Acer Spin 5 review
The Acer Acer Spin 5 ranks as the #340 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 74. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #1-ranked connectivity among 777 laptops. Consider the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge or Razer Blade 15 Advanced, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Spin 5 is a versatile laptop that shines with its unique feature: a 360-degree hinge allowing multiple use modes. While the design is sleek, I'd caution against using the tablet mode due to lack of grip and potential damage. The speakers are better suited for default laptop mode, where they produce clear sound. With a full-size keyboard, touchpad, and biometric sensor, this laptop excels in productivity. Battery life is impressive, with up to 15 hours claimed by Acer. Despite some minor quirks, the Spin 5's flexibility and performance make it worth considering at RM 4599 (Intel Core i5) or RM 5599 (Intel Core i7).
Build
The Acer Spin 5 boasts a slim and sturdy frame made from magnesium aluminum, weighing just 1.2 kilograms and measuring 14.9 millimeters in thickness. The hinges are surprisingly sturdy, keeping the device's various modes in place with ease. Unfortunately, the laptop lacks rubberized edges, resulting in direct contact between the body and surfaces, which can lead to damage. Despite this, the build quality is impressive, making it a solid choice for those seeking a portable and versatile device. The magnesium aluminum construction contributes to its lightweight and compact design, making it an ideal companion for work or play on-the-go. Acer Chromebook Spin 713 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The Acer Spin 5 boasts an impressive 13.5-inch IPS display with a unique 3:2 aspect ratio. This feature provides more vertical space, ideal for working with software and showcasing images from cameras. The screen resolution is 2560x1604, outperforming QHD displays in terms of pixel density. The colors are vibrant and accurate straight out of the box, making it perfect for both work and play. Additionally, the touchscreen features Qualcomm's AES 1.0, allowing for up to 4096 pressure levels. This is complemented by Acer's active stylus, offering seamless interaction and 90 minutes of usage with just 15 seconds of charging. Overall, the display is a standout feature in the Acer Spin 5. For an improved display, Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is worth considering.
Performance
The Acer Spin 5 is a versatile laptop that delivers impressive performance. Powered by Intel Evo platform, the device features an Intel Core i7 processor, which handled video encoding with ease, completing a 3-minute 4K video in about 14 minutes and a 1080p output in around 5 minutes. The Intel Iris XT graphics also performed well, with a smooth gaming experience in Genshin Impact at maximum resolution and lowest settings. Overall, the Spin 5's performance is commendable, making it suitable for general workloads and casual gaming. You might want to check out Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Spin 5 boasts impressive battery life, with up to 15 hours claimed by the manufacturer. In my test, I got 6-8 hours of operating time while browsing YouTube with maximum brightness and volume. The charger is also fast, allowing me to reach 8% charge every 10 minutes. This makes it suitable for daily use, even with demanding tasks like video encoding.
Connectivity
The Acer Spin 5 boasts a comprehensive connectivity setup. On the left side, you'll find two USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt support, one HDMI 2.0 port, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port with power-off charging. A micro SD card reader is also present. The right side features a 3.5mm headphone speaker jack, another USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, and the power button, which doubles as a lock button. Wi-Fi connectivity via Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i dual-band is also available, making it easy to stay connected on-the-go. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider MSI Stealth 15.
Features
The Acer Spin 5 boasts a 360-degree hinge, allowing flexible use modes. Its 13.5-inch screen features a 3:2 aspect ratio and IPS panel, with touch capabilities and stylus support. The laptop also comes with a full-size keyboard, biometric sensor, and Intel Evo platform powered by an i7 processor. It’s worth checking out Acer Chromebook Spin 713, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Spin 5's unique feature is its 360-degree angle screen, but I have reservations about using the tablet mode due to lack of support rubber at the edges, making it prone to damage. The speakers' placement also affects audio quality in certain modes. Overall, the laptop performs well with a responsive touchscreen and decent battery life, but some compromises may be necessary when using the device in less-than-ideal positions.
Pros
1. The Acer Spin 5 has a unique feature of a 360-degree angle screen, allowing for flexibility in use.
2. The laptop's slim and sturdy frame is made of magnesium aluminum, making it lightweight at 1.2 kilograms and thin at 14.9 millimeters.
3. The hinges are sturdy and firm, keeping the modes in place.
4. The screen has a 3x2 aspect ratio, providing more vertical space for working with software.
5. The screen resolution is high-quality at 2556 by 1504, offering more pixels on display than a qHD screen.
6. The touchscreen works as expected for annotations, feedback, and precision editing.
7. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 15 hours based on Windows calculation.
Cons
1. Using the laptop in tent or tablet mode can affect audio quality due to the speakers being placed above the keyboard.
2. The modes do not come with rubber support at the edges, exposing the frame to other surfaces that could lead to damage.
3. The speakers are not loud enough for heavy use, and bass is a bit weak.
4. The default laptop mode is recommended for optimal audio quality.
5. The touchscreen can be affected by using emulators to run Android games.
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