Acer’s new and improved Swift 3 might just go down as one of the best clamshell models of the recent era, regardless of the budget-centric price tag. While the innovative attributes hardly seem to amaze us, considering the trends followed by Acer, the inclusion of a new breed of integrated graphics cards or rather a new Intel-powered platform is something to take pride in.
Besides, the gadget strikes the perfect balance between power, productivity, and portability, thereby qualifying as the perfect option for professionals with a penchant for portability.
One Line Review: Acer Swift 3, as reviewed, is breathtakingly fast, enviously sleek, and is probably the most beefed-up machine you can get for under 800 dollars.
Acer Swift 3: Enlisting the Specs
- Processor: 4.70GHz Intel Core i7-1165G7
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Graphics Card: Intel Xe Integrated Graphics
- Display: 14-inch FHD IPS (1920×1080)
- Operating System: 64-Bit Windows 10 Home
- Weight: 2.65 Pounds
- Battery-Life: Up to 16-Hours
- Port Arrangement: 1 USB Type-C, 1 HDMI. DisplayPort, USB 2.0 Thunderbolt 4, Gig Ethernet LAN, and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
- Special Features: Intel Evo Platform for optimized usage
Note: Our experts could get their hands on the latest, Acer Swift 3 model, and the review, or rather the enlisted specs sheet is premised around the same. However, you can get your hands on the AMD-powered version, 8th gen model, or the comparatively new variant featuring a 10th gen processor, based on your budget and expectations.
Acer Swift 3: Dissecting in Detail
The Acer Swift 3 actually hits the sweet spot when laptop productivity is concerned. With our experts testing the same for almost 10 days across diverse parameters, it is more than appropriate for us to take up each segment and talk about the same in-depth.
Performance
The new Swift 3 swears by the latest Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, which is graphics optimized and assumes the highest possible turbo clock frequency of 4.7GHz. The Tiger lake CPU is fortified with four cores and an efficient Intel Xe, integrated graphics co-processor. These features in unison allow you to manage some of the AAA titles like DOTA 2, COD, and more at 720p preset, hitting decent fps.
Then again, the mobile SoC offers access to 12MB of smart cache memory, which in turn speeds up the app access. However, every processing component has Intel’s Evo platform to rely on, allowing the gadget to strike the right balance between visuals, responsiveness, processing performance, and gadget autonomy.
Memory Allocation
Acer brings in the 8GB low-power DDR4X RAM, which is capable of processing files and data at a staggering, 4267MHz. While the ultrafast chunk of system memory is a credible processing and multitasking ally, it is ably supported by the 256GB SSD. While we weren’t quite pleased with the restricted storage space, the feature solid-state drive is still fast enough to load the application and boot-up the Windows 10 OS, courtesy of the Instant ‘Wake Up’ feature.
Display
As far as visual presentation is concerned, the 14-inch IPS screen is an affable addition, courtesy of the 1080p panel and the color accurate, 100 percent sRGB color gamut. What stands out though is the minimalistic paneling followed by thinner bezels and an amplified screen-to-body ratio of almost 83 percent.
Most importantly, the 14-inch screen projects a widescreen viewing experience which is bolstered further by the power-efficient, LED-backlit technology. Acer extrapolates the concept of precision imagery with a bankable, 16: 9 aspect ratio.
User-Interface
As mentioned, you get the 64-bit Windows 10 operating system, with several nifty features to rely on, including ‘Instant Wake Up’, adherence to the ‘Intel Evo’ Platform, and a pretty exciting interface that is in sync with almost every software solution and application program.
Design
When it comes to aesthetics and portability, this metal-clad notebook is exceedingly slim and light. However, despite being a 2.65-pound laptop, the Swift 3 doesn’t compromise on durability, making it one of the best laptops for occasional travelers. In case you are only interested in the structural components, this gadget flaunts aluminum, magnesium, and almost zero plastic.
Keyboard & Touchpad
Acer also swears by the efficient backlit keyboard and smoothest possible touchpad. Therefore, content creators can experience optimized typing scenarios, regardless of the gadget setup.
Audio and Other Specs
The front-firing speakers, synonymous with the older variants are persisted with. However, the performances seem better with the optimized DTS audio enhancement. Other relevant features include a serviceable webcam, clubbed with voice-purified and distortion-free microphones. Not just that, Acer also makes room for a responsive fingerprint scanner, exhibiting the utilities of Acer’s proprietary Bio-Protection software.
Ports and Connectivity
Despite being an affordable notebook, Acer Swift 3 still accommodates a wide range of ports and connectivity-centric specs, led by Type-C port, HDMI support, and the elusive Thunderbolt 4 functionality. While the Thunderbolt 4 doesn’t differ a lot from the Thunderbolt 3 in terms of performances, it can help you connect additional 4K displays. Acer also lets you establish ultrafast internet connections with the Wi-Fi 6 standard to rely on.
Battery
In terms of autonomy, this notebook is capable of churning out close to 16 hours, on a single charge. However, even if the battery runs out midway into an important task, you can deploy the USB charging support, rendered by the Thunderbolt 4 port.
Customer Support
Acer’s customer support team has lately been extremely vigilant and responsive to user queries and grievances. Our experts did approach the customer support team over emails for additional insights into the Wi-Fi 6 connectivity issues for the given model and the minor constraints were resolved within a few hours. Besides, the customer support team can also be approached via direct calls.
Price
Purchasing the latest version of the Acer Swift 3 would cost you a tad less than 800 dollars, which quite a catch considering the empowering specifications. It has ranked top in our best laptops under $800 list. However, if you are looking to shell out lesser than usual, the underpowered variants are also up for grabs.
Pros
Cons
Acer Swift 3: FAQs
Q1. How is the latest Acer Swift 3 variant better as compared to the predecessors?
A1. The latest variant accommodates an 11th gen processor that allows access to a different breed of graphics coprocessor. Besides, the Thunderbolt 4 port is also a brand new inclusion.
Q2. How the existing Type-C port on offer comes in handy for the professionals?
A2. While the Thunderbolt 3 port is an exciting addition, the featured USB Type-C port based on Gen 2 functionality also allows you to transfer files at decent rates, i.e. 10Gbps. Besides, this port also flaunts DisplayPort functionality.
Q3. Is Acer Swift 3 good enough for gaming?
A3. Although we wouldn’t necessarily tag the Acer Swift 3 as a gaming notebook, the new Intel Xe graphics module ensures that you can play some entry-level and less demanding AAA titles at 720p presets.
Q4. Is Acer Swift 3 a reliable laptop for extensive professional usage?
A4. The Swift 3 is easily the best laptop for professional usage, considering the powerful processor and a potent integrated GPU. Therefore, creative professionals like photo and video editors followed by graphic designers can use this as the go-to laptop. Moreover, the color-accurate display and extended battery backup further sweeten the pot for the professionals.
Q5. What makes the latest ‘Intel Evo’ Platform a reliable laptop inclusion?
A5. The Intel Evo is a processing platform that can be attributed to the 11th generation of Intel processors. This platform ensures the perfect mix of professional prowess clubbed with class-leading visuals and extended battery life, all under an all-inclusive umbrella.
Verdict
In conclusion, the Acer Swift 3 can easily be regarded as the most revolutionary laptop to be launched in 2020. Clubbed with a potent 11th gen i7 processor and the fastest possible RAM unit, this is nothing short of a professional marvel, especially if you are a portability seeker. Lastly, the gadget isn’t all bells and whistles as Acer ensures that the extensive specs sheet doesn’t impact the aesthetic layout of the gadget, which is probably the sleekest one in the sub-$800 segment.
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