Dell Inspiron 15 (2024) vs Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
The Verdict
Dell Inspiron 15 targets productivity with excellent battery longevity, offering up to 12 hours of runtime compared to Gaming 3's modest 6 hours. Lenovo prioritizes gaming performance with a 120Hz refresh rate display and more powerful Ryzen 5 7535HS processor, featuring 6 cores/12 threads versus Dell's similar architecture. Storage differs significantly: Dell includes 512GB while Lenovo provides only 256GB. Both feature 15.6-inch 1080p IPS displays with 250-nit brightness and backlit keyboards. Dell weighs 1.65kg, making it more portable than Gaming 3's 2.3kg. At $599, Dell Inspiron 15 delivers superior value for everyday users and professionals needing extended battery life. Lenovo suits gaming enthusiasts willing to sacrifice battery for performance and the 120Hz display advantage. For mainstream productivity use, Dell offers better specs at lower cost.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Dell Inspiron 15 (2024) if…
- →Solid all-rounder for everyday productivity and web browsing at $599
- →Good port selection including HDMI and SD card reader
- →Reasonable 54 Wh battery provides good endurance for the price
Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 if…
- →RTX 4050 at $799 is excellent value for entry-level gaming
- →120Hz display is a noticeable upgrade over 60Hz
- →Upgradeable RAM and storage via accessible panels
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Dell Inspiron 15 (2024)
Pros
- Solid all-rounder for everyday productivity and web browsing at $599
- Good port selection including HDMI and SD card reader
- Reasonable 54 Wh battery provides good endurance for the price
- Lightweight at 1.65 kg for a 15.6-inch laptop
- Expandable storage via second M.2 slot
Cons
- 250-nit display brightness is dim for any non-indoor use
- 60Hz refresh rate feels behind modern standards
- 8 GB base RAM needs upgrading for comfortable multitasking
- Plastic chassis feels basic compared to aluminum competitors
- Webcam is only 720p — poor for video calls
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
Pros
- RTX 4050 at $799 is excellent value for entry-level gaming
- 120Hz display is a noticeable upgrade over 60Hz
- Upgradeable RAM and storage via accessible panels
- Ryzen 5 7535HS handles both gaming and schoolwork
- Decent thermals for a budget chassis with dual-fan cooling
Cons
- 250-nit display is too dim for well-lit rooms
- 8 GB base RAM needs upgrading for modern games
- 256 GB SSD fills up fast — plan to add a second drive
- All-plastic build feels flimsy and creaks
- Speaker quality is poor — headphones are recommended
Full Specifications
| Spec | Dell Inspiron 15 (2024) | Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.65 kg | 5.07 lbs (2.3 kg) |
| Material | Plastic chassis with aluminum palm rest | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 358.5 x 235.6 x 16.9 mm | 14.19 x 10.14 x 0.91 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-A ports | 2 | 2 |
| USB-C ports | 1 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| Headphone Jack | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Capacity | 54 Wh | 60 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 15.6 inches | 15.6 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS anti-glare |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 250 | 250 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB PCIe NVMe | 256 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB / 16 GB DDR5 | 8 GB DDR5 |
| Cores | 10-core (Intel) / 6-core (AMD) | 6 cores / 12 threads |
| Chipset | Intel Core i5-1335U / AMD Ryzen 5 7530U | AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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