At a Glance
- The HP 14s features a sleek and modern design with a thin profile and a lightweight chassis.
- It has a basic webcam, a built-in microphone, and a few basic ports, including a USB-C port, a USB 3.
- The Acer Swift 3, on the other hand, provides better performance, a superior display, and a more comprehensive set of features, albeit at a higher price.
When it comes to budget laptops, the HP 14s and Acer Swift 3 stand out as two of the most popular options. Both offer a balance of features, performance, and affordability, making them ideal for students, professionals, and everyday users. However, choosing between these two laptops can be a tough decision. This comprehensive comparison will dive deep into the specifications, features, and performance of the HP 14s and Acer Swift 3 to help you make an informed choice.
Design and Build Quality
HP 14s: The HP 14s features a sleek and modern design with a thin profile and a lightweight chassis. It comes in a variety of colors, including silver, gold, and blue. The build quality is solid, with a durable plastic construction that feels sturdy.
Acer Swift 3: The Acer Swift 3 is also designed to be portable, with a slim and lightweight design. It has a more angular appearance with sharp edges and a brushed aluminum finish. The build quality is excellent, with a sturdy construction and a premium feel.
Display
HP 14s: The HP 14s comes with a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1366 x 768. The display quality is decent, offering acceptable brightness and contrast levels. However, the viewing angles are limited, especially when viewed from the sides.
Acer Swift 3: The Acer Swift 3 has a 14-inch IPS display with a slightly higher resolution of 1920 x 1080. The display quality is noticeably better than the HP 14s, providing more vivid colors, sharper images, and wider viewing angles.
Performance
HP 14s: The HP 14s is powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, which is a budget-friendly option. It comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage. The performance is adequate for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.
Acer Swift 3: The Acer Swift 3 offers a wider range of performance options. The base model comes with an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage. However, you can also opt for models with more powerful processors, up to an Intel Core i7-1065G7, and more RAM and storage. The performance is significantly better than the HP 14s, allowing for smoother multitasking and handling more demanding applications.
Battery Life
HP 14s: The HP 14s has a 3-cell, 41Wh battery. The battery life is average, lasting around 5-6 hours on a single charge with moderate usage.
Acer Swift 3: The Acer Swift 3 has a larger 4-cell, 56Wh battery. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 8-9 hours on a single charge with moderate usage.
Features
HP 14s: The HP 14s comes with a limited set of features. It has a basic webcam, a built-in microphone, and a few basic ports, including a USB-C port, a USB 3.1 port, and an HDMI port.
Acer Swift 3: The Acer Swift 3 offers a more comprehensive set of features. It has a fingerprint scanner for added security, a wider selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, and HDMI, and a backlit keyboard.
Price
HP 14s: The HP 14s starts at around $250, making it a very budget-friendly option.
Acer Swift 3: The Acer Swift 3 starts at around $500, which is more expensive than the HP 14s. However, it offers better performance, a higher-quality display, and more features.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Laptop for Your Needs
Both the HP 14s and Acer Swift 3 are excellent choices for budget-conscious buyers. The HP 14s offers a low price point with a decent set of features and performance for basic tasks. The Acer Swift 3, on the other hand, provides better performance, a superior display, and a more comprehensive set of features, albeit at a higher price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs, budget, and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Acer Swift 3 has a better display with a higher resolution, wider viewing angles, and more vivid colors.
Q2: Which laptop has longer battery life?
A: The Acer Swift 3 has longer battery life, lasting up to 8-9 hours on a single charge compared to 5-6 hours for the HP 14s.
Q3: Which laptop offers more features?
A: The Acer Swift 3 offers more features, including a fingerprint scanner, backlit keyboard, and a wider selection of ports.