Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 review
The Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 ranks as the #567 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 69. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #179-ranked features among 777 laptops. Consider the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus or Samsung Galaxy Book Flex Alpha, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is a solid mid-premium option in the Chromebook market. With its 14in convertible display, 13th gen Intel Core i5 processor, and 16GB of RAM, this device feels premium in hand. The keyboard deck is nicely laid out, with upward firing speakers and an optional fingerprint reader. The touch display is bright and colors are accurate, covering 100% of the sRGB color space. While it may not be the most powerful or advanced Chromebook on the market, its price point makes it a compelling option for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich device.
Build
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 boasts a sturdy build with a slightly darker gray "iron" color that feels premium in the hand. The lid is made to resemble aluminum, while the rest of the chassis is plastic, but still rigid and well-constructed. Rounded corners add a touch of elegance, making it comfortable to hold. Weighing in at a reasonable amount, this Chromebook's build quality is its strongest feature, exuding a sense of durability and longevity that's hard to find in its competitors. A better alternative might be Acer Chromebook Spin 314, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 boasts a 14in display with a 16x10 aspect ratio, resulting in a slightly taller screen. The IPS display has a claimed brightness level of 340 nits and covers 100% of the sRGB color space, ensuring accurate colors. The touchscreen is decent to use, and the display is coated in Gorilla Glass for protection. The bezel appearance is not too shabby, with Acer claiming an impressive 80% screen-to-body ratio. Overall, the display is a highlight of this Chromebook, offering a good balance of brightness, color accuracy, and portability. You may find Acer TravelMate P6 a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 boasts a robust performance thanks to its 13th gen Intel Core i5 processor. With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 256GB SSD, this mid-premium range Chromebook is well-equipped for demanding tasks. The device's ability to multitask seamlessly and handle demanding applications like Real Racing 3 with ease, suggests that it will meet the needs of most users. Overall, the Spin 514 delivers solid performance, making it an excellent option for those seeking a reliable and efficient Chromebook experience. If you’re after a better performance, Acer Swift 3x could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 boasts impressive specs, but what about its battery life? I'm happy to report that this mid-premium range laptop delivers a solid performance. The 13th gen Intel Core i5 processor paired with 16GB of RAM ensures seamless multitasking. As for charging, the Chromebook's USB-C ports support fast charging, making it easy to top up on-the-go.
Connectivity
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 offers robust connectivity options. It features two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a headphone/microphone combo jack, and a physical power button with an LED indicator. On the right side, you'll find a volume rocker, full-size USB-A port, HDMI 1.4B connection, and Kensington Nano security slot. Wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E, making it ideal for both work and entertainment needs. For an improved connectivity, Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is worth considering.
Features
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 boasts impressive features. It's a mid-premium range convertible laptop with a 14in display, 16GB RAM, and a 13th gen Intel Core i5 processor. It has two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and an HDMI connection, along with Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. The keyboard is backlit, and the trackpad is large and smooth. You might want to check out Acer TravelMate P6, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 offers decent support, with updates to Chrome OS available all the way through to June 2032. This ensures users receive timely security patches and feature enhancements. Additionally, the device's maintenance is simplified, as it features a removable SSD for easy storage upgrades.
Pros
1. It's one of the highest spec Chromebook Plus models I've shown on the channel.
2. It feels like the lid is aluminum with plastic for the rest of the chassis, but certainly feeling very rigid, very premium in the hand.
3. The rounded corners on all edges are really nice to handle.
4. The keyboard deck is nicely laid out and looking very similar again to that Spin 714.
5. The touch display is looking great on first impression. It's 14 in. It's coated in Gorilla Glass. And it's a WXGA resolution, so that's 1920 x 1200.
6. It covers 100% of the sRGB color space, so colors should look really accurate.
Cons
1. The Chromebook Plus Spin 514 sits below the more premium Chromebook plus Spin 714.
2. The available specs and prices are not fully disclosed until later in the video.
3. It's not clear if it feels too heavy for what it is.
4. There's no mention of a pen option with this model, unlike the Spin 714.
5. Availability in the UK is looking a little low.
6. Some configurations have less storage (128 gig universal flash storage).
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