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Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Good CPU and built-in graphics for its measurement and value
- Pleasant keyboard
- Crisp 1440p webcam
- Plenty of connectivity
Cons
- Boost over prior Intel era is modest
- 1920 x 1200 IPS show must be skipped
- Battery life fails to impress
- Weak audio system
Our Verdict
Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H doesn’t drastically improve the Swift Go 14 over its prior incarnation, but it surely stays a reliable mid-range machine.
Price When Reviewed
$999.99
Best Prices Today: Acer Swift Go 14
$999.99
The Acer Swift Go 14 isn’t an extravagant laptop computer however, because the saying goes, it’s what inside that counts.
This reasonably priced mid-range machine packs Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 155H processor (aka Meteor Lake), which pairs a formidable core depend alongside improved Intel Arc built-in graphics. This new processor, which is made up of separate silicone tiles which have been adhered collectively, is designed to be extra energy environment friendly by offloading duties to the GPU and NPU. It makes for a succesful mid-range laptop computer, although battery life nonetheless fails to impress. Let’s dive proper in.
Looking for extra choices? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops accessible proper now.
Acer Swift Go 14: Specs and options
Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H is the star of this present. It delivers a complete of 16 cores and 22 threads, a formidable depend for any laptop computer offered beneath $1,000. Intel’s built-in graphics is improved, too, leaping from Iris Xe to Intel Arc and gaining 32 further execution items within the course of.
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
- Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc built-in graphics
- Display: 1920×1200 IPS multi-touch show
- Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe stable state drive
- Webcam: 1440p QHD webcam
- Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card reader. 3.5mm audio jack
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Biometrics: Fingerprint reader
- Battery capability: 65 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 8.5 x .58
- Weight: 2.9 kilos
- MSRP: $999.99
The Acer Swift Go 14’s doesn’t skimp elsewhere, both. It has 16GB of RAM, a 1TB stable state drive, a 1440p webcam, and loads of ports. These options come alongside a value lower relative to the prior mannequin: it had an MSRP of $1,099 with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD whereas the brand new mannequin is simply $999.99 for a similar quantity of RAM and a 1TB SSD
Acer Swift Go 14: Design and construct high quality
IDG / Matthew Smith
The Acer Swift Go 14 is a launch platform for Intel’s 14th-gen Core processors, however you wouldn’t know that from trying on the laptop computer. It’s a easy, generic silver slate that lacks something to differentiate it from opponents or earlier Acer laptops. This little doubt contributes to the laptops modest $1,000 MSRP, but it surely’d be good to see somewhat extra aptitude.
Looks may be deceiving, nonetheless, and on this case they masks a well-built machine. The show flexes barely when opened, but it surely’s not extreme, and the chassis’ decrease half feels inflexible. Some laptops, just like the Dell XPS 13 or Apple MacBook Air 13, are much more sturdy, however the Swift Go 14 is on par with mid-range alternate options just like the Asus Vivobook 14X OLED.
The laptop computer’s standing in opposition to opponents improves due to a value lower. Past Swift Go 14 fashions carried an MSRP above $1,000 even for fashions with much less stable state storage, which put the Swift Go 14 uncomfortably near extra luxurious laptops just like the Lenovo Slim Pro 7. The Go 14 I obtained for assessment had an MSRP of simply $999.99 and an entry-level variant with Intel’s Core Ultra 5 125H begins at $799.99.
Acer’s 14-incher ideas the scales at a mere 2.9 kilos—a hair lower than many mid-range 14-inch laptops—and measures simply .58 inches thick. It doesn’t really feel particularly svelte in-hand, maybe on account of its boxy, angular design, but it surely’s sufficiently small to slot in most baggage designed for a 13-inch laptop computer and lightweight sufficient for handy on a regular basis carry to and from an workplace.
Acer Swift Go 14: Keyboard, trackpad
IDG / Matthew Smith
A spacious, centered keyboard stretches throughout the Acer Swift Go 14’s inside. The format is giant and supplies good spacing between alphanumeric keys. Just a few modifier keys, like Shift and Caps Lock, are barely undersized, however no extra so than typical for a 14-inch laptop computer.
Key really feel is a spotlight. The Acer Swift Go 14 stands out from opponents with a crisp, tactile keyboard with a agency and definitive bottoming motion. Key journey is prolonged, too, which makes high-speed contact typing extra snug. It’s a superb expertise total, and one well-suited to customers who bang out a number of hundreds phrases every day.
The numpad is absent, which is typical for a 14-inch laptop computer. Those who need a 14-inch laptop computer with a numpad may take into account Asus’ Vivobook or Zenbook line, each of which disguise a numpad within the touchpad.
Acer’s touchpad is a mixture bag. It’s giant, responsive, and its texture differs from the encircling palmrest. The touchpad can really feel cramped vertically, nonetheless, because it measures a hair greater than 5 inches large however simply 3 inches deep. Just a few 14-inch laptops, just like the Razer Blade 14 and Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED, pack a bigger touchpad in an identical footprint—although to be honest, these laptops are dearer. The Swift Go 14’s touchpad is ok for the value.
Acer Swift Go 14: Display, audio
IDG / Matthew Smith
Acer affords two show choices on the Swift Go 14: a 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen and a 2880×1800 OLED show. I obtained the previous, which is a disgrace, because the IPS show underperforms the OLED alternate options now frequent in mid-range and high-end Windows laptops.
Contrast is the large situation. The 1920×1200 show performs properly for IPS with a most measured distinction of 1500:1, however that’s far wanting OLED’s near-infinite distinction. I instantly seen the distinction in darker content material, because the Swift Go 14’s display screen can’t show deep, inky scenes with convincing depth and element. Films are likely to look flat and video games with a darker palette like Diablo IV can look murky.
And the IPS show underperforms elsewhere. Its shade gamut is extra slender than OLED opponents and its decision of 1920×1200 clearly underperforms subsequent to a 2880×1800 OLED various. The IPS show additionally lacks the HDR assist accessible with OLED. Brightness is a tad larger than most OLED shows at 408 nits, however solely simply: most OLED laptops have a most SDR brightness between 350 and 400 nits.
The IPS show’s multi-touch display screen does present one benefit over the laptop computer’s OLED variant. It’s not a lot of a bonus, although, because the Swift Go 14 isn’t a 2-in-1 and doesn’t fold, twist, or detach for pill use.
All of this seems to be dangerous for the Swift Go 14, but it surely’s mitigated by the accessible OLED variant. The OLED mannequin with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H carries an equivalent $999.99 MSRP. It additionally equips equivalent reminiscence and storage (16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB stable state drive). While I didn’t have the possibility to check the OLED panel within the Acer Swift Go 14, I reviewed a Swift Go 14 with an OLED panel earlier this year and located it to be the laptop computer’s standout characteristic. I like to recommend the OLED mannequin until you want a touchscreen.
Audio efficiency, alternatively, is similar for all Swift Go 14 fashions—and it’s not nice. The built-in audio system have ample quantity however endure a harsh, metallic presentation that turns into grating after a couple of minutes. External audio system or headphones are really helpful when utilizing the laptop computer.
Acer Swift Go 14: Webcam, microphone, biometrics
A 1440p webcam hides within the Acer Swift Go 14’s slim high bezel. It supplies a pointy, crisp, clear picture with good shade copy and well-tuned publicity. The picture will look grainy in dim lighting, however no extra so than different webcams. I additionally don’t just like the webcam’s viewing angle, which is large, however that’s simple to repair in software program and the webcam’s 1440p decision makes it doable to crop the picture whereas sustaining sharpness.
Microphone high quality can be stable with good quantity and crisp, clear presentation that ought to assist colleagues and associates perceive you on a video name. Noise cancellation is modest, although, so background noise might creep in.
A fingerprint reader on the Swift Go 14’s energy button supplies biometric authentication. It works properly although, like all fingerprint readers, it turns into unreliable in case your finger is even barely damp or soiled. Facial recognition login isn’t supported.
Acer Swift Go 14: Connectivity
IDG / Matthew Smith
A pair of USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and USB Power Delivery line the Acer Swift Go 14’s left flank. They’re joined by two further USB-A ports (one on either side), HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio, and a microSD card reader.
That’s extra ports than you’ll discover on many laptops offered in 2023. Asus’ Zenbook 14 OLED has one much less USB-A port, whereas Dell’s entry-level XPS 13 lacks USB-A. I admire Acer’s determination to retain a wholesome collection of connectivity, and I believe most homeowners gained’t really feel a necessity to make use of a dongle or adapter (until they need a wired Ethernet jack, which isn’t included).
Wireless connectivity is simply as sturdy. It consists of Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E, which is the most recent Wi-Fi commonplace. Both connections proved robust in my testing and the laptop computer’s Wi-Fi vary was spectacular, delivering usable Wi-Fi speeds even in my indifferent workplace (which is greater than 50 ft, and a number of other partitions, away from a router).
Acer Swift Go 14: Performance
The Acer Swift Go 14 is a part of the primary volley of laptops to hit retailer cabinets with Intel’s new 14th-gen Core processors which, on this laptop computer, is represented by the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. It has six efficiency cores, eight environment friendly cores, and two “low-power” cores. That’s a complete of 16 cores and 22 threads. The most Turbo Boost is 4.8GHz. Acer pairs the Core Ultra 7 155H with 16GB of LPDDR5 reminiscence and a 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe stable state drive.
IDG / Matthew Smith
PCMark 10 leads with a wholesome rating of 6,362. This is a holistic system benchmark, which implies it’s impacted by reminiscence, storage, and graphics efficiency. That’s why the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i, which has an RTX 4050, exceeds the pack. The Swift Go 14 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155h beats the mannequin with an Intel Core i7-13700H by a pair hundred factors.
IDG / Matthew Smith
Next up is Cinebench R20, a closely multithreaded, short-duration check. Here the Swift Go 14 manages a rating of 4,943, which places the system forward of some equally priced laptops just like the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED.
I needed to substitute the older Acer Swift Go 16 with the Intel Core i7-13700H on this graph and it lands forward of the brand new Core Ultra 7 155H. That goes to point out how further thermal headroom can overcome the advantages of newer silicon. Still, the Swift Go 14’s efficiency on this benchmark is stable for a modestly priced 14-inch machine.
IDG / Matthew Smith
Handbrake is a closely multithread, long-duration check, and it doesn’t paint the Swift Go 14 or Core Ultra 7 155H in the perfect gentle. The new laptop computer scores barely behind the older machine with Intel Core i7-13700H processor.
With that mentioned, the Swift Go 14 is the second-quickest laptop computer on this subject of smaller, extra transportable laptops, which is nice information for its total efficiency worth. You can discover a sooner laptop computer, but it surely’s prone to be bigger or dearer.
IDG / Matthew Smith
The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H’s built-in graphics answer is price no less than as a lot consideration as its CPU core depend and clock speeds. It ditches the older Intel Iris Xe {hardware} for an Intel Arc built-in graphics answer with 128 execution items (up from 96 in Iris Xe’s high Thirteenth-gen Core configuration).
3DMark Time Spy makes the advance plain. Acer’s Swift Go 14 was propelled to a rating of three,465, a end result that beats the previous Swift Go 14 with Intel Xe graphics by roughly 1,500 factors. In truth, it’s simply 500 factors behind some laptops with Nvidia’s RTX 3050.
Gamers shouldn’t get too excited, although. Arc built-in graphics delivered much less spectacular ends in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which averaged 33 frames per second at 1080p and low element. Cyberpunk 2077, in the meantime, achieved a median of 41 FPS at 720p and the Low element preset. Most 3D video games are playable on the Acer Swift Go 14, however demanding titles require vital cuts to texture high quality and, in some instances, decision.
So, what’s the decision on Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H (and the Swift Go 14)? It’s good, particularly for a laptop computer on this value vary, but it surely doesn’t essentially change what you possibly can anticipate from a conveyable mid-range laptop computer. Home workplace productiveness isn’t an issue, content material creation is feasible, and older 3D video games ought to run with out situation (as long as Arc’s drivers don’t journey you up). But these seeking to deal with heavier duties like 4K video enhancing or AAA video games, might want to purchase a dearer, extra succesful machine.
Acer Swift Go 14: Battery life
The new Acer Swift Go 14 with Intel Core Ultra 155H has the identical 65-watt hour battery discovered within the prior Swift Go 14 with a Core i7-13700H processor. That supplies a fantastic alternative to immediately evaluate the battery lifetime of Intel’s new silicon.
IDG / Matthew Smith
There’s excellent news and dangerous information. Intel’s Core 7 Ultra 155H does appear to be extra environment friendly, as the brand new Swift Go 14 endures our battery check (which loops a 4K file of the brief movie Tears of Steel) for practically a half-hour longer than the older mannequin with Core i7-13700H processor.
It’s nonetheless not a fantastic end result, although, and falls behind different laptops. The Swift Go 14 can endure a full eight-hour workday, however solely in much less demanding workloads. Those who run demanding functions might want to hold an in depth eye on battery life gauge.
The Swift Go 14 ships with a 100-watt USB-C energy brick that’s a bit bigger than the 95-watt or 65-watt energy bricks discovered alongside alternate options just like the Dell XPS 13 and Asus Vivobook 14X OLED. I used to be interested by what this meant for Core Ultra 7 155H’s energy draw, so I hooked it as much as a Kill-A-Watt meter and noticed energy draw whereas working Cinebench R20. I discovered the laptop computer initially consumed roughly 90 watts of energy earlier than dropping again to about 52 watts.
Acer Swift Go 14: Should you purchase it?
The Acer Swift Go 14 with Intel Core Ultra 7 155H is a reliable and well-rounded laptop computer offered at an reasonably priced value. Its boring design is made up for with robust connectivity, a pleasing keyboard, and helpful extras like a 1440p webcam. Intel’s 14th-gen processor doesn’t significantly outperform the Thirteenth-gen {hardware} however stays robust in multicore exams and comes paired with improved built-in graphics, although battery life stays an issue. The Go 14’s total efficiency, alongside a value lower from Acer, makes it a good selection for these seeking to purchase a conveyable but speedy laptop computer at a sub-$1,000 value.
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