Dell Vostro 3520 (vos3520/i5/8gb/512gb) Laptop Review: A Comprehensive Look

Introduction

The Dell Vostro 3520 (vos3520/i5/8gb/512gb) is a business-oriented laptop aimed at providing a balance of performance and affordability. This review dives deep into my experience using this machine, covering everything from its build quality to its day-to-day performance in various tasks. I spent several weeks using the Vostro 3520 for typical business tasks, including word processing, spreadsheet work, video conferencing, and some light photo editing. This allowed me to form a comprehensive opinion on its capabilities and suitability for its intended purpose.

Features

The Vostro 3520 boasts a decent feature set for its price point. The 15.6-inch Full HD display provides crisp visuals, making it comfortable for extended periods of use. The keyboard is comfortable for typing, though it’s not backlit, which can be a minor drawback in low-light conditions. The trackpad is responsive and accurate. The inclusion of a fast 512GB SSD ensures quick boot times and application loading.

Specification Value
Processor Speed 4.7 GHz
RAM Size 8 GB
Internal Memory 512 GB
Screen Size 15.6 in
Display Resolution 1920×1080
Colour Name Black
Keyboard Language English/Arabic
Graphics Processor Version Intel UHD 600
Display Resolution Type Full HD
Storage Type SSD
Operating System Version Free DOS
Operating System DOS
Usage Type Business
Model Series Dell Vostro
Processor Version Number/Generation 12th Gen
Number of Cores 10-Core
RAM Type DDR4
External Graphics Integrated
Model Number vos3520/i5/8gb/512gb
Processor Version Core i5-1235u

Performance

Powered by the Intel Core i5-1235U processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, the Vostro 3520 handles everyday tasks with ease. Multitasking was generally smooth, though I did notice some slight slowdown when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously. The 512GB SSD is a real asset, providing incredibly fast boot times and application loading. Gaming performance is limited due to the integrated Intel UHD 600 graphics, but it’s suitable for casual games or older titles at lower settings. For more graphically intensive tasks, you’ll need a different machine. Battery life was reasonably good, lasting around 6-7 hours on a single charge with moderate use.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Fast SSD, good display, comfortable keyboard, decent battery life, affordable price.
  • Cons: Integrated graphics limit gaming performance, no backlit keyboard, RAM could be upgraded for better multitasking.

Final Verdict

The Dell Vostro 3520 (vos3520/i5/8gb/512gb) is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable and affordable business laptop for everyday tasks. Its performance is adequate for most office-related work, and the fast SSD significantly enhances the user experience. While the lack of a backlit keyboard and limited graphics capabilities are drawbacks, they are offset by its strengths and competitive price. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for general use and need an Arabic keyboard layout, this is a worthy contender. I would recommend this laptop, especially considering its price point.