Dell 15 vs Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is the better laptop on paper: it has more memory, has a touchscreen and has an SD card reader. Pick the Dell 15 only if it matters to you that it is newer and can be upgraded.
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Key differences
- Memory Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 wins
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has 16 GB of memory against 8 GB. That's the difference between coping and staying quick with lots of tabs and apps open.
- Touchscreen Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 wins
Only the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has a touchscreen.
- Age Dell 15 wins
The Dell 15 is the newer model (2026 against 2023).
- Ports Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 wins
Only the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has an SD card reader.
- Upgrades Dell 15 wins
The Dell 15's memory can be upgraded later; the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3's is fixed.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Dell 15 if…
- You want a more recent design: it came out in 2026.
- You might want more memory later: you can add it yourself.
- You want every bit of speed: it uses newer DDR5-generation memory.
Choose the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 if…
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 16 GB of memory gives it more room than 8 GB.
- You like to tap, scroll and sign things on screen: it has a touchscreen.
- You plug things in: it has an SD card reader (for camera cards).
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 leads on performance; elsewhere the two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
Each laptop has its strengths on performance.
The Dell 15 can be upgraded and has faster memory, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has more memory.
| Spec | Dell 15 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 130 | Ryzen 7 7730U |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon 660M Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-4800 | DDR4-3200 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Upgradeable (slots) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2230 | — |
| Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Screen
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is ahead on the screen.
It has a touchscreen, and the Dell 15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Dell 15 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 15.6" | 15.6" |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Panel | LCD | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Brightness | 300 nits | — |
| Colour range | 45% NTSC | 45% NTSC |
| HDR | None | — |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
Battery and size
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is ahead on battery and weight.
It has a bigger battery, and the Dell 15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Dell 15 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | — | Up to 12 hours |
| Battery capacity | 41 Wh | 47 Wh |
| Charger | 65 W | — |
| Charges via | USB-C or 4.5 mm barrel | round-tip barrel and USB-C |
| Fast charging | ExpressCharge Boost supported | 2 hours of runtime from a 15-minute charge |
| Weight | 1.66 kg | 1.62 kg |
| Dimensions | 358.5 x 235.56 x 16.96-18.99 mm | 359.3 x 235 x 17.9 mm |
| Materials | plastic | PC-ABS lid and base |
| Durability | — | MIL-STD-810H |
| Colour | Carbon Black | Gray |
| Colours available | Carbon Black, Platinum Silver | Abyss blue, Arctic grey, Frost blue |
Ports and wireless
Each laptop has its strengths on ports and wireless.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has an SD card reader, and the Dell 15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Dell 15 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps, Power Delivery, DisplayPort), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), 1x USB-A 2.0 (480 Mbps), 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5 mm headset combo | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (charging USB PD 45-65W, DisplayPort 1.2), 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo, 1x SD card reader, 1x round-tip power connector |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | None | None |
| External displays (max) | 3 | 2 |
| Card reader | None | SD |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Wi-Fi card | Realtek RTL8852BE | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | — |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Dell 15 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p | 720p |
| Webcam privacy | — | physical shutter |
| Backlit keyboard | No | — |
| Keyboard | Copilot key, full-size with numpad, non-backlit on this SKU | 6-row keyboard, multimedia Fn keys, numeric keypad |
| Number pad | Yes | Yes |
| Touchpad | 115 x 80 mm, >300 dpi | Mylar surface Precision TouchPad, 69 x 104 mm |
| Speakers | 2 speakers, 2 W average / 2.5 W peak each | 2x 1.5 W user-facing stereo speakers, Dolby Audio |
| Microphones | single digital microphone | dual-microphone array |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | — | Firmware TPM 2.0, Administrator password, Power-on password, Hard disk password |
Software and model
The Dell 15 is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Dell 15 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro |
| Model number | D2JDG | — |
| Released | 2026 | 2023 |