OEM Dell Latitude 3520 Notebook 15.6” FHD, Intel Quad Core i5-1135G7, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe, WiFi 6, Bluetooth, HD Webcam, RJ-45, Micro SD Reader, W10P, Business Laptop

About This Product

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, having a reliable and efficient laptop is essential for both work and personal use. The Dell Latitude 3520 is a notebook that aims to meet the demands of professionals and students alike. With its impressive specifications, including an Intel Quad Core i5-1135G7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD, this laptop promises to deliver a seamless computing experience. In this comprehensive review, we will delve deep into the Dell Latitude 3520, examining its design, performance, display quality, battery life, and more to help you decide if it’s the right laptop for your needs.

Design and Build Quality oF Dell Latitude 3520

The Dell Latitude 3520 features a professional and understated design that is typical of the Latitude series. Its black chassis is made of a combination of plastic and metal, which not only makes it durable but also keeps it relatively lightweight at 4.15 pounds (1.88 kg). While it may not be the most eye-catching laptop in terms of aesthetics, it certainly exudes an air of professionalism that is suitable for business environments.

The laptop’s build quality is commendable, with a sturdy construction that feels like it can withstand the rigors of daily use. The hinge is robust and allows for smooth opening and closing of the lid, which can be rotated 180 degrees for flexible viewing angles. The keyboard deck is also solid, and there’s minimal flex, ensuring a comfortable typing experience.

Dell has included a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad on the Latitude 3520. The keys have a tactile feel and adequate spacing, making typing a breeze. The backlighting is a nice touch for those who often work in dimly lit environments. The touchpad is responsive and generously sized, with support for multi-touch gestures.

Display Of Dell Latitude 3520

The 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display on the Dell Latitude 3520 is sharp and vibrant, offering good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. It’s an anti-glare panel, which means it does an excellent job of reducing reflections and minimizing eye strain, especially in well-lit areas or when working outdoors.

The display’s brightness is adequate for most indoor settings, but it may struggle a bit in direct sunlight. However, this laptop is primarily designed for office and indoor use, so it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for most users. The bezels around the screen are relatively slim, giving the laptop a modern and sleek look.

Performance

Under the hood, the Dell Latitude 3520 packs some serious firepower. It is equipped with an Intel Quad Core i5-1135G7 processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a fast 512GB NVMe SSD. This combination of hardware ensures snappy performance and the ability to handle a wide range of tasks, from word processing and web browsing to more demanding applications like photo and video editing.

The Intel i5-1135G7 is part of the 11th generation Intel Core processor family, known for its power efficiency and strong performance. It offers four cores and eight threads, making multitasking smooth and efficient. The 16GB of RAM provides ample memory for running multiple applications simultaneously, and the 512GB NVMe SSD ensures quick boot times and rapid data access.

During our performance tests, the Latitude 3520 handled everyday computing tasks with ease. Web browsing, word processing, and email were all snappy, and even more demanding applications like Adobe Photoshop and video editing software ran smoothly, thanks to the capable CPU and ample RAM. If you’re a professional who needs to work with resource-intensive software, the Latitude 3520 should be up to the task.

For those interested in gaming, the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics on the i5-1135G7 can handle some light gaming and older titles at lower settings. However, this laptop is not designed for gaming, and serious gamers would be better served by a dedicated gaming laptop.

Connectivity and Ports

Connectivity options on the Dell Latitude 3520 are comprehensive, catering to the needs of business professionals. It features a good selection of ports, including:

• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
• 1 x USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support
• HDMI 2.0 port
• Ethernet (RJ-45) port
• Headphone/microphone combo jack
• SD card reader
• Noble Wedge lock slot

The inclusion of a Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C port is a notable feature, as it provides high-speed data transfer and can support external displays and docking stations. This versatility is handy for professionals who require multiple peripherals and monitors in their workspace.

For wireless connectivity, the Latitude 3520 offers Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring fast and reliable connections to the internet and other devices.

Security Features

Dell takes security seriously, especially in their business-oriented laptops, and the Latitude 3520 is no exception. It comes equipped with several security features to safeguard your data and privacy, including:

• Fingerprint Reader: The laptop has an optional fingerprint reader for secure and convenient biometric authentication.
• TPM 2.0: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) encryption ensures that your data is protected from unauthorized access.
• Webcam Shutter: A physical webcam shutter allows you to cover the webcam when not in use, protecting your privacy.
• Noble Wedge Lock Slot: This slot allows you to secure your laptop with a compatible lock, preventing theft.

These security features make the Latitude 3520 a suitable choice for professionals who deal with sensitive information and need to ensure data confidentiality.

Audio and Webcam

The audio quality on the Dell Latitude 3520 is decent for a business laptop. The two bottom-firing speakers produce clear sound with reasonable volume. While they won’t replace dedicated external speakers for an immersive audio experience, they are more than sufficient for video conferencing, online meetings, and casual media consumption.

The laptop also features a 720p HD webcam, which delivers adequate video quality for video calls and virtual meetings. The built-in microphone captures clear audio, ensuring that you can communicate effectively with colleagues or clients, even in noisy environments.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Dell Latitude 3520 is its impressive battery life. The laptop is equipped with a 3-cell 42Whr battery that can easily last a full workday on a single charge. In our battery tests, which included web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, the Latitude 3520 consistently delivered around 8 to 10 hours of usage, depending on screen brightness and workload.

This exceptional battery life is a major advantage for professionals who need a portable laptop for on-the-go productivity. With the Latitude 3520, you can confidently leave your charger at home for most of the day.

Software and Operating System

The Dell Latitude 3520 comes with Windows 10 Pro pre-installed, which is ideal for business users due to its additional security and productivity features. It also provides the option to upgrade to Windows 11 if desired.

Dell’s software suite includes useful utilities like Dell Power Manager, which allows you to customize power settings to maximize battery life or performance. Dell Command | Update helps keep your drivers and firmware up to date, ensuring your laptop runs smoothly and securely.

Pricing and Configuration Options

The Dell Latitude 3520 is available in various configurations to suit different needs and budgets. The model we reviewed comes with the Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD. As of our knowledge cutoff date is in September 2021, the pricing for this configuration typically falls within the range of $800 to $1,000, depending on any ongoing promotions or discounts.

Dell often offers customization options, allowing you to choose additional features like a touchscreen display, more RAM, a larger SSD, or a faster processor. Be sure to check Dell’s official website or authorized retailers for the most up-to-date pricing and configuration options.

Pros of the Dell Latitude 3520

1. Strong Performance: The Dell Latitude 3520 is powered by an Intel Quad Core i5-1135G7 processor and 16GB of RAM, providing excellent performance for a wide range of tasks, from office work to content creation.

2. Impressive Battery Life: With a 3-cell 42Whr battery, this laptop offers exceptional battery life, lasting a full workday on a single charge, making it perfect for professionals on the go.

3. Sturdy Build: The laptop’s build quality is solid, with a durable chassis and minimal keyboard deck flex, ensuring it can withstand the demands of daily use.

4. Comprehensive Port Selection: The Dell Latitude 3520 features a good variety of ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and an Ethernet port, providing flexibility for connecting peripherals and accessories.

5. Security Features: It comes with security features like a fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0 encryption, a webcam shutter, and a Noble Wedge lock slot, enhancing data and privacy protection.

6. High-Quality Display: The 15.6-inch Full HD display offers good color accuracy and wide viewing angles, with anti-glare properties that reduce reflections and eye strain.

Cons of the Dell Latitude 3520

1. Limited Gaming Performance: While it can handle some light gaming and older titles, the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics are not suitable for gaming enthusiasts who require dedicated gaming laptops.

2. Non-Premium Design: The Latitude 3520 features a professional but somewhat plain design that may not stand out compared to laptops with more stylish aesthetics.

3. Limited Brightness for Outdoors: The display’s brightness may struggle in direct sunlight, but this is less of an issue since the laptop is primarily intended for indoor and office use.

4. Potentially Outdated Software: Depending on the time of purchase, the laptop may come with Windows 10 Pro, and users may need to upgrade to Windows 11 if desired, which could require additional steps.

5. Lack of High-End Audio: While the laptop’s speakers are serviceable, they may not satisfy users looking for a premium audio experience. External speakers or headphones may be needed for better audio quality.

6. Price Variation: The price of the Dell Latitude 3520 can vary based on configuration and promotions, so it’s essential to compare options and check for the best deals.

Conclusion

The Dell Latitude 3520 is a solid choice for professionals and students who prioritize performance, reliability, and long battery life in a laptop. Its robust build quality, impressive display, and versatile port selection make it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from office work to content creation.

The combination of an Intel Quad Core i5-1135G7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD ensures that the laptop can handle demanding workloads with ease. The security features, including a fingerprint reader and webcam shutter, add an extra layer of protection for your data and privacy.

Perhaps the most compelling feature of the Latitude 3520 is its exceptional battery life, which allows you to work on the go without constantly searching for a power outlet. This is a significant advantage for professionals who require a laptop that can keep up with their busy schedules.

While the Latitude 3520 may not be the most stylish laptop on the market, it more than makes up for it with its performance and practicality. If you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient workhorse of a laptop, the Dell Latitude 3520 is certainly worth considering.

Please note that since the review is based on information available as of September 2021, there may have been updates or changes to the Dell Latitude 3520 or its pricing and configurations. It’s advisable to visit Dell’s official website or contact authorized retailers for the most current information.