Acer Aspire 7 review
The Acer Acer Aspire 7 ranks as the #605 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 68. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #12-ranked features among 777 laptops. Consider the Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 or Acer Swift 3x, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Aspire 7 is a decent laptop with great performance, manageable thermals, and a customizable spec sheet. However, its utilitarian design language doesn't quite match the sleekness of competitors. A subpar trackpad, lackluster webcam, and disappointing display (especially in low-light settings) are notable drawbacks. Additionally, the RTX 3050 GPU can struggle with more graphically intensive games due to limited vRAM. Considering its $900 price point, this laptop ranges from mid-range to high-end, but compromises are evident. It's a great option for those seeking strong performance, but not ideal for color-sensitive activities or those requiring higher-end specs and pricing. Overall, the Aspire 7 delivers on its promise of a high-end mid-range experience, but with some notable trade-offs.
Build
The Acer Aspire 7's build is a mixed bag. The utilitarian design language may appeal to some, but it doesn't exactly exude sleekness compared to its peers. The chunky dimensions do pay off in terms of thermals, with the laptop managing temperatures well even under heavy loads. However, the trade-off is increased noise levels and a less-than-ideal weight distribution. The 15-inch form factor feels compact despite the bulkiness, but the overall build quality feels somewhat unrefined. A more premium feel would elevate this laptop to true mid-range status, but as it stands, the Aspire 7's build is adequate rather than exceptional. You might prefer Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel, designed with an upgraded build for a better experience.
Display
The Acer Aspire 7's display is a mixed bag. In the Canadian variant, you get a 1920x1080p IPS panel with a 144hz refresh rate, but a peak brightness of just 250 nits, which may not be sufficient for outdoor use or bright environments. The color gamut rating is also subpar at around 57% sRGB, a compromise made to achieve the high refresh rate. However, some variations come with a 60hz display that boasts a 100% sRGB rating. This inconsistency and low peak brightness make it difficult to recommend this laptop for users who require accurate color representation or use their device outdoors. For a superior display, Acer TravelMate X5 could be the right choice.
Performance
The Acer Aspire 7 delivers decent performance, thanks to its mid-range Intel processor. It easily handles day-to-day activities like web browsing and word processing, while moderate to high-intensity tasks such as photo editing and programming are also smooth. The laptop can even handle multi-layer 4K video editing with occasional frame drops. However, the 16GB of RAM limits performance in demanding applications. Gaming-wise, the RTX 3050 GPU provides a comfortable experience, but it may struggle with graphically intensive games due to limited VRAM. A better alternative might be Acer Swift 5, featuring a next-level performance.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Aspire 7's battery life is average, lasting around 7.5 hours with low to medium intensity activities. However, gaming reduces this time to 1-2 hours. The charging port is convenient, with a 3-cell 50Wh battery that takes around an hour and a half to fully charge from empty. A USB-C port is also included for fast charging, which can replenish the battery up to 80% in just 30 minutes. Overall, while not exceptional, the Acer Aspire 7's battery life is sufficient for everyday use.
Connectivity
The Acer Aspire 7 features a solid selection of I/O ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an Ethernet port. However, the lackluster trackpad and subpar webcam are notable drawbacks. The display's 250 nits of peak brightness is also disappointing, especially considering some variations may have better color accuracy. If you’re after a better connectivity, Acer Swift X could be the ideal option.
Features
The Acer Aspire 7 features a utilitarian design with decent performance numbers, manageable thermals, and a great keyboard. It also boasts a 144Hz IPS display with wide viewing angles, but limited brightness (250 nits) and varying color accuracy. The laptop has a good selection of IO ports, including a dedicated GPU and customizable specs. Acer TravelMate Spin P6 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded features.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Aspire 7 offers decent performance with Intel's mid-range processors and dedicated GPU, but compromises are evident in the design language, trackpad, webcam, and speaker system. The display varies significantly by region, with some models having a peak brightness of just 250 nits. Support and maintenance may be a concern for users who need assistance or repairs.
Pros
1. You have a very utilitarian body here in terms of design language but it doesn't necessarily look as Sleek as the competition
2. Performance numbers as a result of this design are actually quite nice
3. Thermals are very manageable
4. The keyboard here is decent as well
5. You also have a great selection of i/o ports
6. This laptop kind of makes obvious compromises so you know exactly what you're getting with this laptop
7. If you are someone who just wants a laptop that has great performance and great customizable specs, I definitely think the Aspire 7 is a great option
Cons
1. The miserable trackpad is a notable issue
2. The subpar webcam is another drawback
3. The speaker system is lackluster
4. The display varies a lot depending on which region you're in
5. Having 250 nits of peak brightness is just disappointing
6. The limited 16GB of RAM can cause occasional frame drops
7. Gaming performance may not be up to par due to the limited 4GB of vram
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