Dell Inspiron 13 5301: The subnotebook is stylish, but it shows a couple of shortcomings in the test
The Dell Inspiron 13 5301 in the configuration 0D0XN shows both strengths and weaknesses in the test. (Image: Dell)
The new Dell Inspiron 13 5301 in the 0D0XN configuration scores points with a stylish appearance, a Tiger Lake CPU, and a fair price. However, we found a few points of criticism in our test.
Marcus Schwarten, 👁 Sebastian Jentsch (translated by Stephanie Chamberlain), Published 🇩🇪🇫🇷
Traditionally, the Inspiron 13 models have been among Dell's cheapest laptops. In 2021, the manufacturer has launched the model number 5301. As usual, the subnotebook is particularly compact and available in different configurations in addition. We reviewed the Dell Inspiron 13 5301 0D0XN, which is the middle configuration. It's equipped with the Intel Core i5-1135G7.
In addition to the Tiger Lake CPU, the manufacturer opts for the integrated Iris Xe Graphics with 80 EUs from Intel's 11th generation. Furthermore, this model comes with the 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM that is typical for all Inspiron 13 5301 models, and a 256 GB SSD. The latter delivers a solid performance in our test, but it can't keep up with many other SSDs.
The same applies to the CPU performance. The Dell Inspiron 13 5301 lags marginally behind the Intel Core i5-1135G7's average. In contrast, the GPU exploits its potential, which is, of course, far from sufficient for it to make the device a gaming laptop. However, the laptop is still suitable for playing the odd game at low graphics settings, although it does get quite warm under full load. On the other hand, the noise level remains pleasant, partly because Dell slows down performance considerably when too much heat is generated.
The display is matte and not particularly bright at 280 cd/m². However, it's sufficient for working outdoors in the shade. The display's remaining metrics don't impress us, either, but they're sufficient for a subnotebook in this price range. We would have wished for longer battery runtimes, but this is prevented by the modest 40 Wh battery.
Buyers will get a solid and compact notebook for around 700 Euros (~$827). "It's not brilliant in any discipline, but it's not completely disappointing in any area, either," is the verdict in our Dell Inspiron 13 5301 0D0XN review.
I have been fascinated by technology for around 25 years – especially technology that makes life easier rather than more complicated. Mobile devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches are particularly close to my heart as is the booming subject of smart homes. I have been working in these areas for several years now as a news and reviews editor. I have been active with various websites, including the smart home blogs homee, Nuki, and siio, as well as tech portals such as Giga and TechRadar. I have been writing news and laptop reviews for Notebookcheck since 2020.
Translator:Stephanie Chamberlain - Translator - 571 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2020
I've been fascinated with technology ever since I got my very first Android smartphone, which was quite a while ago. The power packed into such a small footprint still amazes me. Learning to program made my understanding of technology deeper, and at the same time, it expanded my interest to the area of desktop computers and laptops. All this led me to enjoy reading and watching reviews of new devices, and that's how I stumbled upon Notebookcheck. I immediately found their reviews to be very comprehensive, and luckily, I've even had the chance of translating them since 2019. When it comes to the huge field of technology, I'm currently also interested in specializing in Java programming.