Acer’s new Swift X 16 laptop isn’t as affordable as it looks

Acer has launched an updated version of its Swift X 16, and the laptop’s stacked spec sheet suggests it will be a force to be reckoned with.

With the option for AMD’s latest Ryzen 9 7940H, an Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, and a 120Hz 3.2K OLED display, this is one of the most premium 16-inch laptops out there.

This usually results in a high price tag, but that’s not necessarily the case here. While you’ll pay at least €1,566 in Europe, buyers in the US can expect a much more affordable price of $1,249.99. So what’s the problem ?

It turns out that none of the specs mentioned above make it the cheapest model. It features the Ryzen 5 7535H, last year’s RTX 3050, and a lower quality LCD (2560×1600). That’s a big step up, even if you keep at least the 120Hz refresh rate and 16GB of RAM.

So while Acer claims the Swift X 16 can “handle the most graphically demanding creative applications”, that might not extend to the more affordable configurations. But even the RTX 3050 is a big step up from the usual integrated graphics, making it a solid option for creators.

Internal storage varies widely between models, but even the base model’s 512GB SSD will be fine for most people. Considering the availability of cloud storage services, you probably won’t need 2TB.

Other features of note include a 76 Wh battery, 1080p webcam, and advanced cooling system. At 17.9mm and 1.9kg it’s not particularly thin or light, but that means there’s room for a decent selection of ports: two USB-C, two USB-A, HDMI , a 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD card slot.

As you’d expect, the Swift X 16 also runs Windows 11. There’s no infrared sensor for Windows Hello face unlock, but you can use the fingerprint sensor instead.

The device will be available in Europe in June, before arriving in North America in July. UK prices are yet to be confirmed.

If you’re not a fan of Windows devices, Acer has also updated its Chromebook offering with the Spin 714, starting at $699.99 when it arrives in the US next month.

As the name suggests, this is a convertible device, with the 14-inch Full HD+ (1920×1200) touchscreen rotating 360°. Unlike many cheaper Chromebooks, you also get full Intel Core processors from the last 13^e-gen, although the U-series chips here aren’t the most powerful.

However, the big appeal of the Spin 714 is its video calling features. The built-in webcam has been upgraded to a 2K QHD sensor, making it higher quality than the vast majority of laptops. Besides the two microphones and two specially tuned speakers to deliver deeper bass, the audiovisual experience should be one of the best.

These are just two of the many laptops Acer launched at its global press conference. There are also several new TravelMate business laptops and Predator gaming machines, as well as two new additions to the durability-focused Aspire Vero line.

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