Acer Spin 7 review
The Acer Acer Spin 7 ranks as the #753 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 63. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #6-ranked features among 777 laptops. Consider the Acer Chromebook 514 or Acer Swift 3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Spin 7 is a 14in Core i5-based 2-in-1 with a thin and light design. It scores 82% in our review, but has some drawbacks. The screen requires calibration out of the box, which can be frustrating. The keyboard lacks backlighting and has shallow travel, while the touchpad is large and useful. Performance-wise, it's suitable for office work and basic tasks, but not ideal for gaming or heavy usage. Battery life is reasonable at around 6.5 hours, but drops to under 2 hours with intense use. Overall, the Spin 7 is a decent option for casual users, but its limitations make it less appealing for those who need more from their device.
Build
The Acer Spin 7's build is a highlight of its design. Weighing in at 1.25 kilograms, it feels nice in the hand with an aluminum alloy construction. The device measures just 11.9mm in thickness, making it a compact and portable option for users. The two-in-one laptop features a sleek, convertible design that allows for use as both a tablet and laptop. One notable aspect of the Spin 7's build is its ease of access to internal components. With screws removed from the back, users can gain easy access to the battery, SSD, and Wi-Fi module. This level of accessibility is rare in two-in-one laptops and provides opportunities for upgrading or replacing individual parts. However, some may find the keyboard's shallow feel and lack of backlight a drawback. Overall, the Spin 7's build is well-designed and functional, making it an attractive option for users seeking a compact, portable device. A better alternative might be Acer Chromebook 514, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The Acer Spin 7's display is a double-edged sword. Out-of-the-box, it suffers from poor color calibration, with deltas on colors and grayscale exceeding 10. This results in an unappealing visual experience. However, once calibrated using the provided ICC profile, the display shines with bright colors, good contrast, and minimal gray-scale issues. The Full HD screen's glossy finish adds a touch of elegance. Despite its initial shortcomings, the Spin 7's display performs admirably after calibration. This mixed bag makes it difficult to give an entirely positive verdict on this aspect of the device. Nevertheless, for those willing to invest time in calibrating their Spin 7, the display is not a deal-breaker. You may find Acer ENDURO Urban N3 a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The Acer Spin 7's performance is decent but not outstanding. Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor (which is actually a rebranded Core M), it delivers adequate results in office tasks and typing. However, gaming performance is subpar, with scores significantly lower than comparable laptops. Battery life is respectable at around 6-6.5 hours of Wi-Fi browsing time, but drops to under 2 hours when subjected to intense usage like gaming or video rendering. The device's performance is hindered by its thermal management, which struggles to maintain a stable temperature during stress tests. If you’re after a better performance, Acer Aspire 3 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Spin 7 features a 40Wh battery, which is about what's expected for a device of its weight (1.2-1.3 kg). In our tests, it delivered around 6-6.5 hours of Wi-Fi browsing time with the screen set to 150 nits. However, this time dropped to under 2 hours when using the device for gaming or video rendering. The battery life is not bad considering its weight and usage scenarios. It also features easy access to the battery, SSD, and Wi-Fi module, making maintenance and upgrades a breeze.
Connectivity
The Acer Spin 7 features two USB-C ports, which are USB 3.0 compatible. However, they lack USB 3.1 Gen 2 capability. The device also comes with a limited port selection and no keyboard backlight. Accessibility-wise, the internal components can be easily accessed for upgrades. For an improved connectivity, Acer Aspire 3 is worth considering.
Features
The Acer Spin 7 is a 14in Core i5-based 2-in-1 device with a full HD screen, keyboard, and touchpad. It weighs 1.25kg and features two USB-C ports, but lacks USB 3.1 Gen 2 capability. The device has a Kingston SSD, and its battery life lasts around 6.5 hours. You might want to check out Acer Swift 3 OLED, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Spin 7's support and maintenance features shine with easy access to the battery, SSD, and Wi-Fi module via removable screws. This allows for potential upgrades, making it a rare advantage among two-in-one devices. This aspect earns the Spin 7 extra points in terms of usability and repairability.
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