Dell G15 review
The Dell Dell G15 ranks as the #404 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 73. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #52-ranked connectivity among 251 laptops. Consider the Dell G15 5535 or Dell XPS 15 9510, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Dell G15 is a solid laptop with good performance for its price point, but whether it's worth it depends on the market conditions. Compared to last year's models with an RTX 3070 TI, the G15 falls short in terms of value. The battery life is also underwhelming, lasting only three hours and five minutes. While the laptop has a good port selection and decent performance for an RTX 4060, its high price makes it a hard sell. If you can find a deal on last year's model, that might be the better option. Otherwise, the G15 is still a viable choice, but at a premium price.
Build
The Dell G15's build is a mixed bag. The laptop's chassis feels solid and well-built, with a sturdy hinge that holds the display in place. However, the plastic used for the exterior looks and feels cheap, particularly around the edges. The keyboard deck is also made of a somewhat flimsy material that creaks under pressure. The lid can be easily flexed, but it doesn't seem to affect the laptop's performance. Overall, while the G15's build is functional, it doesn't quite live up to the standards set by its more premium competitors. Take a look at Dell Inspiron 15 3510 - its improved build sets a new standard.
Display
The Dell G15's display is a letdown given its price point. The Full HD resolution is somewhat disappointing, especially considering the laptop's high-end specs. Colors are vivid, but brightness could be improved in very sunny environments. Viewing angles are decent, but not exceptional. While it won't break the bank to upgrade to a 4K or QHD display, it's worth noting that this laptop doesn't quite live up to its potential in terms of visual presentation. Overall, the display is merely adequate and not particularly impressive compared to other options on the market. If you're after top-notch display, consider Dell Vostro 15 7510.
Performance
The Dell G15's performance is a mixed bag. On one hand, the RTX 4060 GPU delivers good gaming performance at 1080p and can handle some QHD games with reduced settings. The CPU also performs well, handling demanding tasks like video editing and streaming. However, the 16GB of RAM limits performance in resource-intensive applications like Premiere Pro. Additionally, switching between integrated and dedicated graphics modes is seamless, but there's no indication when turbo mode is enabled or disabled, which can be frustrating. Overall, the G15's performance is average for its price point, making it a decent option if you're on a budget. It’s worth checking out Dell Latitude 15 5530, delivering remarkable performance.
Battery and Charging
The battery life of the Dell G15 is its weakest point, despite an 86Wh power pack. I managed to squeeze out just three hours and five minutes of use before needing to recharge. This is underwhelming considering other laptops in this class can easily last four hours or more on a single charge. The charging speed is decent, but the limited battery life makes it a compromise for those who need a laptop that can keep up with their busy schedules.
Connectivity
The Dell G15 offers decent connectivity options. The laptop has enough ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader. While there's no Thunderbolt 4 port, it still provides sufficient connections for most users. The absence of a headphone jack may be a drawback for some, but overall, the connectivity is adequate for general use. Get your hands on Dell Latitude 15 5531 if you're looking for better connectivity.
Features
The Dell G15 features a 14.5-inch screen, Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics, up to 64GB RAM, and a 86Wh battery. It also includes dual fans, a swappable Wi-Fi card, two RAM slots, and a single M.2 SSD slot for storage expansion. Consider discovering the power of Dell G5 15, featuring the latest advancements in features.
Support and Maintenance
The Dell G15's support and maintenance experience is average. The laptop's battery life is its weakest point, with a mere three hours and five minutes of runtime before needing to recharge. While it has good performance for an RTX 4060, the lack of Thunderbolt 4 port and mediocre battery life are notable drawbacks.
Pros
1. This laptop is performing where it should be, especially in gaming. It can handle games at QHD with no problem.
2. The battery life kind of sucks, but it does everything else pretty well if you have a lower expectation.
3. It has good performance for an RTX 4060, and there's enough ports to use them.
4. The fan noise is interesting because if you have it on turbo mode it's obviously going to get loud, but you can switch to balanced or quiet profile to be quieter.
5. It does well in terms of heat, sitting around 91 to 92 degrees Celsius, which is a little bit harder than I'd like it to be.
Cons
1. The battery life is probably its weakest point, only getting three hours and five minutes before needing to charge.
2. The G key automatically takes you in and out of turbo mode without any indication that pops up when you're in turbo mode.
3. There's no Thunderbolt 4 Port, which might be a drawback for some users.
4. The battery life is very short compared to other laptops, especially considering its price point.
5. Even though it has good performance, the Dell G5 is not a bad laptop but based on its price point I'd still try to find a laptop that's on sale from last year.
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