Acer Nitro 14 review
The Acer Acer Nitro 14 ranks as the #434 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 72. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #255-ranked connectivity among 777 laptops. Consider the Acer Aspire 5 Spin 14 or Acer Swift 14 AI, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Nitro 14 is an affordable option for those seeking a solid gaming laptop experience. Priced at $12.99, it offers good performance, cooling, and battery life. The RTX 4060 GPU provides decent frame rates in games, while the Ryzen 7 CPU handles demanding tasks like video editing. However, some compromises were made to hit this price point, such as a lower-brightness display and a plastic lid. While not perfect, the Nitro 14 delivers on its core promises and is a good choice for those who want a capable gaming laptop without breaking the bank.
Build
The Acer Nitro 14's build is a mixed bag. While it's a good price point for a solid experience, some corners were cut to achieve this affordability. The all-plastic lid lacks the premium feel of other laptops in its class, and the extended back with no ports on the back is a missed opportunity. The laptop itself feels heavy at 4.41 lbs, and the top lid is flexible, prone to fingerprints. The hinge is tight, but the keyboard experience is just "okay," with mushy keys and a lack of numeric keypad. Overall, it's a functional build that gets the job done, but doesn't inspire enthusiasm. If you’re after a better build, Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 could be the ideal option.
Display
The display on the Acer Nitro 14 is one area where corners were cut to keep the price down at $12.99. The 1920x1200 IPS screen has a decent color gamut and accuracy, but it doesn't get very bright, making it subpar for outdoor use. While it's fine for gaming and video editing, it won't meet the needs of those who require a super-bright panel. It's also worth noting that the display is not as vibrant or immersive as some other laptops in its class. Overall, while it gets the job done, the display on the Nitro 14 falls short of expectations. Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded display.
Performance
The Acer Nitro 14 delivers impressive performance with its Ryzen 7 CPU and RTX 4060 GPU. It keeps up with laptops featuring an RTX 470, making it suitable for tasks like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. The laptop's 8845 HS processor offers high single-core and multi-core clock speeds, providing seamless execution of demanding applications. The cooling solution is also effective, keeping CPU temps under 80°C during intense use. Overall, the Nitro 14's performance is well-suited for gaming and content creation needs. For an improved performance, Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro is worth considering.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Nitro 14 boasts an impressive 76Wh battery that delivers excellent battery life, with the reviewer achieving 8 hours and 10 minutes in their testing. The laptop's charging capabilities are also noteworthy, with a 230W power brick providing rapid top-ups. While not the most premium offering on the market, the Nitro 14's battery performance is a highlight, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable 14-inch gaming laptop.
Connectivity
The Acer Nitro 14 offers a decent port lineup, including a power connector, USB-A, a 3.2 type-C Port, USB 4.0 combo audio jack, and HDMI 2.1 Port on one side, with an additional USB-A, type-c port, and micro SD card slot on the other. The hinge is tight, allowing for easy opening with one hand, but the keyboard deck's plastic material and mushy keys may disappoint some users. Take a look at Acer Nitro V 14 - its improved connectivity sets a new standard.
Features
The Acer Nitro 14 boasts a solid performance with its RTX 4060 GPU and Ryzen 7 CPU. It has a 1920x1200 IPS display, decent battery life (up to 8 hours), and good cooling solution. The laptop weighs around 4.41 lb and features an extended back design without rear ports. It also includes USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and micro SD card slot on the sides. If you're after top-notch features, consider Acer Nitro V 14.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Nitro 14's cooling solution is more than adequate, keeping the laptop cool under full load. The MCK switch is accessible through the Nvidia control panel, requiring no restart or native software. Battery life is good, with an 8 hour and 10 minute charge cycle.
Pros
1. Good performance for its price with an RTX 4060 GPU
2. Good cooling solution with high CPU temps never passing 80°C
3. Decent battery life with up to 8 hours and 10 minutes of runtime
4. Good keyboard experience despite being a bit mushy
5. Competitive pricing at $12.99, making it a good value for its price
Cons
1. Cut corners on display brightness, which is below average
2. Fan noise can get loud when in turbo mode
3. No ports on the back, making cable management tricky
4. Plastic lid and deck feel less premium than other laptops
5. 720p webcam and speakers that don't sound great
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features