Dell Inspiron 15-5548 Notebook Review
For the original German review, see here.
Dell's Inspiron 15-5548 belongs to the 15.6-inch all-rounder category. It has enough computing power for everyday life and thanks to the combination of a Core i7 Broadwell processor and Radeon R7 M270 graphics core, can render computer games. The present Inspiron is the Broadwell upgrade of Dell's Inspiron 15-5547. Our report reveals whether the new processor provides any advantages.
Laptops like Acer's Aspire E5-571G, Toshiba's Satellite S50-B and HP's Envy 15 belong to the competitors. The Aspire VN7-571G can also be included in this faction, although, it is aimed more at the gamers' group.
Since both Inspiron models we have tested feature an identical build, we will not go into details about casing, connectivity, input devices or speakers. The corresponding information can be found in the review of the Inspiron 15-5547.
Display
The Inspiron features a 15.6-inch glossy screen with a native resolution of 1366x768 pixels. Unfortunately, the screen has a very low brightness of 199.8 cd/m². Such a low rate is unacceptable for a 700 Euros (~$785) laptop. The screen in the rival Acer's Aspire E5-571G (226.2 cd/m²) offers a marginally higher brightness. Strangely, the screen has a slightly higher brightness in battery mode than in the AC mode.
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Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 245 cd/m²
Contrast: 439:1 (Black: 0.49 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 8.82 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91
ΔE Greyscale 11.51 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
39% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
42.02% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
61.3% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
40.67% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 1.66
Both the contrast (439:1) and black level (0.49 cd/m²) are acceptable, but not exceptional. It looks worse for the Aspire (290:1; 0.77 cd/m²). The Inspiron's screen cannot reproduce either the AdobeRGB or the sRGB color spaces. The coverage rates are 39% (AdobeRGB) and 61% (sRGB).
The screen exhibits a DeltaE 2000 shift of 8.82 in the state of delivery. A rate less than 3 would be desirable. Beyond that, the screen also has a bluish cast.
Dell has equipped its Inspiron with a viewing angle dependent TN screen. Therefore, the screen is not legible from all positions. The viewing angle is quite generous horizontally, and even several viewers can look at the screen simultaneously. Changing the vertical viewing angle quickly leads to image distortions. The Inspiron can hardly be used in the outdoors; the glossy surface makes it difficult to impossible.
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 TN 1366x768 | Dell Inspiron 15-5547 TN 1366x768 | Acer Aspire E5-571G-520X TN 1920x1080 | Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U TN 1366x768 | HP Pavilion 15-p151ng TN 1920x1080 | Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H IPS 1920x1080 | Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX TN 1366x768 | HP Envy 15-k203ng TN 1920x1080 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | -5% | 36% | -2% | 33% | 42% | 1% | 33% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 40.67 | 38.84 -4% | 55.9 37% | 39.83 -2% | 54.8 35% | 63.2 55% | 41.35 2% | 55.1 35% |
| sRGB Coverage | 61.3 | 57.8 -6% | 80.7 32% | 59.9 -2% | 78.8 29% | 80.6 31% | 61.2 0% | 79 29% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 42.02 | 40.19 -4% | 57.8 38% | 41.15 -2% | 56.5 34% | 58.9 40% | 42.54 1% | 57 36% |
| Screen | 14% | -6% | 3% | -5% | 49% | -5% | 1% | |
| Brightness middle | 215 | 191 -11% | 223 4% | 203 -6% | 293 36% | 320 49% | 213 -1% | 297 38% |
| Brightness | 200 | 178 -11% | 226 13% | 208 4% | 280 40% | 283 42% | 208 4% | 286 43% |
| Brightness Distribution | 84 | 86 2% | 91 8% | 88 5% | 83 -1% | 83 -1% | 84 0% | 85 1% |
| Black Level * | 0.49 | 0.25 49% | 0.77 -57% | 0.41 16% | 0.8 -63% | 0.32 35% | 0.7 -43% | 0.78 -59% |
| Contrast | 439 | 764 74% | 290 -34% | 495 13% | 366 -17% | 1000 128% | 304 -31% | 381 -13% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 8.82 | 8.94 -1% | 10.13 -15% | 9.93 -13% | 13.19 -50% | 5.31 40% | 7.59 14% | 11.14 -26% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 11.51 | 9.43 18% | 11.68 -1% | 10.84 6% | 13.41 -17% | 4.73 59% | 9.23 20% | 12.16 -6% |
| Gamma | 1.66 133% | 2.46 89% | 2.92 75% | 2.24 98% | 3.38 65% | 2.36 93% | 2.2 100% | 3.13 70% |
| CCT | 10200 64% | 11093 59% | 12592 52% | 11605 56% | 13185 49% | 5980 109% | 9250 70% | 12217 53% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 39 | 37.16 -5% | 52 33% | 38 -3% | 51 31% | 52.9 36% | 39 0% | 51.2 31% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 5% /
9% | 15% /
5% | 1% /
1% | 14% /
5% | 46% /
47% | -2% /
-3% | 17% /
10% |
* ... smaller is better
Performance
Dell's Inspiron 15-5548 is a 15.6-inch all-round laptop. It has enough computing power for everyday life and can render games. Our review sample is available for approximately 700 Euros (~$785). Dell has other configurations in its lineup. Currently the cheapest model in the range is sold for around 600 Euros (~$673).
Processor
The Inspiron is powered by an Intel Core i7-5500U (Broadwell) dual-core processor. The CPU clocks at a base speed of 2.4 GHz, which can be boosted to 2.9 GHz (two cores) or 3 GHz (one core) via Turbo. The Turbo is utilized in AC mode only. The CPU tests of the Cinebench benchmarks were performed at 2.9 to 3 GHz (single thread) and 2.6 to 2.8 GHz (Multithread). The CPU clocked at 2.4 GHz in the battery mode.
| Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| HP Envy 15-k203ng | |
| HP Pavilion 15-p151ng | |
| Acer Aspire E5-571G-520X | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| HP Envy 15-k203ng | |
| HP Pavilion 15-p151ng | |
| Acer Aspire E5-571G-520X | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| HP Envy 15-k203ng | |
| HP Pavilion 15-p151ng | |
| Acer Aspire E5-571G-520X | |
| Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H | |
| HP Envy 15-k203ng | |
| HP Pavilion 15-p151ng | |
| Acer Aspire E5-571G-520X | |
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
The system ran smoothly and we did not experience any problems. The PCMark benchmark scores are very good. We are not surprised that it outclassed laptops based on the same CPU but a considerably stronger graphics core, such as HP's Envy 15-k203ng. The Envy performed the benchmarks with a higher resolution (Full HD vs. HD). The Inspiron's lower resolution is one of the reasons for its better results. Beyond that, the PCMark 8 benchmark in particular benefits from AMD graphic cores, which we have frequently observed. The performance of Dell's laptop can be increased by replacing the hybrid hard drive with a solid-state drive.
| PCMark 7 Score | 4157 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 3437 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 3965 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 4502 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Device
Dell has installed a hybrid hard drive from Seagate in its Insprion. It has a capacity of 1 TB and spins with 5400 revolutions per minute. An SSD cache (8 GB) is integrated in the drive. It ensures that frequently used applications open quickly. CrystalDiskMark recorded a read rate of 109.8 MB/s, and HD Tune delivered an average transfer speed of 85.8 MB/s. These are both normal rates for a 5400 rpm hard drive.
Graphics Card
A graphics switching solution (Enduro) has been integrated in the Inspiron, which is comprised of Intel's HD Graphics 5500 core and AMD's Radeon R7 M270 GPU. Intel's core is used for routine and battery mode. The Radeon core is enabled when a lot of graphic power is needed, for example in computer games. Switching between cores is done automatically as a rule, but it does not function quite as smoothly as with Nvidia's counterpart (Optimus). Therefore, the user sometimes has to intervene manually.
The Haswell precursor/sister model of the Inspiron - the Inspiron 15-5547 - is equipped with a Radeon R7 M265. Anyone expecting slightly more power from the R7 M270 GPU due to its higher number will be disappointed. Both GPUs are technically identical, support DirectX 11.2 and clock at up to 825 MHz. accordingly; the 3DMark benchmark results are on par. In addition, the GPU was renamed "Radeon R7 M265" in the Device Manger after installing the latest AMD graphic driver.
| 3DMark 06 Standard Score | 9559 points | |
| 3DMark Vantage P Result | 6731 points | |
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 2002 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 37683 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 5295 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 1225 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
The Inspiron can render games smoothly in the screen's native resolution using medium to sometimes high quality settings. This is mostly true for games that do not have extremely high hardware requirements. Current smash hits like “Evolve” require reducing both the resolution and quality level. For a considerably higher gaming performance, other laptops have to be considered, for example, Acer's Aspire E5-571G is equipped with a GeForce 840M and is available for a starting price of 600 Euros (~$673). If that is not enough, models from Acer's Aspire VN7-571G series would come into the equation. Models with GeForce GTX 850M or GeForce GTX 950M graphics cores are available for prices ranging from 750 to 800 Euros (~$842 to $900).
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anno 2070 (2011) | 91.3 | 46.1 | 28.8 | 14 |
| Hitman: Absolution (2012) | 39.5 | 32.7 | 16.8 | 7.5 |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 77.1 | 40.5 | 28.5 | 13.9 |
| Total War: Rome II (2013) | 63.4 | 47.2 | 38.3 | 7.3 |
| Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) | 99 | 47 | 25 | 11 |
| X-Plane 10.25 (2013) | 59.6 | 31.5 | 13.4 | 5.1 |
| Thief (2014) | 27.6 | 18.7 | 16.1 | 8.3 |
| GRID: Autosport (2014) | 124.9 | 52.6 | 24.9 | 14.1 |
| Risen 3: Titan Lords (2014) | 51 | 31 | 13.7 | 10.8 |
| Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014) | 32.2 | 21.9 | 12.8 | 9.8 |
| Alien: Isolation (2014) | 45.2 | 31 | 17 | 13.9 |
| The Evil Within (2014) | 26.8 | 20.1 | 10.1 | |
| F1 2014 (2014) | 89 | 65 | 41 | 25 |
| Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) | 38.3 | 29.9 | 17.5 | 12.1 |
| Evolve (2015) | 30.5 | 23.2 | 12.8 | 10.9 |
| Battlefield Hardline (2015) | 47.3 | 34.5 | 14.6 | 9.2 |
| GTA V (2015) | 51.1 | 43.5 | 11.8 | 8.1 |
| Anno 2070 | |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset AA:on (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5547 | |
| 1366x768 High Preset AA:on AF:2x (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5547 | |
| Hitman: Absolution | |
| 1024x768 Lowest Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset AF:2x (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| X-Plane 10.25 | |
| 1024x768 low (fps_test=1) test_flight_c4 (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5547 | |
| 1366x768 med (fps_test=2) test_flight_c4 (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5547 | |
| GRID: Autosport | |
| 1024x768 Ultra Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U | |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U | |
| Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor | |
| 1280x720 Lowest Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| 1344x756 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| Alien: Isolation | |
| 1024x768 (Very) Low, Off, Shadow Map 512 AF:1x (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U | |
| 1366x768 Medium, On (AA & SSAO Off), Shadow Map 1024 AF:4x (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U | |
| The Evil Within | |
| 1024x768 Low / Disabled (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| 1366x768 Medium / Enabled AA:FX (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| Dragon Age: Inquisition | |
| 1024x768 Low Graphics Quality (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U | |
| 1366x768 Medium Graphics Quality (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U | |
| Evolve | |
| 1024x768 Low Graphics Quality (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| HP Pavilion 15-p151ng | |
| 1366x768 Medium Graphics Quality (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| HP Pavilion 15-p151ng | |
| Battlefield Hardline | |
| 1024x768 Low Graphics Quality (DX11) (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| 1366x768 Medium Graphics Quality (DX11) (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| GTA V | |
| 1024x768 Lowest Settings possible (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| 1366x768 Normal/Off AF:4x (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Total War: Rome II | |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| 1366x768 High Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| F1 2014 | |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
| Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U | |
| 1920x1080 High Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 | |
| Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX | |
Emissions
System Noise
The fan runs permanently at a low speed while idling, and is barely audible. However, it speeds up noticeably under load. We measured a consistent noise level of 46 dB(A) during the stress test - not a good rate. Rivals like Acer's Aspire E5-571G are much quieter under load.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 32.1 / 32.1 / 32.1 dB(A) |
| HDD |
| 31.6 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 44.6 / 46 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance) | ||
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 R7 M270/5550U | Dell Inspiron 15-5547 R7 M265/4210U | Acer Aspire E5-571G-520X 840M/5200U | Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U R7 M260/4210U | HP Pavilion 15-p151ng R7 M260/A10-5745M | Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H GTX 850M/5200U | Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX 840M/4210U | HP Envy 15-k203ng GTX 850M/5500U | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 12% | 7% | 4% | -2% | 5% | 9% | -1% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 32.1 | 29 10% | 32.7 -2% | 31.7 1% | 31.9 1% | 29.6 8% | 33.4 -4% | |
| Idle Average * | 32.1 | 29 10% | 32.7 -2% | 32.5 -1% | 32.2 -0% | 31.9 1% | 30 7% | 33.4 -4% |
| Idle Maximum * | 32.1 | 29 10% | 32.7 -2% | 33.1 -3% | 32.2 -0% | 32.2 -0% | 30.4 5% | 33.4 -4% |
| Load Average * | 44.6 | 36.5 18% | 34.2 23% | 37.2 17% | 45.3 -2% | 37 17% | 36.4 18% | 42.1 6% |
| Load Maximum * | 46 | 41.6 10% | 37.8 18% | 43.6 5% | 49.4 -7% | 43.3 6% | 42.6 7% | 44.8 3% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The Inspiron performed the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) differently in AC and battery mode. The processor clocked at 1.9 to 2 GHz and the graphics core ran at full speed (825 MHz) in AC mode. The GPU ran stably at 400 MHz and the CPU clocked at 2.1 to 2.2 GHz when performing the stress test in battery mode. The laptop does not heat up excessively. During the stress test, we measured temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius (~104 °F) in the area of the fan. This looks the same in rivals like Acer's Aspire E5-571G.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 42.9 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42.8 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 39.2 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.9 °C / 79 F, compared to the device average of 31.3 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.1 °C / 88 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-2.3 °C / -4.2 F).
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 R7 M270/5550U | Dell Inspiron 15-5547 R7 M265/4210U | Acer Aspire E5-571G-520X 840M/5200U | Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U R7 M260/4210U | HP Pavilion 15-p151ng R7 M260/A10-5745M | Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H GTX 850M/5200U | Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX 840M/4210U | HP Envy 15-k203ng GTX 850M/5500U | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | -1% | 7% | -1% | 1% | 3% | 7% | 10% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * | 42.9 | 40.4 6% | 41.3 4% | 40.3 6% | 38.7 10% | 48.2 -12% | 43.5 -1% | 43.3 -1% |
| Maximum Bottom * | 42.8 | 51.2 -20% | 44 -3% | 57.1 -33% | 46 -7% | 39.5 8% | 47.6 -11% | 43.2 -1% |
| Idle Upper Side * | 31.1 | 28.6 8% | 26.1 16% | 26.8 14% | 29.6 5% | 28.3 9% | 23.7 24% | 23.8 23% |
| Idle Bottom * | 29.3 | 28.5 3% | 26.7 9% | 27 8% | 30.2 -3% | 27 8% | 24.6 16% | 23.8 19% |
* ... smaller is better
Energy Management
Power Consumption
The Inspiron's idle power consumption was below 10 watts - a normal rate for 15.6-inch ULV laptops. The power consumption climbed to 44 watts during the stress test. The rate would be higher if the CPU did not throttle. There is still some room for improvements. The power supply has a rated output of 65 watts.
| Off / Standby | 0 / 0.1 Watt |
| Idle | 4.5 / 7.7 / 9 Watt |
| Load |
39.1 / 44 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Voltcraft VC 940 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 R7 M270/5550U | Dell Inspiron 15-5547 R7 M265/4210U | Acer Aspire E5-571G-520X 840M/5200U | Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U R7 M260/4210U | HP Pavilion 15-p151ng R7 M260/A10-5745M | Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H GTX 850M/5200U | Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX 840M/4210U | HP Envy 15-k203ng GTX 850M/5500U | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 13% | -8% | -0% | -86% | -43% | 8% | -23% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 4.5 | 3.5 22% | 5.4 -20% | 4.5 -0% | 10.3 -129% | 5.4 -20% | 3.1 31% | 5.4 -20% |
| Idle Average * | 7.7 | 5 35% | 8.2 -6% | 6.7 13% | 15.7 -104% | 11.5 -49% | 5.7 26% | 9.9 -29% |
| Idle Maximum * | 9 | 6.1 32% | 10.5 -17% | 8.4 7% | 16.5 -83% | 12.8 -42% | 9.8 -9% | 10.6 -18% |
| Load Average * | 39.1 | 37.3 5% | 36 8% | 40.2 -3% | 56.7 -45% | 48.6 -24% | 35.2 10% | 37.6 4% |
| Load Maximum * | 44 | 55.7 -27% | 46.7 -6% | 52.1 -18% | 73.3 -67% | 79.8 -81% | 50.9 -16% | 67.3 -53% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Runtime
The Inspiron manages an idle runtime of 7:56 hours. A rival, such as Acer's Aspire E5-571G (13:15 h), lasts considerably longer. Idle mode is ascertained using a Battery Eater Reader test. The screen is set to minimum, the energy saving plan is enabled, and the wireless modules are off. The Inspiron shuts down after 1:17 hours of load; the Aspire (2:52 h) runs over twice as long. The load runtime is measured with Battery Eater Classic tests using maximum screen brightness, the high performance profile, and enabled Wi-Fi modules.
Dell's laptop stopped our Wi-Fi test after 5:48 hours. Again, the Aspire (6:52 h) defeats the Inspiron. Websites are opened automatically every 40 seconds using a screen brightness of approx. 150 cd/m². We test the video playback time by running the short movie Big Buck Bunny (H.264 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a loop. The wireless modules are disabled and the screen's brightness is set to approx. 150 cd/m². The Inspiron manages a runtime of 5:30 hours, and is again surpassed by the Aspire (7:04 h).
Overall, the Inspiron's battery life is satisfactory and on par with those of its Haswell precursor/sister model. It is not surprising that the Inspiron is depleted sooner than the Aspire because the latter has a higher battery capacity (Dell: 42 Wh; Acer: 56 Wh).
| Dell Inspiron 15-5548 43 Wh | Dell Inspiron 15-5547 43 Wh | Acer Aspire E5-571G-520X 56 Wh | Toshiba Satellite S50-B-12U 44 Wh | HP Pavilion 15-p151ng 41 Wh | Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H 52 Wh | Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro VN7-571G-56NX 52 Wh | HP Envy 15-k203ng 41 Wh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | -1% | 73% | 27% | -31% | 59% | 111% | -17% | |
| Reader / Idle | 476 | 489 3% | 795 67% | 490 3% | 351 -26% | 797 67% | 1221 157% | |
| H.264 | 330 | 312 -5% | 424 28% | 174 -47% | 427 29% | 507 54% | ||
| WiFi v1.3 | 348 | 448 29% | 289 -17% | |||||
| Load | 77 | 77 0% | 172 123% | 116 51% | 61 -21% | 161 109% | 172 123% | |
| WiFi | 373 | 412 | 306 | 181 | 506 |
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Dell has a 15.6-inch all-round laptop in its lineup with the Inspiron 15-5548. It is the Broadwell upgrade of the Inspiron 15-5547. The installed processor has enough computing power for all common application scenarios. The Radeon graphics core allows playing computer games. At least, the laptop runs quietly in idle mode and heats up moderately. With the 1 TB hard drive, owners of the Inspiron will not be lacking storage capacity. The input devices will not overwhelm anyone but are good enough to get by. The screen's brightness could be higher, the contrast is acceptable, but unfortunately, Dell has installed a viewing angle depended TN screen. We would have expected considerably more from a 700 Euro (~$785) laptop. Dell deserves praise for the large maintenance cover that allows accessing the hardware quickly.
In a nutshell, the Inspiron can be called an unspectacular, almost mundane laptop. It cannot really come up trumps in any aspects and outperform its rivals.
Anyone who takes a liking to the Inspiron but are not necessarily dependent on 4 GB of graphics memory and/or a Core i7 processor should take the basic configuration of the Inspiron for 100 Euros (~$112) less. If more graphics power is needed, then Acer's Aspire E5-571G would be an alternative. It also features a Full HD screen and a better battery life.
Dell Inspiron 15-5548
- 05/05/2015 v4 (old)
Sascha Mölck
Price comparison
