Dell Latitude 5520 15" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13"

Dell Latitude 5520 15"
Dell Latitude 5520 15"
Starting at

Refurbished price:490.00

Versus €1,251.88 new

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Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13"
Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13"
Starting at

Refurbished price:299.00

Versus €766.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Dell Latitude 5520 15 and the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13 are business-oriented laptops. Released in early 2021, the Latitude 5520 offers a larger display and more recent internal components. The ThinkPad L390, launched in late 2018/early 2019, provides a more compact form factor. Both run Windows, catering to professional users. Key distinctions lie in size, processing generations, and connectivity.

Scores

Durability

The Dell Latitude 5520 15, released in early 2021, offers a more recent launch, potentially extending its software support compared to the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13, which debuted in late 2018 or early 2019. Both laptops receive Windows updates, with Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, though Windows 11 offers a longer support window. The Latitude 5520 features a durable chassis, incorporating bioplastics in its lid. The ThinkPad L390 is MIL-SPEC tested, indicating robust build quality, with users reporting its ability to withstand drops and spills. Both models offer good repairability, with accessible internal components for upgrades and maintenance.

  • Release Timeline: The Dell Latitude 5520 15 (early 2021) is newer than the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13 (late 2018/early 2019).
  • Software Longevity: Both run Windows; Windows 10 support ends October 2025. The newer Latitude 5520 is more likely to support later Windows 11 versions, offering longer official security updates.
  • Physical Durability: The Dell Latitude 5520 features a durable chassis with a bioplastic lid. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 is MIL-SPEC tested, known for resilience, with users noting its ability to endure impacts and liquid exposure.

Year of Release

2020

2018

Last Os Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

The Dell Latitude 5520 15 is equipped with 11th Generation Intel Core processors, providing a more recent architecture for demanding applications and multitasking. This allows for smoother operation in tasks such as complex data analysis, video conferencing, and running multiple applications. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13, featuring 8th Generation Intel Core processors, offers reliable performance for everyday productivity, web browsing, and office applications. Both devices support ample RAM configurations, with the Latitude 5520 capable of up to 64GB and the ThinkPad L390 up to 32GB, both utilizing DDR4 memory across two SODIMM slots for potential upgrades. Storage on both is typically fast M.2 NVMe SSDs, ensuring quick boot times and rapid application loading.

  • Processing Power: The Dell Latitude 5520 15 integrates 11th Generation Intel Core processors, offering improved efficiency and performance for intensive computational tasks compared to the 8th Generation Intel Core processors in the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13.
  • Multitasking Capability: Both laptops provide upgradeable RAM, with the Latitude 5520 supporting up to 64GB and the ThinkPad L390 up to 32GB, allowing for smooth multitasking.
  • Storage Speed: Both devices commonly come with M.2 NVMe SSD storage, which contributes to fast system responsiveness, quick application launches, and efficient file transfers.

Memory (GB)

16 GB

8 GB

Processor

Core i5-1135G7

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The Dell Latitude 5520 15 features a larger 15.6-inch display, commonly an IPS panel with Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, offering a more expansive viewing area suitable for detailed work or media. Its screen typically provides 250 nits of brightness and comfortable viewing angles. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13 comes with a 13.3-inch IPS Full HD (1920 x 1080) display, ideal for portability and clear visuals. While the L390's display is generally clear, some users have noted it can be less bright, with typical brightness around 250 nits. Both displays usually feature a matte, anti-glare surface to reduce reflections, enhancing usability in various lighting conditions.

  • Display Size and Resolution: The Dell Latitude 5520 15 offers a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, providing a larger canvas for productivity and entertainment. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13 has a more compact 13.3-inch Full HD IPS display, prioritizing portability while still delivering sharp images.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Latitude 5520's display typically offers 250 nits of brightness and good viewing angles. The ThinkPad L390's display also provides clear visuals, though some users have found its brightness to be adequate.
  • Surface Finish: Both laptops commonly feature anti-glare, matte screen finishes, which help in reducing reflections from ambient light, making them more comfortable for extended use.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

1366 x 768

Screen type

LCD

LCD

Camera

Audiovisual

The Dell Latitude 5520 15 includes an HD IR webcam, which supports facial recognition for secure logins and often comes with a privacy shutter. Its audio experience is delivered through dual 2W speakers, though some users have noted that the speaker quality might not be its strongest feature. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13 is equipped with a 720p webcam, suitable for video calls. Some configurations of the L390 also offer an optional world-facing camera, useful for specific tasks like documenting on the go. Audio on the ThinkPad L390 is handled by dual 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium, aiming for a clear sound experience.

  • Webcam Quality and Features: The Dell Latitude 5520 15 features an HD IR webcam with a privacy shutter, enabling secure facial recognition logins and offering control over privacy. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13 includes a 720p webcam, and some models may have an additional world-facing camera.
  • Speaker Output: Both laptops are equipped with dual 2W speakers. The Latitude 5520's speakers provide functional audio, while the ThinkPad L390's speakers are enhanced with Dolby Audio Premium for a potentially richer sound.
  • Microphone Quality: Both devices typically include integrated microphone arrays designed for clear voice capture during calls and recordings.

Miscellaneous

The Dell Latitude 5520 15 offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, an RJ45 Ethernet port, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. Weighing around 1.59 kg, it is relatively light for a 15-inch laptop. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13, a more compact device, weighs approximately 1.46 kg. Its connectivity includes two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 ports (supporting power delivery and DisplayPort), an HDMI port, an Ethernet extension connector, a microSD card reader, and an audio combo jack. It supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0. The L390 notably lacks Thunderbolt 3, which is present on the Latitude 5520. Both laptops feature security options like fingerprint readers and Kensington lock slots.

  • Connectivity Options: The Dell Latitude 5520 15 provides two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, offering versatile high-speed data transfer and display output, alongside traditional USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13 includes USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI, but its USB-C ports are Gen 1 and do not support Thunderbolt.
  • Portability and Design: The ThinkPad L390 13 is the more portable option, weighing around 1.46 kg with a 13.3-inch screen. The Latitude 5520 15, at approximately 1.59 kg with a 15.6-inch screen, offers a larger display while maintaining a manageable weight for its size.
  • Security Features: Both laptops incorporate essential security features such as fingerprint readers and Kensington lock slots. The Latitude 5520 also offers an IR camera for facial recognition.

Weight

1590 g

1460 g

Screen size

15

13

User feedback for the Dell Latitude 5520 15 often highlights its strong performance for business tasks, comfortable keyboard, and comprehensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 4. Some users have expressed that the trackpad and speakers might not be as refined. For the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13, common praise centers on its robust build quality, excellent keyboard, and all-day battery life. Criticisms sometimes point to a less vibrant display and the absence of Thunderbolt connectivity.

Users prioritizing a larger screen, more modern processing power, and advanced connectivity like Thunderbolt 4 may find the Dell Latitude 5520 15 better suited. Its newer release date also offers a longer potential software support window. Conversely, individuals valuing extreme portability, a highly durable chassis, and a proven comfortable typing experience might lean towards the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13. Both are solid choices for professionals and students, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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