operating System Version Windows 11
Operating System Windows
Usage Type Business
Model Series Dell Inspiron
Processor Version Number/Generation 13th Gen
Number of Cores 12-Core
Wireless 4G/3G/Wireless/Bluetooth/NFC
Audio Jack Lightning Port
RAM Type DDR4
External Graphics Integrated
Graphic Memory None
Features Built-in Speaker
Model Number Inspiron 3530
Model Name 3530
HDMI Output Yes
Number of USB Ports 2
SD Card Slot Yes
Number of HDMI Ports 1
Processor Version Core i5-1335U

Performance

The Dell Inspiron 3530 (Inspiron 3530) delivered surprisingly strong performance for its price point. The 12-core Core i5-1335U processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM handled multitasking with ease. I regularly had multiple browser tabs open, along with demanding applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro, without experiencing significant slowdown. The 512GB SSD ensured quick boot times and fast application loading. While not a gaming powerhouse, the Intel Iris XE graphics handled casual gaming and video playback smoothly. Battery life was also impressive, consistently exceeding the advertised 8 hours under moderate use. I was able to get through a full workday on a single charge.

The customization options for performance, fan speed, and external temperature are a nice touch, allowing you to fine-tune the system according to your needs. However, I did notice the fan could become quite audible under heavy loads.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Excellent performance for the price, vibrant display, comfortable keyboard, good battery life, ample storage, decent connectivity options, customizable performance settings.
  • Cons: Fan can be loud under heavy load, keyboard travel distance could be deeper.

Final Verdict

The Dell Inspiron 3530 (Inspiron 3530) is a strong contender in the mid-range laptop market. It offers a great balance of performance, features, and affordability. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as fan noise under heavy load, the overall experience is positive. If you need a reliable and versatile laptop for everyday tasks and even some light creative work, the Inspiron 3530 is definitely worth considering. I would wholeheartedly recommend it.