Dell 15 D15261 Specs, Prices and Performance: What You Get for $699.99

Dell’s Dell 15 D15261 is a mainstream 15.3-inch laptop built around Intel’s low-power Wildcat Lake Core Series 3 processors. The U.S. entry model costs $699.99 and combines the Core 3 304 with 8GB of DDR5-5600 memory and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD. Dell also lists Core 5 320 and Core 7 350 versions, plus larger memory and storage configurations in selected markets.

Dell 15 D15261 configurations and prices

The three processor options are the clearest dividing line between D15261 models:

Processor	CPU layout	Maximum boost	Reported U.S. starting price
Intel Core 3 304	5 cores: 1 P-core + 4 LP-E cores	4.3 GHz	$699.99
Intel Core 5 320	6 cores: 2 P-cores + 4 LP-E cores	4.6 GHz	$799.99
Intel Core 7 350	6 cores: 2 P-cores + 4 LP-E cores	4.8 GHz	$999.99

The Core 3 304 is the only five-core option. Both the Core 5 320 and Core 7 350 use two performance cores and four low-power efficiency cores. Intel lists the chips as part of its Wildcat Lake Core Series 3 family.

The reported U.S. prices correspond to the Core 3 304, Core 5 320 and Core 7 350 configurations respectively. Pricing is not directly comparable across countries: the laptop is listed from €749 in the euro area and from £649 in the U.K., with local configurations affecting the final price.

How much faster are the three processors?

Early reported results put the Core 7 350 around 9% ahead of the Core 5 320 and nearly 20% ahead of the Core 3 304. These are reported benchmark comparisons rather than a guarantee of performance in every D15261 configuration. Laptop cooling, sustained power limits, memory configuration and software can all affect the result.

Independent early testing of the Core 5 320 found multi-core performance roughly comparable with the older Core i7-1185G7, while single-core performance was described as similar to a Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 256V. That suggests the Core 5 320 should be a reasonable fit for office multitasking and general productivity, but the processor should not be confused with a higher-power performance laptop chip.

For most buyers, the Core 5 320 is the middle option: it costs $100 more than the base model and adds a second performance core. The Core 7 350 has a higher boost clock and is the fastest listed choice, but its $200 premium over the Core 5 model makes it most relevant to buyers who regularly run heavier multi-threaded workloads.

Memory and storage options

The base D15261 configuration includes:

• 8GB of DDR5-5600 memory
• A 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD

Dell and regional listings also show 16GB and 32GB DDR5-5600 options, along with 1TB storage. However, availability is market-dependent: European and some overseas listings show the 32GB configuration, while current U.S. and North American listings reportedly top out at 16GB.

That regional difference matters more than the processor branding for buyers planning to keep the laptop for several years. Check the configuration offered in the destination market before assuming that a 32GB/1TB version is available.

Display and design

Every listed D15261 configuration uses the same 15.3-inch, non-touch, anti-glare IPS panel with these specifications:

• 1,920 × 1,200 resolution, marketed as FHD+
• 16:10 aspect ratio
• 400-nit typical brightness
• 45% NTSC color coverage

The 16:10 screen provides more vertical space than a traditional 16:9 panel, and 400 nits should be useful in brighter indoor environments. The limited 45% NTSC coverage, however, points to an everyday productivity display rather than one designed for color-critical photo or video work.

Dell lists a maximum weight of 3.39 pounds, or 1.54kg. The chassis measures 341.17 × 240.70mm, or 13.43 × 9.48 inches. Thickness ranges from 11.15mm at the front to 17.70mm at its peak.

Battery, charging and ports

The D15261 includes a three-cell, 41Wh integrated battery and supports charging at up to 65W, according to the available Dell and product listings.

Its connectivity includes:

• Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with DisplayPort 1.4 output and USB Power Delivery
• One HDMI 2.1 port
• Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
• A 3.5mm audio jack

The USB-C Power Delivery support means compatible USB-C chargers can be used for charging, while the DisplayPort capability allows the Type-C ports to connect to compatible external displays.

Where is the Dell 15 D15261 available?

The laptop has been reported as available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia. The U.S. starting price is $699.99, while the reported euro-area starting price is €749 and the U.K. price is £649.

The available listings do not show identical configurations in every country. RAM limits, SSD choices, processor availability and local pricing can differ, so buyers should verify the exact regional Dell product page before ordering.

Dell 15 D15261 vs. the previous D15260

The D15261 changes the emphasis of Dell’s 15-inch mainstream line rather than simply increasing every specification. The new model uses Wildcat Lake Core Series 3 processors, while the D15260 was listed with Intel Core Ultra configurations.

The newer laptop also moves to a 15.3-inch 16:10 display rated at 400 nits. The D15260 listings cited a 15.6-inch FHD display with brightness ratings of about 220 or 250 nits, depending on the panel option. The D15261 is listed at 1.54kg, compared with 1.66kg for the D15260.

In practical terms, the D15261 offers a lighter chassis and a brighter, taller display, while its processor range is focused on lower-power chips with no more than six cores. The result is a laptop aimed at everyday work, study and general home use—not a replacement for a high-performance workstation.

Bottom line

The $699.99 Dell 15 D15261 is most compelling for buyers who want a relatively light large-screen laptop with a 16:10 display, USB-C charging and a modern low-power Intel platform. The Core 3 304 should cover basic productivity, but the Core 5 320 looks like the more balanced upgrade for frequent multitasking.

The main caveats are the limited display color gamut and uneven regional configuration options. The 32GB/1TB version exists in some markets, but it should not be treated as globally available. Likewise, the reported processor gains are useful for comparing the three chips, but they are not a substitute for testing the complete laptop under sustained workloads.