Dell Inspiron 15 5505 review
The Dell Dell Inspiron 15 5505 ranks as the #537 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 70. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #207-ranked performance among 241 laptops. Consider the Dell G7 15 or Dell G15 5511, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Dell Inspiron 15 5505 is a solid laptop that delivers decent performance for its price. The Ryzen 7 4700U processor and 8GB of RAM provide smooth multitasking, while the 256GB SSD offers respectable storage. The keyboard's backlighting issue may be a drawback, but it's not deal-breaker. Overall, this laptop is worth considering if you're looking for an affordable option with good specs. However, its build quality and materials leave something to be desired, with some users questioning whether the top and bottom are aluminum or plastic.
Build
The build quality of the Dell Inspiron 15 5505 is a mixed bag. The laptop's exterior feels sturdy enough, but there are some questionable design choices. The aluminum top and bottom panels are nice touches, but the plastic trim and flimsy hinges detract from the overall experience. The fingerprint reader works well, but the keyboard's backlighting is only useful in low-light environments. Overall, the build quality feels like a budget-friendly compromise, which fits the laptop's price tag. It’s worth checking out Dell G7 15, delivering remarkable build.
Display
The display on the Dell Inspiron 15 5505 is quite decent for its price point. The screen size is average at 15 inches, and the resolution is Full HD (1920x1080). While not as vibrant as some higher-end laptops, it's sufficient for everyday use such as browsing, streaming, and office work. The display has good brightness, but can get a bit reflective in bright environments. Overall, the display gets the job done without any major complaints, making it a good value for budget-conscious buyers. Give Dell G7 15 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled display.
Performance
The Dell Inspiron 15 5505 delivers impressive performance with its Ryzen 7 4700U processor. In Geekbench 5 tests, the laptop scored 667 in single-core and 3,176 in multi-core, indicating strong processing power. The NVMe drive's sequential read/write speeds of 1,572 MB/s are three times faster than a typical SSD, although slightly slower than my desktop's Samsung 970 Plus. With an upgrade to a second NVMe drive, I'm expecting identical performance to my desktop. Overall, the laptop's performance is excellent for its price point and makes it suitable for demanding tasks. Get your hands on Dell XPS 15 9510 if you're looking for better performance.
Battery and Charging
The Dell Inspiron 15 5505's battery life is decent, lasting around 8 hours with moderate use. Charging is quick, taking about an hour to reach 80%. The laptop also has a USB-C port that can charge the device quickly, making it convenient for on-the-go use. However, the battery life could be better, and some users may find themselves needing to top up during long workdays or travel days.
Connectivity
The Dell Inspiron 15 5505 features a range of connectivity options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, an HDMI output, and an SD card reader. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 4.2 are also supported, ensuring seamless connectivity to external devices and networks. This makes it ideal for those who need to stay connected on-the-go. You might prefer Dell XPS 15 9510, designed with an upgraded connectivity for a better experience.
Features
The Dell Inspiron 15 5505 boasts impressive features, including an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM (expandable to 16), and a 256GB NVMe SSD. The laptop also features an 15.6-inch display, an SD card reader, and USB-A ports. Its keyboard has customizable backlighting and the fingerprint reader works seamlessly for biometric login. Overall, this device offers a solid blend of performance and convenience. For a superior features, Dell G7 15 could be the right choice.
Support and Maintenance
The Dell Inspiron 15 5505 offers reliable support with online resources and live chat available. In-person support is limited to select locations. Maintenance is straightforward, with an easy-to-access battery and RAM upgrade options. However, the laptop's build quality may be a concern for some users.
Pros
1. The laptop has a Ryzen 7 4700U processor, which is powerful for general use
2. The NVMe drive is fast, with sequential read and write speeds of up to 1572 MB/s
3. The fingerprint reader works well and makes it easy to unlock the computer
4. The backlit keyboard is nice and makes a huge difference in low light environments
5. Upgrading the laptop with an additional SSD (like the Samsung 970 Plus) can significantly improve performance
Cons
1. The NVMe drive may be slower than expected, especially compared to high-end desktop drives
2. The keyboard backlight can be too bright in some cases and may cause issues seeing the keys in well-lit environments
3. The laptop's build material is unclear (aluminum or high-quality plastic?) and could be a concern for some users
4. The laptop's performance may not be as strong as expected, especially with only 8GB of RAM
5. The laptop's design may feel somewhat basic and uninspired compared to other options in the same price range
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