Dell Inspiron 15 3521vsAsus Chromebook CR11

We compare these two popular phones to help you decide which one fits your needs and budget better.

Dell
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
Inspiron 15 3521

Quick Stats

The Dell Inspiron 15 3521 delivers snappy performance, making it ideal for everyday tasks and basic productivity needs.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3521 features sturdy, lightweight, and rigid build quality with minimal flexing throughout.
The display on the Dell Inspiron 15 3521 is decent but not impressive, overall average quality.
The Dell Inspiron 15 3521 features a Core i3 processor, Windows 8, and chicklet-style keyboard primarily.
Asus
ASUS Chromebook CR11
Chromebook CR11

Quick Stats

The Asus CR1 Chromebook delivers decent to capable performance for general usage and demanding tasks.
The Asus CR1 Chromebook boasts a rugged and durable build with a robust feel overall.
The CR1 Chromebook's display is decent but lacks vibrancy, making it suitable for casual use only.
The Asus Chromebook CR1 boasts an Intel Celeron N4500 processor and 4GB RAM primarily.
Key Differences

No significant specification differences found between these devices.

Rank
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
#838
Asus Chromebook CR11
Winner
#835
Scores by Category
Rankings
Connectivity
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
#760
Asus Chromebook CR11
#272
Winner
Display
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
#830
Asus Chromebook CR11
#810
Winner
Performance
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
#803
Winner
Asus Chromebook CR11
#831
Build
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
#561
Asus Chromebook CR11
#139
Winner
Features
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
#332
Winner
Asus Chromebook CR11
#690

Note: Lower rank number indicates a better position in category.

Specifications Comparison
Specification
Dell Dell Inspiron 15 3521
Asus ASUS Chromebook CR11
up to 16GB
up to 8GB
up to 2000GB SSD + up to 2000GB HDD
up to 64GB SSD
Intel Pentium Silver N5030
Intel Processor N100
Intel UHD Graphics 605
Intel UHD Graphics Xe (24EU)

Note: Highlighted specifications show differences between the two devices.

Pros and Cons

Dell Inspiron 15 3521

Strengths

It runs pretty good, it's pretty fast, it's a Snappy little laptop
The chicklet style keyboard is real nice
It has a webcam built-in with decent picture quality
The laptop is lightweight and has minimal chassis flex
Dell seems to have got its mojo back in terms of design

Weaknesses

The screen resolution is average, on par with a screen from 6-7 years ago
There are issues with viewing angles, which may be due to an outdated screen technology
Windows 8 gestures can be tricky to navigate with the touchpad
The laptop does not come with a wireless mouse, making it harder to use Windows 8 features
No Touch interface option available, even though the reviewer would have preferred it

Asus Chromebook CR11

Strengths

The Asus CR1 has a rugged build that's designed to withstand the classroom environment, making it perfect for education-focused use.
The keyboard is spill-resistant and features medium-travel keys that are nice to type on.
The performance with the Intel Celeron N4500 processor is decent for general usage and basic gaming.
The battery life is well-balanced and allows you to easily pass your usual benchmark of a full day's use before needing to charge.
The dual USBC ports allow for easy charging on either side of your desk, and the small puck-style charging brick is convenient.
The build quality, including the grippy rubber top and bottom as well as the bumpers, feels premium and sturdy.

Weaknesses

The TN screen has limited viewing angles and vividness compared to IPS screens.
The screen only goes back 180 degrees, making it non-convertible.
The palm rest area is made of smooth plastic that feels a little cheap.
The speakers are not the loudest for a Chromebook of this size, although they're not the worst either.
There's no privacy shutter on the webcam.
The keyboard keys have a medium travel, which might be too shallow for some users' preferences.
Read Full Reviews

Dell Inspiron 15 3521

The Dell Inspiron 15 3521 is a no-frills laptop that packs a punch with its Core i3 processor. Priced at $400 off the original price, this model offers a fast and snappy performance perfect for everyday use. With a maximum screen resolution typical of older laptops, it's not ideal for graphics-intensive tasks or touch-based interactions. However, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable laptop for work, productivity, or basic computing needs.

Asus Chromebook CR11

The Asus Cr1 is an education-focused Chromebook launched in 2021 with a rugged build designed to withstand the classroom environment. Powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, it features 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The basic model boasts an 11.6-inch HD non-touch TN screen, with decent connectivity options. Weighing 2.90 pounds, this Chromebook offers a spill-resistant keyboard and solid performance for general usage. In this review, we'll explore its build quality, display, performance, battery life, and other features to see if it's worth considering.

Need help choosing?

Read our detailed reviews to understand which device is better for your specific needs and budget.

Read Dell Inspiron 15 3521 ReviewRead Asus Chromebook CR11 Review

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