Battle of the budget beasts: acer swift 3 vs. msi modern 14 – performance and value compared
What To Know
- The Modern 14 includes a fingerprint reader, a backlit keyboard, and a webcam privacy shutter.
- The Swift 3 is a more affordable option with a longer battery life, while the Modern 14 provides a sharper display, better performance, and a wider range of features.
- The MSI Modern 14 has a wider range of features than the Acer Swift 3, including a dedicated graphics card and a Thunderbolt 4 port.
In the realm of ultraportable laptops, the Acer Swift 3 and MSI Modern 14 stand out as formidable contenders. Both devices boast sleek designs, impressive performance, and long-lasting batteries. However, each has its unique strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which laptop is the ultimate choice for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
Acer Swift 3: The Swift 3 exudes elegance with its slim aluminum chassis. Its lightweight design (2.65 lbs) and compact dimensions (12.8 x 8.4 x 0.63 inches) make it highly portable.
MSI Modern 14: The Modern 14 also features a sleek aluminum body, but it is slightly heavier (2.98 lbs) and larger (12.9 x 8.7 x 0.63 inches). Its sturdy construction ensures durability, while its understated design maintains a professional aesthetic.
Display
Acer Swift 3: The Swift 3 offers a 14-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. It provides excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
MSI Modern 14: The Modern 14 comes with a 14-inch IPS panel with a slightly higher resolution of 2560 x 1440. This results in a sharper and more detailed display, ideal for creative professionals.
Performance
Acer Swift 3: The Swift 3 is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. This combination provides ample performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and light productivity.
MSI Modern 14: The Modern 14 features an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The more powerful processor and larger RAM capacity make this laptop more suitable for demanding tasks, such as video editing and 3D modeling.
Battery Life
Acer Swift 3: The Swift 3 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 15 hours on a single charge. This makes it an excellent companion for long days on the go.
MSI Modern 14: The Modern 14 offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 10 hours. While this is still sufficient for most users, it may not be ideal for those who require extended unplugged usage.
Connectivity
Acer Swift 3: The Swift 3 provides a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and an HDMI port.
MSI Modern 14: The Modern 14 has a similar selection of ports, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and an HDMI port. Additionally, it features a Thunderbolt 4 port, which offers faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to external displays.
Features
Acer Swift 3: The Swift 3 comes with a built-in fingerprint reader for enhanced security. It also has a backlit keyboard for easy typing in low-light conditions.
MSI Modern 14: The Modern 14 includes a fingerprint reader, a backlit keyboard, and a webcam privacy shutter. It also has a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics card for improved graphical performance.
Price and Availability
Acer Swift 3: The Acer Swift 3 starts at $799. It is widely available at major retailers and online stores.
MSI Modern 14: The MSI Modern 14 starts at $999. It is available through MSI’s official website and select retailers.
Ultimate Choice
The Acer Swift 3 and MSI Modern 14 are both excellent ultraportable laptops that offer a blend of performance, portability, and style. The Swift 3 is a more affordable option with a longer battery life, while the Modern 14 provides a sharper display, better performance, and a wider range of features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and specific requirements.
Considerations for Choosing
- Budget: The Acer Swift 3 offers a lower starting price than the MSI Modern 14.
- Battery Life: The Acer Swift 3 has a longer battery life than the MSI Modern 14.
- Display Quality: The MSI Modern 14 has a higher resolution display than the Acer Swift 3.
- Performance: The MSI Modern 14 offers better performance than the Acer Swift 3.
- Features: The MSI Modern 14 has a wider range of features than the Acer Swift 3, including a dedicated graphics card and a Thunderbolt 4 port.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which laptop is lighter?
A: The Acer Swift 3 is lighter at 2.65 lbs, while the MSI Modern 14 weighs 2.98 lbs.
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The Acer Swift 3 has a longer battery life of up to 15 hours, compared to the MSI Modern 14’s 10 hours.
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The MSI Modern 14 has a higher resolution display (2560 x 1440) than the Acer Swift 3 (1920 x 1080).
Q: Which laptop is more powerful?
A: The MSI Modern 14 is more powerful with its Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, compared to the Acer Swift 3’s Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.
Q: Which laptop has more features?
A: The MSI Modern 14 has more features than the Acer Swift 3, including a dedicated graphics card, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and a webcam privacy shutter.