What To Know
- The Precision 5520 boasts a professional and robust aesthetic, with a silver-colored aluminum chassis and a subtle Dell logo.
- While the XPS 9560 is not as rugged as the Precision 5520, it’s still built to last and is certainly a head-turner.
- The Precision 5520 boasts a battery life of up to 13 hours, which is impressive for a laptop with its powerful components.
Choosing the right laptop can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with powerful options like the Dell Precision 5520 and the Dell XPS 9560. Both laptops are known for their sleek design, impressive performance, and top-notch features, but they cater to different needs and priorities. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve deep into the key aspects of each laptop, helping you understand which one is the perfect fit for your specific requirements.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Styles
The Dell Precision 5520 and the Dell XPS 9560 are both visually stunning laptops, but they take different approaches to design. The Precision 5520 boasts a professional and robust aesthetic, with a silver-colored aluminum chassis and a subtle Dell logo. Its sturdy build feels incredibly durable, making it ideal for mobile professionals who require a laptop that can withstand the rigors of travel.
The XPS 9560, on the other hand, embraces a more minimalist and sleek design. Its thin, lightweight profile and sharp edges give it a modern and sophisticated look. The laptop is available in a beautiful rose gold color, which adds a touch of elegance. While the XPS 9560 is not as rugged as the Precision 5520, it’s still built to last and is certainly a head-turner.
Display: A Visual Feast for Every User
Both the Precision 5520 and the XPS 9560 offer exceptional display quality, but they cater to different preferences. The Precision 5520 comes with a 15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (Full HD). While the resolution might seem standard, the IPS panel delivers vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and excellent contrast, making it perfect for everyday work tasks and multimedia consumption.
The XPS 9560 takes display quality to a whole new level. It features a 15.6-inch InfinityEdge display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD). This ultra-high resolution delivers stunning clarity and detail, making it ideal for creative professionals who demand the best possible visual experience. The XPS 9560’s display also supports touch input, adding a layer of convenience and interactivity.
Performance: Powering Through Demanding Tasks
The Dell Precision 5520 is designed for demanding professional workloads. It comes with powerful Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and a variety of high-performance graphics options, including NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards. This combination of components ensures smooth performance for complex tasks like CAD modeling, video editing, and data analysis.
The XPS 9560 is no slouch in the performance department either. It’s equipped with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 16GB of RAM, and Intel Iris Plus graphics. This configuration delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks, multimedia creation, and even light gaming. While it might not be as powerful as the Precision 5520, the XPS 9560 can still handle demanding workloads with ease.
Storage: Ample Space for All Your Files
Both the Precision 5520 and the XPS 9560 offer ample storage space, but they take different approaches. The Precision 5520 comes with a variety of storage options, including traditional hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and even high-speed PCIe NVMe SSDs. This flexibility allows you to choose the storage solution that best suits your budget and storage needs.
The XPS 9560, on the other hand, primarily relies on PCIe NVMe SSDs. These drives offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives, resulting in quicker boot times, faster application loading, and overall smoother performance.
Battery Life: Staying Productive On the Go
When it comes to battery life, the Dell Precision 5520 and the Dell XPS 9560 deliver solid performance. The Precision 5520 boasts a battery life of up to 13 hours, which is impressive for a laptop with its powerful components. This extended battery life allows you to work productively for long periods without needing to worry about finding a power outlet.
The XPS 9560, with its thinner profile and lighter weight, offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 11 hours. While it might not last as long as the Precision 5520, it still provides ample time for work and entertainment.
Ports and Connectivity: Staying Connected Everywhere
Both laptops offer a good selection of ports and connectivity options. The Precision 5520 includes a Thunderbolt 3 port, which provides high-speed data transfer and video output capabilities. It also features a variety of other ports, including USB 3.1, HDMI, and SD card reader.
The XPS 9560 also offers a Thunderbolt 3 port, along with USB 3.1, HDMI, and SD card reader. It also includes a fingerprint reader for added security and convenience.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Laptop for You
Ultimately, the choice between the Dell Precision 5520 and the Dell XPS 9560 depends on your specific needs and priorities.
The Dell Precision 5520 is the ideal choice for:
- Professionals who require a powerful and durable laptop for demanding workloads like CAD modeling, video editing, and data analysis.
- Users who prioritize battery life and connectivity options.
The Dell XPS 9560 is the perfect choice for:
- Users who prioritize a sleek and stylish design.
- Creative professionals who demand the best possible visual experience.
- Individuals who value portability and a lightweight laptop.
Beyond the Basics: A Look at the Extras
While both laptops offer excellent core features, there are some additional aspects worth considering:
- Keyboard and Touchpad: Both the Precision 5520 and the XPS 9560 feature comfortable keyboards with good key travel and responsive touchpads. However, the XPS 9560’s keyboard is slightly more spacious and offers a more premium feel.
- Webcam: Both laptops offer HD webcams, but the XPS 9560’s webcam is known for its better image quality and wider field of view.
- Software: The Precision 5520 comes with Dell Precision Optimizer, a software suite designed to optimize performance for specific applications. The XPS 9560, on the other hand, comes with Dell Cinema, a suite of software that enhances multimedia experiences.
A New Perspective: Going Beyond the Comparison
While the Dell Precision 5520 and Dell XPS 9560 are both exceptional laptops, there are other compelling options in the market. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, the Dell XPS 15 9570 offers similar performance and features at a lower price point. If you need a laptop with even more power, the Dell Precision 7530 is a top-tier workstation that can handle the most demanding tasks.
What You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between the Dell Precision 5520 and the Dell XPS 9560?
A: The Dell Precision 5520 is a workstation laptop designed for demanding professional workloads, while the Dell XPS 9560 is a high-performance laptop that caters to a broader audience, including creative professionals and everyday users.
Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: While both laptops can handle some light gaming, the Dell Precision 5520 is better suited for gaming thanks to its dedicated NVIDIA Quadro graphics card.
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Dell XPS 9560 has a superior display with a higher resolution (4K UHD) and touch input capabilities.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The Dell XPS 9560 is generally more affordable than the Dell Precision 5520, especially when considering the entry-level configurations.
Q: Which laptop is better for everyday use?
A: Both laptops are excellent for everyday use, but the Dell XPS 9560 offers a more stylish design, a premium display, and a more comfortable keyboard.
Ultimately, the best laptop for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and choose the laptop that will empower you to achieve your goals.
