Dell 15 (DC15250) vs Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has the edge: it has more memory, has a touchscreen and has USB-A. The Dell 15 still has a smoother screen and is newer, so it's worth a look if that matters more to you.
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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.
- Smoothness Dell 15 wins
The Dell 15's 120 Hz screen is smoother than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3's 60 Hz one.
- 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 (2025 against 2023).
- Ports Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 wins
Only the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has USB-A.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Dell 15 if…
- You like smooth scrolling: its 120 Hz screen feels slicker.
- You want a more recent design: it came out in 2025.
- You might want more memory later: you can add it yourself.
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 USB-A (for older USB accessories).
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 leads on performance and battery and weight; 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 (DC15250) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1334U | Ryzen 7 7730U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-5600 | DDR4-3200 |
| Maximum memory | — | 16 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Upgradeable (slots) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe NVMe M.2 | — |
| Storage slots | — | 1 |
Screen
Each laptop has its strengths on the screen.
The Dell 15 has a smoother screen, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has a touchscreen.
| Spec | Dell 15 (DC15250) | 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 | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | No | — |
| Brightness | 250 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 charges over USB-C, and the Dell 15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Dell 15 (DC15250) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | — | Up to 12 hours |
| Battery capacity | 41 Wh | 47 Wh |
| Charges via | barrel | round-tip barrel and USB-C |
| Fast charging | ExpressCharge: 80% in 60 minutes | 2 hours of runtime from a 15-minute charge |
| Weight | 1.62 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 cover and base | PC-ABS lid and base |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810H | MIL-STD-810H |
| Colour | Carbon Black | Gray |
| Colours available | Carbon Black, Platinum Silver | Abyss blue, Arctic grey, Frost blue |
Ports and wireless
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has USB-A, and the Dell 15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Dell 15 (DC15250) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (data only, does not charge or output video), 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x HDMI 1.4 (max 1920x1080 @ 60 Hz), 1x headset jack (3.5 mm), 1x SD card slot | 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) | — | 2 |
| Card reader | SD | SD |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Wi-Fi card | Realtek RTL8852BE | — |
| 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 (DC15250) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p | 720p |
| Webcam privacy | — | physical shutter |
| Backlit keyboard | No | — |
| Keyboard | full-size UK keyboard with numeric keypad; non-backlit | 6-row keyboard, multimedia Fn keys, numeric keypad |
| Number pad | Yes | Yes |
| Touchpad | precision touchpad | Mylar surface Precision TouchPad, 69 x 104 mm |
| Speakers | stereo speakers | 2x 1.5 W user-facing stereo speakers, Dolby Audio |
| Microphones | single microphone | dual-microphone array |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | TPM 2.0, wedge-shaped lock slot | 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 (DC15250) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro |
| Model number | 3095H | — |
| Released | 2025 | 2023 |