Best Dell Laptop i5 12th Generation: Vostro and Inspiron Compared
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Dell’s lineup with the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U hits a great middle ground—strong enough for everyday work, light content creation, and school tasks, without the high price of performance laptops. These three Dell options—the Vostro 3520 and two Inspiron 15 configurations—stand out as dependable, user-friendly picks for anyone who needs a fast, no-fuss device.
Whether you’re upgrading your home setup, buying for school, or just want something reliable for multitasking, this comparison will help you choose with confidence.
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View on Amazon – Dell Vostro 3520 (i5-1235U, 120Hz Display)
View on Amazon – Dell Inspiron 15 3520 (i5-1235U, 512GB SSD)
View on Amazon – Dell Inspiron 15 (i5-1235U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
Dell Vostro 3520 – A Smoother, Work-Ready Laptop
The Vostro 3520 feels like it was built for getting things done. Its 120Hz display is a standout for this price range—it makes scrolling, video, and even basic animation feel noticeably smoother than a standard 60Hz screen.
You’re getting the efficient i5-1235U, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD—all more than enough for spreadsheets, video calls, and everyday productivity. It also comes with Windows 11 Pro, which is a nice bonus for professionals who want a bit more control over their system.
Dell Inspiron 15 3520 – Great Value for Basic Daily Use
This version of the Inspiron 15 is all about practicality. With the same i5-1235U and 512GB SSD as the Vostro, it handles everyday computing with ease—think web browsing, Netflix, schoolwork, and light office tasks.
The 8GB of RAM is enough for most users, and you can always upgrade down the line. It ships with Windows 11 in S Mode, which keeps things light and secure but can be switched out if you want full access to apps. For anyone who needs a straightforward, affordable laptop, this one does the job well.
Dell Inspiron 15 (16GB RAM) – More Headroom for Multitasking
If you tend to keep a dozen tabs open or bounce between heavy apps, this upgraded Inspiron 15 gives you the extra muscle you’ll appreciate. The jump to 16GB RAM makes multitasking much smoother, and the 1TB SSD gives you space to store big files, media, or even a growing photo collection.
You’re still getting the same i5-1235U processor, but paired with more memory and storage, it becomes a lot more flexible for creative users, small business owners, or students with heavier workloads.
Everyday Performance That Keeps Up
The i5-1235U is known for blending speed with efficiency. Many users report smooth performance during video calls, document editing, and light design work—without lag or overheating. It’s also easy on battery life, especially when paired with Dell’s power-efficient displays.
For light to moderate multitasking, 8GB of RAM is serviceable. But if you want to avoid slowdowns a year or two down the road, the 16GB model is a smart choice.
Portability, Design & Everyday Usability
Each of these Dell laptops comes in around 3.5 to 4 pounds, so they’re perfectly portable for campus, coworking spaces, or a quick trip to the coffee shop. Build-wise, the Vostro looks more professional with its minimal, carbon-black design. The Inspirons have a softer, home-use vibe.
Battery life typically falls between 6 to 8 hours depending on what you’re doing. That’s solid for this price range, and enough to get through most of a workday or study session without reaching for the charger. You’ll also find responsive keyboards, decent speakers, and enough ports to stay productive without needing dongles.
Which One Feels Like the Best Deal?
All three of these laptops offer good value, but they’re aimed at slightly different needs. The Inspiron 15 with 16GB RAM is great for anyone who wants to multitask or use their laptop for more than just web and docs. You’ll get the most long-term flexibility here.
The Inspiron 15 3520 is ideal for budget-conscious shoppers who still want a fast, capable system. It’s a no-nonsense machine that just works.
And the Vostro 3520? That one’s for the folks who want a slightly more professional build, Pro features, and a smoother display experience—all without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
All three Dell laptops offer great performance with the 12th Gen i5-1235U chip at their core. The Vostro 3520 adds polish with a smoother 120Hz screen and Pro features, while the Inspiron 15 3520 keeps things simple and affordable. The Inspiron 15 with 16GB RAM is the most versatile option for users who plan to multitask heavily or need extra storage space. It all depends on how you’ll use it—and how much headroom you want for the future.
