Dell Latitude 5520

Technical Specifications

• **Processor:** 11th Generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 (e.g., i5-1135G7, i5-1145G7, i7-1185G7) with vPro options.
• **Graphics:** Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics (G7 96EUs for i7, G4 for i3). Optional NVIDIA GeForce MX450 discrete graphics card.
• **RAM:** 4GB to 64GB DDR4, 3200 MHz (for 11th Gen Intel) or 2667 MHz (for 10th Gen Intel). Two SO-DIMM slots.
• **Storage:** M.2 NVMe SSDs, up to 2TB. Configurations include 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. Supports dual storage with up to 2TB x2.
• **Display:** 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare display, typically 250 nits brightness. Some configurations may include a 768p TN panel.
• **Ports:**
  • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (one with PowerShare).
  • 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (with DisplayPort Alt Mode/USB4/Power Delivery) for 11th Gen Intel processors.
  • 2 x Thunderbolt 3 (with DisplayPort Alt Mode/USB 3.2 Gen2/Power Delivery) for 10th Gen Intel processors.
  • 1 x HDMI (2.0 for 11th Gen Intel, 1.4 for 10th Gen Intel).
  • 1 x RJ45 Ethernet port.
  • 1 x MicroSD card reader.
  • 1 x Headphone/microphone combo jack.
  • Optional microSIM card slot for WWAN.
• **Wireless Connectivity:** Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1 or 5.2. Optional Wi-Fi 6E and LTE mobile broadband.
• **Webcam:** HD webcam with privacy shutter and optional IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition.
• **Battery:** 42 WHr or 63 WHr options, with ExpressCharge support.
• **Weight:** Starts at 1.59 kg (3.5 lbs).

The Dell Latitude 5520 offers a robust set of technical specifications tailored for business users. The choice between 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors, including vPro options, provides flexibility in performance and manageability. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics are suitable for everyday tasks and some casual gaming, with an optional NVIDIA GeForce MX450 for enhanced graphics performance. Memory is highly configurable, supporting up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM across two SO-DIMM slots, allowing for significant upgrades to handle demanding multitasking. Storage is fast and ample, with NVMe SSDs up to 2TB and support for dual drives, ensuring quick boot times and application loading. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display is standard for productivity, though some lower-resolution TN panels exist. The extensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 4 (or 3), USB-A, HDMI, and RJ45, ensures broad compatibility with peripherals and external displays. Modern wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi 6 and optional LTE ensures reliable network access. The inclusion of an HD webcam with a privacy shutter and optional IR camera enhances communication and login security. The design also incorporates bioplastics, reflecting a focus on sustainability.

Support & Compatibility

• **Operating System Support:** Windows 10 (64-bit, various editions), Windows 11 (64-bit, various editions), Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, ThinOS 10, BIOS.
• **End of Support Date:** Not explicitly stated, but Dell provides ongoing driver and firmware updates.
• **Available Drivers:** Dell provides drivers, firmware, and software for various Windows versions (32 and 64 bit) on its support website.
• **Upgradeability:** RAM is upgradable up to 64GB DDR4. Storage is upgradable with M.2 NVMe SSDs up to 2TB.
• **Warranty:** Standard warranty often includes 3 years, with options for extended warranty and Dell Prosupport Plus.

The Dell Latitude 5520 demonstrates strong support and compatibility for enterprise environments. It supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows 10 and 11, as well as Ubuntu LTS and ThinOS, catering to diverse organizational needs. Dell actively provides drivers and firmware through its support website, ensuring system stability and optimal performance. The laptop offers good upgradeability for both RAM and storage, allowing businesses to extend the asset's lifespan and adapt to evolving performance requirements. Standard warranty and optional extended support services, like Dell Prosupport Plus, provide peace of mind for IT departments, covering potential hardware issues and accidental damage. Dell's commitment to providing necessary resources helps maintain the asset's operational efficiency over time.

Security Status

• **Security Features:**
  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 (discrete, FIPS 140-2 certified, TCG certified).
  • Optional Fingerprint reader (in power button or FIPS Fingerprint Reader in armrest).
  • Optional IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition.
  • Optional Smart Card reader (contacted and NFC contactless).
  • Camera privacy shutter.
  • Kensington Lock slot.
  • Dell ControlVault and Dell Data Protection.
  • Intel vPro platform for enterprise-level security, stability, and manageability.
• **Vulnerabilities:** No specific widespread vulnerabilities are highlighted in the provided data, but regular software and firmware updates are crucial.
• **Recommendations:** Utilize all available hardware security features like TPM, fingerprint reader, and IR camera for multi-factor authentication. Keep the operating system, drivers, and firmware updated to mitigate potential software vulnerabilities. Leverage Intel vPro capabilities for enhanced remote management and security.

The Dell Latitude 5520 is designed with strong security features, making it suitable for enterprise use. It integrates a discrete TPM 2.0 module, which is FIPS 140-2 and TCG certified, providing hardware-based security for encryption and secure boot processes. Biometric authentication options, including fingerprint readers and an IR camera for Windows Hello, offer convenient and robust login security. The optional Smart Card reader further enhances authentication for environments requiring higher security protocols. A physical camera privacy shutter addresses privacy concerns. The inclusion of Intel vPro technology provides a foundation for advanced security, stability, and remote manageability, which is critical for corporate deployments. While no specific vulnerabilities are detailed, the comprehensive security suite and Dell's support for driver updates suggest a proactive approach to maintaining a secure computing environment. Regular updates and full utilization of these features are recommended to maintain optimal security.

Performance & Benchmarks

• **Processor Performance:** 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processors offer strong performance for business tasks.
• **Geekbench 5 (Intel Core i7-1185G7):** Single-Core Score: 1309.
• **Real-world Performance:** Described as "very fast" and "snappy" for general use, web browsing, and Microsoft Office applications.
• **SSD Performance:** NVMe SSDs provide speeds up to 3.5 GB/s, significantly faster than older SATA SSDs.
• **Graphics Performance:** Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs can handle modern games at low settings/resolutions, suitable for casual gaming.
• **PCMark 10 Comparison:** The Latitude 5520 (with i5) surpasses older Latitude models (5511, 5500, 5590, 5580) in overall PCMark 10 scores, web browsing, and video conferencing.
• **Gaming:** Capable of running games like Rocket League at 1080p Ultra settings at 45-50 FPS with an i5-1145G7.

The Dell Latitude 5520 delivers strong performance, primarily driven by its 11th Gen Intel Core processors. Benchmarks like Geekbench 5 show a single-core score of 1309 for the i7-1185G7, indicating robust single-threaded performance. In real-world usage, the laptop is consistently described as "very fast" and "snappy" for daily productivity tasks, web browsing, and Microsoft Office applications. The NVMe SSD storage significantly contributes to this responsiveness, offering speeds up to 3.5 GB/s for quick boot times and application loading. While not a gaming laptop, the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs can handle casual gaming, with reports of games like Rocket League running at respectable frame rates at 1080p. Comparative benchmarks, such as PCMark 10, demonstrate that the Latitude 5520 outperforms its predecessors in various metrics, including overall score, web browsing, and video conferencing, highlighting its generational improvements. The optional NVIDIA GeForce MX450 further boosts graphical capabilities. Overall, the Latitude 5520 provides a powerful and efficient computing experience for its target business audience.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews generally praise the Dell Latitude 5520 for its performance, build quality, and enterprise-focused features. Many users find it to be a "powerful laptop" that is "very fast" and "responsive as a new computer," especially with its SSD and ample RAM configurations. The keyboard is often highlighted as "amazing to type on" and "pretty decent overall," though some users express dissatisfaction with the arrow key cluster. The trackpad is considered "pretty okay" for tracking, but palm rejection could be improved, and its left-shifted position is noted as awkward by some.

The durable build, often incorporating bioplastics, is appreciated, making it suitable for frequent travel. Users value the extensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet, which supports broad connectivity. Security features like the smart card reader, fingerprint reader, and IR camera are seen as key advantages for business use. The long battery life, up to 14 hours, and ExpressCharge support are also frequently mentioned positive aspects.

However, some feedback indicates that the display, while Full HD IPS, can be limited to 250 nits brightness, making it less ideal for outdoor use. The laptop is generally considered a business-grade machine and not specifically designed for general consumers or heavy gaming, despite its capability for casual gaming. The Dell Optimizer app, intended to enhance performance, is sometimes perceived as "a bit gimmicky". Overall, the sentiment is that the Latitude 5520 is a reliable and efficient machine for professionals, offering good value for its price point in the business segment.

Summary

The Dell Latitude 5520 stands as a robust and highly capable enterprise asset, meticulously designed for business professionals prioritizing performance, security, and manageability. Its core strength lies in the 11th Generation Intel Core processors, complemented by generous DDR4 RAM (up to 64GB) and fast NVMe SSD storage (up to 2TB), ensuring smooth multitasking and rapid data access. This configuration translates into excellent real-world performance for productivity applications, web browsing, and video conferencing, often surpassing its predecessors in benchmarks. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics are sufficient for daily tasks and even light creative work or casual gaming, with an optional discrete GPU for more demanding visual loads.

Connectivity is a significant strength, featuring a comprehensive array of ports including Thunderbolt 4, multiple USB-A, HDMI, and RJ45 Ethernet, providing extensive compatibility with peripherals and external displays. Modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6 and optional LTE ensure reliable and fast network access.

Security is a paramount consideration for the Latitude 5520, which integrates a discrete TPM 2.0 module, optional biometric authentication (fingerprint reader, IR camera for Windows Hello), and smart card readers. These features, combined with the Intel vPro platform, offer a secure and manageable computing environment crucial for enterprise deployments. The laptop also supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows 10 and 11, and offers good upgradeability for key components, extending its useful life within an organization.

However, the asset is not without its minor weaknesses. The display, while Full HD, typically offers 250 nits brightness, which may limit outdoor visibility. Some users also note the awkward placement of arrow keys and a left-shifted trackpad, though these are often mitigated by external peripherals in an office setting. The build, while durable and incorporating sustainable bioplastics, is primarily plastic, which some users might perceive as less premium than metal chassis.

In conclusion, the Dell Latitude 5520 is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a reliable, secure, and high-performing laptop for their workforce. Its strengths in processing power, connectivity, and enterprise-grade security features make it a valuable asset. It is particularly recommended for professionals who require a robust machine for productivity, frequent travel, and integration into managed IT environments. For general consumers or those prioritizing premium aesthetics and high-brightness displays, other options might be more suitable.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.