Dell Inspiron 13 5310 review

A compact 13-inch ultrabook with a real discrete GPU

The Dell Inspiron 13 5310 (2021) pairs Intel's Core i3-1125G4 with NVIDIA's GeForce MX450 (2 GB discrete) and 64 GB of RAM, in a 13-inch ultrabook chassis. At about $331 it sits below the $373 category median — in the budget tier rather than ultra-budget. The configuration is strong: a discrete GPU in a 13-inch form factor is unusual, and the 64 GB of RAM lands in the "pro" tier. The trade-off is the battery — at 41 Wh it sits well below the category median.

Where it shines: discrete graphics and memory

The MX450 is a real entry-level discrete GPU, and its score sits well above the ultrabook category median — a high-end result for a 13-inch form factor. Combined with 64 GB of RAM and a performance index well above the category median, the Inspiron 13 5310 is genuinely capable for light gaming, creative work and CPU-bound multitasking. The capability fit confirms: recommended settings on Overwatch, Grand Theft Auto V (140 fps), and Far Cry 5 (34 fps), plus Adobe Photoshop and Visual Studio Code.

Where it doesn't: battery

The 41 Wh battery sits well below the category median (63 Wh), which keeps the platform's mobility limited. The discrete GPU and the small battery together mean the Inspiron 13 5310 is best suited to buyers who plan to keep it plugged in most of the time — long unplugged sessions under any GPU load will drain the battery quickly.

Price trajectory

From an original $1,400 MSRP, the Inspiron 13 5310 has depreciated to about $331 today — an annual rate near 9.4%. Projected forward, another two years bring it to roughly $271, an 18% drop. The curve is steady.

How it compares

Direct comparisons are thin in the dataset — the HP 15-dy2795wm ($305) and Lenovo IdeaPad 5 14IIL05 ($297) are the closest alternatives, both slightly cheaper but neither offering a discrete GPU. The Inspiron 13 5310's MX450 and 13-inch form factor are the differentiators for buyers who want GPU capability in a compact ultrabook.

Bottom line

The Inspiron 13 5310 is worth the asking price for buyers who want a compact 13-inch ultrabook with a discrete GPU and a generous memory pool. The MX450 and 64 GB of RAM are the differentiators, and the 13-inch form factor is a genuine selling point. The short 41 Wh battery is the trade-off — buyers who value battery life over GPU capability should look at the cheaper iGPU-only alternatives.