Acer Swift 3 (Intel) review: Better display and features, less performance compared to AMD version

Acer's refreshed Swift 3, announced at CES 2020, is split into two models. The AMD version (SF314-42), which I already reviewed, has a 14-inch display with standard 16:9 aspect ratio, while the Intel version (SF313-52) that I've been using for the past week has a 13.5-inch display with 3:2 aspect ratio. Aside from performance and some feature differences between Intel and Ryzen, the former laptop has a different design to accommodate the screen size and is part of Intel's "Project Athena" certification that ensures certain measures like long battery life and Instant On. Let's take a look at how it fares in a competitive market and how it stacks up against a bunch of other laptops we've recently reviewed.

The Acer Swift 3 (Intel) is a solid budget laptop, and with Black Friday coming up in the near future you might be able to find a discount. We've seen introductory models go as low as about $770 when not on sale, so be sure you're getting actually getting a good deal when the big sale arrives. The AMD version of the laptop is also generally more affordable, so don't forget to check out both versions of the PC.

Acer Swift 3 at a glance

Acer supplied Windows Central with a review unit of the Intel-based Swift 3 (exact serial SF313-52-78W6). Compared to the AMD variant that we also recently reviewed, the Intel version has a display with boxier 3:2 aspect ratio, a larger touchpad, Thunderbolt 3, different overall dimensions, and, of course, some different internal hardware.

This exact review model has inside a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor (CPU), 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, a 512GB M.2 PCIe solid-state drive (SSD), and a 13.5-inch non-touch display with a 2256x1504 resolution. The exact configuration is available at Costco for about $1,100. For a better deal, you can get an otherwise similar laptop with an upgraded 1TB SSD for about $1,066. That's considerably more than the AMD version that we reviewed with Ryzen 7 4700U CPU, 8GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and 1080p display with 16:9 aspect ratio, which costs about $680.

A lower-end version of the Intel model, complete with 10th Gen Core i5-1035G4 CPU, 8GB of RAM, 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD, and 2256x1504 resolution display costs closer to about $800.

Here's a closer look at what makes up the review model of the Acer Swift 3 (SF313-52-78W6).

Thunderbolt 3 and Wi-Fi 6

Acer Swift 3 design and features

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The Intel version of the Swift 3 has different dimensions than the AMD version, mostly due to the taller display with 3:2 aspect ratio. It's deeper at 9.2 inches (233.68mm) compared to 8.6 inches (218.4mm), but it's also not as wide at 11.9 inches (302.25mm) compared to 12.7 inches (322.6mm). As for thickness, the Intel Swift 3 wins: it measures 0.63 inches (16mm) compared to 0.71 inches (18mm). Weight is the same on both laptops.

The magnesium alloy chassis helps keep weight down, and there's really not much flex at all in the main chassis. The lid with plastic bezel around the display flexes a bit more, but nothing out of the ordinary. The same single wide hinge with Swift stamped in the middle allows the screen to sit back a full 180 degrees. Inside the hinge well are two exhaust vents, though one is not in operation. The bottom of the laptop has double intake vents that run almost from side to side.

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Due to the narrower build, the keyboard — which is set down into the chassis — gets closer to stretching from edge to edge. Its keys have deep travel and a soft landing, allowing for comfortable typing. However, it's using the small chiclet shape that's starting to look a bit outdated. I found typing to be mostly pleasant; just expect a bit of a transition coming from a keyboard with larger keys. It's mostly notable on the Shift, Enter, Tab, and Backspace keys. One other small annoyance is the white backlight with silver finish. Unless you're working in a truly dark situation, the light obfuscates the lettering on the keys.

Thanks to a deeper body, the Precision touchpad has been blown up to a relatively huge size. It's smooth, it tracks well, and though the click is a bit clunky it helps contribute to an overall satisfying experience for anyone who focuses on daily productivity work. Students, home office workers, or just casual users shouldn't mind what the Swift 3 has to offer in terms of input.

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Ports are the same here as on the AMD Swift 3, save for the USB-C port being upgraded to Thunderbolt 3 for more powerful docking station options. The right side of the laptop includes USB-A 2.0, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a Kensington lock slot, while the left side has the Thunderbolt 3, USB-A 3.1, HDMI, and a small barrel charging port. The laptop can also be charged with the Thunderbolt 3 port for extra convenience, though it comes with an AC adapter with barrel end. Along with the Kensington lock slot, a fingerprint reader adds to security. It works with Windows Hello for quick, convenient logins, and I had no issues using it.

Above the display is a 720p webcam. Nothing special here, but it will get the job done if you're video conferencing. A third-party webcam is always an alternative if you need a high-end camera. Dual down-firing speakers are located along the wedged front underside of the laptop. They don't get particularly loud, but they do offer clear audio. Bass could be better. An Intel AX201 wireless chip is included for speedy Wi-Fi 6 internet.

3:2 aspect ratio

Acer Swift 3 display

Perhaps the biggest and best difference between the two Swift 3 laptops is the Intel version's 3:2 aspect ratio and boosted resolution. It's technically sized a bit smaller at 13.5 inches (compared to 14 inches), but it's taller to display more content. That's an 83.65% screen-to-body ratio, with relatively slim bezel along the top and sides. It's not going to contend with a premium device like the XPS 13 9300 in terms of razor-thin bezel, but what it has doesn't make the laptop look cheap.

The different aspect ratio calls for a non-standard 2256x1504 resolution, which Acer is calling 2K. It provides a noticeably clearer picture compared to 1080p, and its color and brightness are both also much better than in the AMD version. Measuring with a DataColor SpyderX Pro colorimeter, I got back 100% sRGB, 78% AdobeRGB, and 81% DCI-P3. The display also managed to hit 457.8 nits brightness. That's downplayed a bit due to the glossy display -- matte would be better, especially since there's no touch function -- but it's still bright enough to handle most scenarios unless you're working outdoors or in direct sunlight.

Overall this is a big step up for the Swift 3, and it's a shame this display wasn't used for the AMD version as well. The color, contrast, brightness, and aspect ratio with AMD Ryzen's performance would make for a very enticing laptop.

Exceptional battery life

Acer Swift 3 performance and battery

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Testing battery life with PCMark 10's Modern Office rundown, I set screen brightness to 50% and the Windows 10 power mode to "Better Performance." The screen is bright enough at this point to combat most glare (unless you're outdoors or in direct light). The Swift 3 hit 12 hours and 12 minutes in this test, which is quite impressive. Using the laptop regularly, I was able to get through a full workday without needing a recharge. Fast recharge is also available, allowing you to get most of a charge in less than an hour.

This excellent battery life is part of Intel's Project Athena certification. The laptop also includes nifty features like Wake on Voice (through Cortana) and Instant On. Indeed, opening the lid on this laptop has the login screen ready to go immediately.

Performance all feels snappy, and with the Core i7 CPU and 16GB of RAM, I was able to handle a daily workload, including word processing, heavy web browsing, editing with Photoshop, and multiple messaging apps. A Core i5 CPU with 8GB of RAM will be less cut out for light specialized work like editing, but it'll still handle everything else.

I ran some synthetic benchmarks to see how the laptop measures up against other hardware we've recently reviewed.

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Intel's CPUs deliver strong single-core performance compared to AMD Ryzen, though multi-core scores generally don't match up due to fewer cores. Even then, the Core i7-1065G7 in the Swift 3 tested low in the multi-core Geekbench 5 benchmark, somewhere closer to a Core i5. I also used the OpenCL benchmark to test integrated graphics performance. Intel Iris Plus scored 4,598, whereas Vega 7 integrated graphics with the Ryzen 7 CPU scored 12,008 on the same test.

PCMark

PCMark 10

It seems like this score could be higher, as it measures how well a PC's hardware works together to perform common office work. With 16GB of RAM, a PCIe SSD, and Core i7 CPU, a score closer to 4,500 is expected.

Cinebench

Cinebench (R20) (Higher is better)

Running the Cinebench R20 render test multiple times in a row can show how well a laptop deals with heat and thermal throttling. No issues here despite the single fan and heat pipe.

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

A mid-range Kingston M.2 PCIe SSD makes an appearance here. It could certainly be faster, but it gets the job done in relation to other internal hardware. If need be, you can always perform a DIY upgrade after purchase.

Rare aspect ratio

Acer Swift 3 compared to the competition

We get to test some of the best Windows laptop options on the market today, and the Swift 3 isn't without some strong competition.

The AMD version of the Swift 3 understandably comes to mind, especially for anyone who doesn't mind trading a less impressive display for better performance. It has a more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, less color, and not as much brightness. Plus, it doesn't have Thunderbolt 3 or some of the Project Athena refinements. However, you can get a model with AMD Ryzen 7 4700U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD for only about $680. That's more than $100 less than the introductory Intel model.

If you like the idea of AMD hardware but need a dedicated GPU, the ASUS Zenbook 14 might be to your liking. For about $662 you can get a Ryzen 5 4500U CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a NVIDIA MX350 discrete graphics card (GPU). The 14-inch display has a 16:9 aspect ratio with FHD resolution.

Stepping things up, the 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 should make a great choice if you love the 3:2 aspect ratio. It received the Windows Central Best Award for its gorgeous design, comfortable keyboard and touchpad, and outstanding touch display. Models with a 10th Gen Core i5-1035G7 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD start at about $1,000.

Finally, the HP ENVY x360 13 is a great option if you're in search of a convertible laptop in the same price range. Executive Editor Daniel Rubino gave it a Windows Central Best Award in his review, stating superb quality, outstanding value, above-average touch display (with 16:9 aspect ratio), and excellent performance from AMD Ryzen 4000 CPU options. This is a budget laptop that looks like a premium laptop; a model with Ryzen 7 4700U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD (pen for inking is also included) costs about $820.

Lots of positives

Should you buy the Acer Swift 3?

Who it's for

• Those who need a display with 3:2 aspect ratio
• Those who prefer Intel over AMD
• Those who need long battery life
• Those who don't want to spend more than $1,100

Who it isn't for

• Those who prefer AMD Ryzen 4000 performance
• Those who want a convertible laptop with touch display
• Those who want a premium laptop
• Those who want a gaming laptop

After testing and using both the AMD and Intel versions of the Swift 3 over the course of a few weeks, it's clear that both laptops make an argument for purchase. I enjoyed the stellar CPU and integrated GPU performance from the AMD Ryzen 7, but the 16:9 screen was a total letdown due to poor brightness and color. If you value power over looks, it's probably the right option for you.

Conversely, the Intel version's "Ice Lake" CPUs don't match raw processing or graphics power compared to Ryzen. Still, it does have better battery life, Instant On, Thunderbolt 3, and a beautiful 3:2 display that looks like it should belong to a laptop that costs a lot more money. Without the display, the Intel-based Swift 3 would be a rather average budget laptop; with the display, it becomes an enticing choice. As long as you're not in search of a laptop with the absolute best CPU performance, with a touch display (especially a convertible), or with a dedicated GPU, the Swift 3 (SF313-52) should be a wise purchase.