When the Dell G series of gaming laptops debuted in 2018 with the G5, it aimed to capture the entry-level market by providing an affordable gaming experience from a trusted brand. However, over the years, the G series has undergone significant improvements in both design and performance, leading to a slight increase in price. Recently, Dell unveiled the Dell G15 and G16 series, which showcase a complete design overhaul, resembling the premium Alienware gaming notebooks rather than budget gaming laptops. Starting at Rs 89,990, the Dell G15 5530, equipped with the Intel Core i7-13650HX CPU and the RTX 4060 laptop GPU, caught my attention as a potential contender for the most practical mid-range gaming laptop of 2023. In my comprehensive review, I aim to answer just that.
Design: A Fusion of Style and Inspiration
Having reviewed numerous Dell G series laptops in the past, I didn’t anticipate a significant departure in terms of design. However, upon unboxing the Dell G15 5530, I was pleasantly surprised. This laptop bears no resemblance to its predecessors. In fact, its design aligns more closely with the sophisticated Alienware gaming notebooks.
The dual-tone quantum white finish, accentuated by deep space blue thermal shelf accents, imparts a funky and trendy appearance to the laptop. Admittedly, the G15 2023 is a bulky machine, weighing 2.8 kg. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t be a concern for those seeking a powerful gaming rig that will likely reside within the confines of a dedicated gaming space.
Connectivity and Ports: Convenience Meets Cutting-Edge
The Dell G15 5530 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to connectivity and ports. Notably, I appreciate the positioning of crucial connectivity options like HDMI, DisplayPort, and the charging port at the back, optimizing cable management. Additionally, the LAN port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB-A ports are conveniently located on either side for easy access. The laptop also boasts Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E support. Overall, the Dell G15 5530 strikes a balance between practicality and contemporary aesthetics.
Display: A Step Forward, Yet Room for Improvement
Testing the variant with FHD resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, I observed a noticeable improvement in color accuracy compared to its predecessor, aligning it with other laptops of similar caliber. However, the peak brightness is limited to 300 nits, which may pose a challenge when viewing movies and videos. Furthermore, the absence of HDR certification is disappointing.
During my usage, I found the laptop’s display to be color-accurate, although not on par with more professional-grade notebooks. However, for gamers primarily concerned with gaming performance, this shouldn’t be a significant concern. Overall, the Dell G15 5530 represents a commendable upgrade and a step in the right direction for the brand.
Keyboard, Camera, and Audio: Mixed Bag
The Dell G15 5530 boasts a tactile keyboard with a dedicated number pad, complemented by an orange backlight that enhances the gaming experience. The slightly deeper key travel and tactile feedback contribute to a satisfying typing and gaming experience. However, a full RGB treatment on the keyboard would have been preferable. The trackpad functions as expected, providing a straightforward user experience.
Two minor setbacks are the low-resolution 720p webcam and subpar speaker setup. Considering the size of the laptop, Dell could have easily incorporated a 1080p webcam. Moreover, the speakers produce sound that feels somewhat undersized and lacks bass. These aspects present an opportunity for Dell to improve in future iterations.
Performance: A Solid Contender
When it comes to performance, the Dell G15 5530 receives full marks from me. Powered by the Intel Core i7-13650HX, one of Intel’s most capable gaming laptop CPUs, this machine boasts impressive specifications. With a clock speed of up to 4.9GHz, 14 CPU cores, and a maximum turbo power of 157W, the i7-13650HX delivers desktop-class single-thread and multi-thread performance. To validate its capabilities, I conducted popular CPU-bound benchmarks like Cinebench, CPU-Z, and Geekbench, all of which confirmed the laptop’s outstanding performance.
In terms of graphics, the Dell G15 5530 features the RTX 4060 laptop GPU with 8GB video memory, a remarkable mid-tier GPU from NVIDIA. This GPU is more than capable of handling modern AAA titles, even at 1440p resolution. During gameplay, I obtained impressive average frame rates on popular games, showcasing the laptop’s gaming prowess.
To ensure sustained performance, Dell has incorporated an improved cooling system with a dual fan design. While the laptop does heat up during extended gaming sessions, the fans kick in to prevent thermal throttling. Notably, I didn’t experience any excessive heat around the keyboard area, enhancing the overall user experience.
Similar to most gaming laptops, the Dell G15 5530 offers average battery life, lasting over 4 hours during non-gaming tasks. With its robust 330W power adapter, the laptop is adequately powered for demanding usage scenarios.
Verdict: An Excellent Mid-Range Gaming Laptop
From its eye-catching design to the impressive CPU and GPU performance, the Dell G15 5530 stands out not only as a gaming laptop but also as a versatile machine suitable for content creators engaged in tasks like video rendering and 3D visualization. Dell has successfully crafted an exceptional mid-range gaming laptop with the G15 5530. In addition to its outstanding performance, the laptop’s striking design positions it among the best mid-range gaming laptops available at the Rs 1,50,000 price point in India.
Whether you’re a dedicated gamer or a content creator seeking a powerful and stylish machine, the Dell G15 5530 proves to be an excellent choice. With its fusion of style, high-performance components, and a practical feature set, this gaming laptop deserves serious consideration.
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