Key points
- It is available with a choice of AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 processors, leaving many users wondering which option offers the best performance and value.
- In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the Acer Swift 3 Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 variants in terms of key specifications, performance, and features.
- Both the Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 variants have a sleek and modern design with a brushed metal finish.
The Acer Swift 3 is a popular ultrabook known for its slim profile, lightweight design, and affordable price. It is available with a choice of AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 processors, leaving many users wondering which option offers the best performance and value. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the Acer Swift 3 Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 variants in terms of key specifications, performance, and features.
Performance: Ryzen 5 vs Intel i5
The AMD Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 processors are both mid-range options that offer solid performance for everyday tasks and light productivity. However, there are some key differences in their architecture and performance capabilities.
- Ryzen 5: The Ryzen 5 5500U is a 6-core, 12-thread processor with a base clock speed of 2.1 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.0 GHz. It features AMD’s Zen 2 architecture, which offers improved power efficiency and multi-threaded performance.
- Intel i5: The Intel i5-1135G7 is a 4-core, 8-thread processor with a base clock speed of 2.4 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.2 GHz. It is based on Intel’s Tiger Lake architecture, which provides better single-threaded performance and integrated graphics capabilities.
In terms of overall performance, the Ryzen 5 5500U and the Intel i5-1135G7 are quite comparable. The Ryzen 5 offers slightly better multi-threaded performance, while the Intel i5 excels in single-threaded tasks. For most users, the performance difference between the two processors will be negligible.
Graphics: Radeon vs Iris Xe
Both the Acer Swift 3 Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 variants come with integrated graphics. However, the graphics capabilities of these processors vary significantly.
- Ryzen 5: The Ryzen 5 5500U features the Radeon Graphics integrated GPU, which offers 7 compute units and a clock speed of up to 1.8 GHz. It provides basic graphics performance suitable for light gaming and video playback.
- Intel i5: The Intel i5-1135G7 comes with the Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 integrated GPU, which offers 80 execution units and a clock speed of up to 1.3 GHz. It provides better graphics performance than the Radeon Graphics and is capable of handling more demanding games and graphics applications.
Battery Life: Ryzen 5 vs Intel i5
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an ultrabook. The Acer Swift 3 with Ryzen 5 typically offers longer battery life than the Intel i5 variant. This is mainly due to the Ryzen 5’s more efficient architecture and lower power consumption.
In real-world usage, the Acer Swift 3 Ryzen 5 can provide up to 12 hours of battery life, while the Intel i5 variant can last for around 8-10 hours. This difference is significant, especially for users who need extended battery life for on-the-go productivity.
Features: Ports and Connectivity
The Acer Swift 3 Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 variants offer a similar set of ports and connectivity options. Both models feature:
- 1x USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
- 1x HDMI port
- 1x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
Display: Resolution and Color Accuracy
The Acer Swift 3 comes with a 14-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The display quality is comparable between the Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 variants. Both models offer good color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
Build Quality and Design
The Acer Swift 3 is known for its slim and lightweight design. It measures just 0.63 inches thick and weighs around 2.65 pounds. Both the Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 variants have a sleek and modern design with a brushed metal finish.
Price and Availability
The Acer Swift 3 Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 variants are available at a similar price range. The Ryzen 5 variant typically sells for slightly less than the Intel i5 variant. The availability of both models may vary depending on region and retailer.
Wrap-Up: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between the Acer Swift 3 Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 variants depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize multi-threaded performance, longer battery life, and a more affordable price, the Ryzen 5 variant is a solid choice. If you need better single-threaded performance, improved graphics capabilities, and a more premium design, the Intel i5 variant is a better option.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which processor is better for gaming, Ryzen 5 or Intel i5?
A: The Intel i5 with its better integrated graphics capabilities is generally better for gaming, but both processors can handle light gaming.
Q: Does the Acer Swift 3 have a backlit keyboard?
A: Yes, both the Ryzen 5 and Intel i5 variants of the Acer Swift 3 feature a backlit keyboard.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the Acer Swift 3?
A: Yes, both the RAM and storage on the Acer Swift 3 are upgradeable. However, the upgrade process may require some technical knowledge and experience.