What to know
- In the world of budget-friendly laptops, the Acer Swift 3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 stand out as two of the most popular options.
- Both devices are available with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, but the Swift 3 has the advantage of offering up to 16GB of RAM, while the Surface Laptop Go 2 is limited to 8GB.
- The Acer Swift 3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both available at a wide range of prices, depending on the configuration.
In the world of budget-friendly laptops, the Acer Swift 3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 stand out as two of the most popular options. Both devices offer a great combination of performance, portability, and affordability, making them ideal for students, professionals, and anyone on a tight budget. But which one is right for you? In this detailed comparison, we’ll dive into the key differences between the Acer Swift 3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Acer Swift 3 is known for its sleek and stylish design, featuring a thin and lightweight profile. It’s made from a combination of aluminum and magnesium alloys, which gives it a premium feel while maintaining durability. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, on the other hand, has a more traditional clamshell design with a slightly thicker profile. It’s made from polycarbonate, which is a lightweight and durable material but doesn’t feel as premium as the Swift 3’s metal construction.
Display
Both the Acer Swift 3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 come with 12.4-inch displays, but there are some key differences. The Swift 3 has a higher resolution IPS panel (2560 x 1600) with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical screen space for productivity tasks. The Surface Laptop Go 2 has a lower resolution IPS panel (1536 x 1024) with a 3:2 aspect ratio, but it supports touchscreen functionality. If you need a higher resolution display for detailed work or prefer a touchscreen, the Swift 3 would be a better choice.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Acer Swift 3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 offer comparable options. Both devices are available with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, but the Swift 3 has the advantage of offering up to 16GB of RAM, while the Surface Laptop Go 2 is limited to 8GB. This extra RAM can provide a noticeable performance boost for multitasking and demanding applications. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the Surface Laptop Go 2 with 8GB of RAM will still provide adequate performance for most tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any laptop, and both the Acer Swift 3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 offer impressive endurance. The Swift 3 has a slightly larger battery capacity (56 Wh vs. 46.5 Wh), but the Surface Laptop Go 2 is more power-efficient. In real-world usage, both devices can last for around 10-12 hours on a single charge, making them suitable for a full day’s work or study.
Ports and Connectivity
The Acer Swift 3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 offer a similar range of ports and connectivity options. Both devices have two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack. The Swift 3 has the advantage of including an HDMI port, which allows you to connect to external monitors or projectors. The Surface Laptop Go 2, on the other hand, has a built-in microSD card reader, which can be convenient for expanding storage.
Operating System
The Acer Swift 3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 come pre-installed with different operating systems. The Swift 3 runs Windows 11 Home, while the Surface Laptop Go 2 runs Windows 11 S Mode. Windows 11 Home is the full version of the operating system, giving you access to all the features and functionality. Windows 11 S Mode is a more streamlined version that focuses on security and performance. It only allows you to install apps from the Microsoft Store, but you can switch to Windows 11 Home for free if you want more flexibility.
Price and Availability
The Acer Swift 3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both available at a wide range of prices, depending on the configuration. The base model Swift 3 with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD starts at around $700. The base model Surface Laptop Go 2 with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD starts at around $600. Both devices are widely available from retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Microsoft Store.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Acer Swift 3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both excellent budget-friendly laptops, but each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. If you need a laptop with a higher resolution display, more RAM, and an HDMI port, the Acer Swift 3 is the better choice. If you prefer a touchscreen, a more compact design, and a lower price, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is a solid option. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Popular Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Acer Swift 3 has a higher resolution display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, while the Surface Laptop Go 2 has a touchscreen.
Q: Which laptop has better performance?
A: The Acer Swift 3 offers up to 16GB of RAM, while the Surface Laptop Go 2 is limited to 8GB.
Q: Which laptop has longer battery life?
A: Both laptops offer similar battery life, with around 10-12 hours on a single charge.
Q: Which laptop has more ports?
A: The Acer Swift 3 has an HDMI port, while the Surface Laptop Go 2 has a microSD card reader.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The Surface Laptop Go 2 starts at a lower price than the Acer Swift 3, but the Swift 3 offers more value for the money with its higher resolution display and more RAM.