When it comes to ultrabooks, Acer is a household name that is synonymous with performance, portability, and affordability. The Swift series, in particular, has gained a loyal following among students, professionals, and travelers alike. Within the Swift family, two models stand out – the Acer Swift 1 and the Swift 3. While both laptops share similar DNA, they cater to different needs and budgets. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that catches your attention when you lay eyes on the Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 is their sleek and slim designs. Both laptops boast a premium aluminum chassis that exudes a sense of sophistication and durability. However, there are some subtle differences between the two.
The Acer Swift 1 features a more minimalist approach, with a uniform silver color scheme that gives it a clean, modern look. It weighs in at a mere 2.76 pounds and measures 0.59 inches thick, making it an ideal companion for those who are always on the go.
On the other hand, the Acer Swift 3 has a more aggressive design language, with a brushed metal finish that adds a touch of elegance. It’s slightly heavier, tipping the scales at 2.99 pounds, and is 0.67 inches thick. While it’s still portable, the Swift 3 is better suited for those who want a laptop that can keep up with their fast-paced lifestyle.
Display
When it comes to display, both laptops flaunt a stunning Full HD IPS panel that delivers vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and wide viewing angles. However, there’s a crucial difference between the two.
The Acer Swift 1 sports a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which is perfect for web browsing, streaming, and general productivity. The screen is surrounded by a fairly thick bezel, which might be a turn-off for some users.
In contrast, the Acer Swift 3 features a slightly larger 14-inch display with the same Full HD resolution. What sets it apart is its slimmer bezel, which gives it a more modern look and provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Performance
Performance is where the Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 start to diverge significantly.
The Acer Swift 1 is powered by an 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8145U processor, paired with 4GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD. This configuration is more than sufficient for everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and streaming. However, it’s not ideal for resource-intensive activities like gaming, video editing, or software development.
On the other hand, the Acer Swift 3 takes performance to the next level with an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U processor, combined with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD. This setup provides a significant boost in processing power, making it suitable for more demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and software development.
Graphics
Graphics are another area where the Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 differ.
The Acer Swift 1 relies on integrated Intel UHD 620 graphics, which are sufficient for general use but not ideal for gaming or graphics-intensive tasks.
In contrast, the Acer Swift 3 features a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics card with 2GB of GDDR5 memory. This provides a significant upgrade in graphics performance, making it possible to play modern games at medium to high settings.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical aspect of any ultrabook, and both the Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 deliver in this regard.
The Acer Swift 1 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 13 hours, thanks to its power-efficient processor and 48Wh battery. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers, students, and anyone who needs a laptop that can last a full day.
The Acer Swift 3 also has a robust battery life of up to 12 hours, courtesy of its 48Wh battery and efficient processor. While it’s not as long-lasting as the Swift 1, it’s still more than sufficient for most users.
Ports and Connectivity
When it comes to ports and connectivity, both laptops offer a range of options to keep you connected on the go.
The Acer Swift 1 features one USB-A 3.0 port, one USB-A 2.0 port, one USB-C port with USB 3.1 Gen 1, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader.
The Acer Swift 3 takes it up a notch with two USB-A 3.0 ports, one USB-A 2.0 port, one USB-C port with USB 3.1 Gen 1, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a fingerprint reader.
Price and Value
The final, and perhaps most critical, difference between the Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 is their price.
The Acer Swift 1 is an affordable option, with a starting price of around $300. This makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable ultrabook without breaking the bank.
The Acer Swift 3, on the other hand, is priced slightly higher, with a starting point of around $500. While it’s not the cheapest option, it offers significant upgrades in performance, graphics, and features that make it a better value for those who need a more powerful laptop.
| Feature | Acer Swift 1 | Acer Swift 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8145U | 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U |
| RAM | 4GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD 620 | Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX150 |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Price | Starting at $300 | Starting at $500 |
In conclusion, the Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 cater to different needs and budgets. The Swift 1 is an excellent choice for those who want an affordable, lightweight, and reliable ultrabook for general use. On the other hand, the Swift 3 is ideal for those who need more processing power, better graphics performance, and a more comprehensive feature set.
Ultimately, the decision between the Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 depends on your specific requirements and preferences. By understanding the key differences between these two laptops, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect ultrabook to suit your lifestyle.
What is the main difference between Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3?
The main difference between Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 lies in their design and performance. The Swift 1 is a more budget-friendly option, focusing on providing a lightweight and portable design, while the Swift 3 is more performance-oriented, offering more powerful processors and advanced features.
This difference in design and performance is reflected in their prices, with the Swift 1 being more affordable than the Swift 3. However, both laptops share similar features such as a slim and compact design, long battery life, and a range of connectivity options.
Which laptop is more portable?
The Acer Swift 1 is more portable than the Swift 3 due to its lighter weight and smaller dimensions. Weighing in at just 2.48 pounds, the Swift 1 is easy to carry around, making it an ideal choice for students, freelancers, or anyone who needs a laptop that can keep up with their on-the-go lifestyle.
Its compact design also allows it to fit easily into most bags or backpacks, making it a great option for travel. While the Swift 3 is also relatively lightweight, tipping the scales at 3.02 pounds, it’s not as portable as the Swift 1, making it more suitable for those who need a laptop that can handle more demanding tasks.
Which laptop has better performance?
The Acer Swift 3 has better performance than the Swift 1, thanks to its more powerful processor options. The Swift 3 can be configured with up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processors, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage, making it well-suited for demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and multitasking.
In contrast, the Swift 1 is limited to 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processors, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage, making it more suitable for basic tasks such as browsing, emailing, and word processing. If you need a laptop that can handle more demanding tasks, the Swift 3 is the better choice.
Which laptop has better battery life?
Both the Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 have excellent battery life, with the Swift 1 lasting up to 13 hours on a single charge, and the Swift 3 lasting up to 12 hours. However, the Swift 1’s battery life is more consistent, thanks to its more power-efficient processor and lower resolution display.
While the Swift 3’s battery life is still impressive, it can vary depending on the specific configuration and usage. If battery life is a top priority, the Swift 1 is the better choice, but if you’re willing to sacrifice a little battery life for more powerful performance, the Swift 3 is still a great option.
What are the connectivity options available on both laptops?
Both the Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 offer a range of connectivity options, including two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. They also both feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.
However, the Swift 3 has an additional USB-A port, making it more convenient for connecting multiple devices at once. Additionally, the Swift 3’s USB-C port supports Thunderbolt 3, allowing for faster data transfer and charging.
Which laptop has better display?
The Acer Swift 3 has a better display than the Swift 1, thanks to its higher resolution and more vivid colors. The Swift 3 features a 14-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, making it well-suited for streaming, gaming, and video editing.
In contrast, the Swift 1 has a lower resolution HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, making it more suitable for basic tasks such as browsing and email. If you need a laptop with a high-quality display, the Swift 3 is the better choice.
Which laptop is more durable?
Both the Acer Swift 1 and Swift 3 are durable laptops, but the Swift 3 has a more premium build quality, thanks to its aluminum construction and more solid keyboard deck. The Swift 3 also features a more robust hinge design, allowing it to withstand more wear and tear.
While the Swift 1 is still a well-built laptop, it has a more plastic-heavy construction, making it more prone to scratches and dents. If you need a laptop that can withstand the rigors of daily use, the Swift 3 is the better choice.