Dell G15 5520 review
The Dell Dell G15 5520 ranks as the #619 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 68. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #204-ranked performance among 230 laptops. Consider the Dell Latitude 15 7530 or Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7440, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Dell G15 5520 is an underwhelming experience. Its excellent peripherals and decent gaming performance are marred by a miserable battery life and awkward styling. The high refresh rate panel is a letdown, failing to deliver above 60Hz in full-screen mode. While it might suffice for casual gamers, its limitations make it unsuitable for competitive gamers on a budget. Home users can ignore this one due to its poor design and battery life issues. Overall, the G15 doesn't quite live up to expectations, making it a hard sell despite its strengths.
Build
The build quality of the Dell G15 5520 is a mixed bag. The laptop's plastic body feels cheap and flimsy, with sharp edges that can be uncomfortable to touch. However, the keyboard is a highlight, with a pleasant tactile feel and decent key travel. The high-refresh-rate display is also a plus, but its performance in gaming mode is disappointing. Overall, the build quality of the G15 5520 feels like a compromise between affordability and durability, making it a laptop that's not quite at par with more premium options. You may find Dell Vostro 15 3525 a better fit, thanks to its superior build.
Display
The display on the Dell G15 5520 is a highlight of the laptop. The high refresh rate panel offers smooth visuals, although it may not be ideal for competitive gaming due to its limitations in achieving higher than 60Hz in certain modes. In full screen mode, games can reach and maintain 60 frames per second, making it suitable for casual gaming needs. The display's performance is further enhanced by the use of Nvidia DLSS, which significantly increases frame rates and enables High detail settings or higher on most modern games. However, this benefit is somewhat offset by the poor battery life, making long gaming sessions on battery power a frustrating experience. If you’re after a better display, Dell Latitude 15 5530 could be the ideal option.
Performance
The Dell G15 5520's performance is a mixed bag. While the 12th gen Intel Core i5 processor provides more than adequate power for casual gaming, the RTX graphics card is a dog compared to its peers. However, it holds its own with Nvidia DLSS enabled. Gaming on battery power is a nightmare, but when plugged in, the laptop delivers smooth performance. The single PCIe slot and small battery life are major drawbacks, making this laptop less appealing for competitive gamers or those seeking portability. Dell XPS 14 9440 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.
Battery and Charging
The Dell G15 5520's battery life is its Achilles' heel. With a paltry 4-5 hours of use, it's woefully inadequate for a gaming laptop. The charging time is equally disappointing, taking around 2 hours to reach 80% capacity from empty. This means you'll likely be stuck in a coffee shop or at home, constantly plugged in and unable to enjoy the freedom that comes with mobile gaming. While the AMD version may offer better battery life, it's still a compromise for those who prioritize portability over performance.
Connectivity
The Dell G15 5520's connectivity is impressive, with USB-A, USB-C, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, the single PCIe slot for storage may limit upgrade options. Overall, it offers decent connectivity for its class, but some users may find it lacking in this department. You might want to check out Dell G15 5530, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.
Features
The Dell G15 5520 boasts a 15.6" FHD display, 12th gen Intel Core i5 processor, up to 64GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX A1500 GPU with DLSS support. It features a backlit keyboard, USB-A ports, HDMI output, and a single PCIe slot for storage expansion. Take a look at Dell Inspiron 15 3520 - its improved features sets a new standard.
Support and Maintenance
The Dell G15 5520's battery life is abysmal, making it impractical for mobile use. The single PCIe slot and lack of SD card reader are also notable drawbacks. While the laptop has excellent peripherals and decent performance, its poor design choices make it a less appealing option than competitors like the HP Envy or Asus Zenbook.
Pros
1. The speakers are good enough reasons to buy a Dell G15 over the Acer Nitro 5.
2. The screen is also good, with reduced ghosting compared to other high refresh rate panels on budget gaming laptops.
3. Games run smoothly at high detail settings when using Nvidia DLSS setting dlss to ultra performance
4. DLSS filter is unique and can help in playing games smoothly
5. Good peripherals like keyboard and touchpad
6. Can be a good option for heavy casual gamers who don't need much power
7. The system has more power than needed, making it suitable for everyday tasks
8. Has excellent battery life when using AMD version
Cons
1. Abysmal battery life makes me want to try out the ryzen 5 version of the g15
2. Battery life is terrible and can't be used on the go
3. Speakers might not be enough to convince gamers to buy over other laptops with better sound quality
4. Single PCIe slot for storage is a limitation
5. No SD card reader, which is a basic feature in many modern laptops
6. Pathetically small battery life makes it hard to use on the go
7. Fake high refresh rate panel can be misleading and might not provide the best gaming experience
8. Can't compete with other laptops in terms of styling and design
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