Dell Inspiron 15 3521vsLenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3

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.
Lenovo
Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3
300e Chromebook Gen 3

Quick Stats

The Lenovo 300E Chromebook Gen 3 delivers decent performance with its AMD 3015c processor overall.
The Lenovo 300E Gen 3 Chromebook boasts an impressively robust build quality at its price point.
The Lenovo 300E Chromebook's display is bright and suitable for indoor use, a solid aspect overall.
The Lenovo 300E Chromebook Gen 3 features a rugged design and two cameras, including one for world-facing recording.
Key Differences

No significant specification differences found between these devices.

Rank
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
Winner
#838
Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3
#841
Scores by Category
Rankings
Connectivity
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
#760
Winner
Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3
#776
Display
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
#830
Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3
#727
Winner
Performance
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
#803
Winner
Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3
#843
Build
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
#561
Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3
#266
Winner
Features
Dell Inspiron 15 3521
#332
Winner
Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3
#764

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

Specifications Comparison
Specification
Dell Dell Inspiron 15 3521
Lenovo Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3
up to 16GB
up to 4GB
up to 2000GB SSD + up to 2000GB HDD
up to 64GB SSD
Intel Pentium Silver N5030
AMD 3015e
Intel UHD Graphics 605
AMD Radeon RX Vega 3

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

Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3

Strengths

The build quality is great, with an all-plastic ABS build that feels tough and well-made.
The rechargeable USI stylus pen is great to have, and the fact that it's garage in the Chromebook makes it convenient and easy to use.
The performance of the AMD 3015c processor is decent for most normal tasks, and the battery life is good, lasting up to 10.8 hours according to Lenovo's tests.
The 11.6-inch IPS HD screen is bright enough for indoor use, although the bezels might be a bit large.

Weaknesses

The weight of the Chromebook is around 1.31 kg (2.89 pounds), which is not the lightest.
The speakers are not the best in terms of quality, but they do feel loud enough.
The Celeron N4500 processor might be a better option for some users, although benchmark tests suggest that there may not be a huge real-world difference compared to the AMD 3015c processor.
Some users might find the keyboard and trackpad to be just okay, although they are still very well-made.
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.

Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3

The Lenovo 300E Gen 3 Chromebook is an education-focused device that packs a punch despite its compact size. With an AMD 3015c processor, 4GB RAM, and 32GB storage, it's a solid choice for everyday tasks. The convertible design allows for flexible use in laptop, tablet, or tent modes, while the rechargeable USI stylus adds a creative touch. Its rugged build and ABS plastic construction make it perfect for withstanding rough handling, making it an ideal option for students or anyone looking for a reliable Chromebook.

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 Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3 Review

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