Acer Nitro 5 review
The Acer Acer Nitro 5 ranks as the #676 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 66. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #188-ranked features among 777 laptops. Consider the Acer Swift X or Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
While the Acer Nitro 5's upgrade to a MUX switch and higher GPU power limits is a welcome improvement, its high price tag makes it hard to recommend over similar laptops with better features. The inclusion of a 144Hz 1080p screen may be a draw for some, but others may find the Helios 300 a more attractive option despite being slightly more expensive. Overall, the Nitro 5 is an okay choice, but not necessarily worth it considering its price and lackluster design.
Build
The Acer Nitro 5's build is a mixed bag. The laptop's body is made of plastic, which feels flimsy and cheap in some areas. The screen also wobbles easily if you bump the table, which can be frustrating. However, the keyboard and touchpad are decent, with good feedback and responsiveness. The addition of Type-C charging is a welcome feature, but it's not enough to make up for the overall lack of premium feel. Overall, the Nitro 5 feels like a budget laptop trying to pass as a mid-range one, which makes its higher price point harder to justify. For a superior build, Acer Aspire 7 could be the right choice.
Display
The display in the Acer Nitro 5 is a mixed bag. The 144Hz 1080p screen is a cost-effective option, but it's an older model that doesn't quite live up to modern standards. Colors and contrast are decent, but not impressive. On the other hand, opting for the 1440p 165Hz display is a worthwhile upgrade, offering sharper visuals and smoother performance. However, this higher-end display also comes with a premium price tag. Overall, while the display in the Nitro 5 is functional, it's not particularly noteworthy, and some users may find themselves wanting more from their gaming laptop's screen. A better alternative might be Acer Aspire 7, featuring a next-level display.
Performance
The Acer Nitro 5 delivers decent performance with its Intel Core i7-12700H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. The MUX switch provides a notable FPS boost compared to last year's model, and the dual-channel RAM further enhances gaming capabilities. However, the CPU power limit remains the same as last year's entry-level Nitro, which may not be sufficient for demanding tasks. Overall, the Nitro 5 is suitable for 1080p and 1440p gaming but may struggle with 4K resolutions. You may find Acer Aspire Vero a better fit, thanks to its superior performance.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Nitro 5's battery life is average, with the Intel configuration being more common than the Ryzen 6000 option. Charging via Type-C is a welcome addition, but it may not be enough to justify the higher price point. The laptop's speakers are also worth noting, as they work well in Linux. Overall, the Nitro 5's battery life and charging capabilities are decent, but not outstanding.
Connectivity
The Acer Nitro 5's connectivity options are decent but not impressive. The USB ports, including the Type-C charging port, are scattered around the edges, making for a cluttered look. Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections work as expected, but the camera isn't recognized under Linux. Keyboard shortcuts also don't work in this environment. Overall, connectivity is average at best. Acer Aspire Go 15 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded connectivity.
Features
The Acer Nitro 5 boasts a range of features, including a 14-inch 1080p display, Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, and up to 32GB RAM. It also sports a backlit keyboard, Type-C charging, and a 2.5-inch drive bay. The device offers decent battery life, with the Ryzen 6000 configuration providing longer battery life. For an improved features, Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel is worth considering.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Nitro 5's BIOS feels outdated compared to other gaming laptops, offering basic functionality with no advanced features. Linux support is decent, but some keyboard shortcuts don't work. Overall, the Nitro 5's support and maintenance options are average, not standing out in a crowded market.
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