Surface laptop go vs acer aspire 5: which budget laptop wins in value, performance, and style?

When it comes to budget-friendly laptops, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go and Acer Aspire 5 are two of the most popular options. Both devices offer a solid balance of features, performance, and affordability, making them ideal for students, remote workers, and casual users. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go vs Acer Aspire 5 against each other to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Surface Laptop Go exudes a premium aesthetic with its sleek aluminum chassis and signature Surface design. It’s lightweight and portable, weighing just 2.4 pounds and measuring only 0.62 inches thin. The Aspire 5, on the other hand, has a more traditional plastic construction, but it’s still sturdy and well-built. It’s slightly heavier at 3.97 pounds and thicker at 0.71 inches.

Display

Both laptops feature 15-inch displays, but there are some key differences. The Surface Laptop Go has a higher resolution (1920×1080) IPS panel, providing sharper images and better color accuracy. The Aspire 5 has a lower resolution (1366×768) TN panel, which results in less vibrant colors and reduced viewing angles.

Performance

Under the hood, the Surface Laptop Go is powered by an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, while the Aspire 5 offers a choice of Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors. In terms of RAM, the Surface Laptop Go comes with 4GB or 8GB, while the Aspire 5 offers up to 16GB. For storage, the Surface Laptop Go has 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of SSD storage, while the Aspire 5 offers a wider range of options, including HDD and SSD configurations up to 1TB.

Battery Life

Battery life is crucial for on-the-go users. The Surface Laptop Go boasts an impressive battery life of up to 13 hours, while the Aspire 5 can last up to 7 hours. This makes the Surface Laptop Go a better choice for extended use away from an outlet.

Connectivity

Both laptops offer a decent selection of ports. The Surface Laptop Go has one USB-C port, one USB-A port, and a Surface Connect port. The Aspire 5 has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port.

Features

The Surface Laptop Go comes with Windows 10 S pre-installed, which limits users to Microsoft Store apps. However, you can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for more flexibility. The Aspire 5 comes with Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home. Both laptops have built-in webcams, microphones, and speakers.

Price

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go starts at $549 for the base model, while the Acer Aspire 5 starts at $399. The price varies depending on the configuration and specifications.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

Choosing between the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go and Acer Aspire 5 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize premium design, excellent display quality, and long battery life, the Surface Laptop Go is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and value expandability and versatility, the Acer Aspire 5 is a solid alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which laptop has a better processor?
A: The Acer Aspire 5 offers a wider range of processor options, including higher-end Intel Core i7 models.

Q: Does the Surface Laptop Go have a touchscreen?
A: No, the Surface Laptop Go does not have a touchscreen.

Q: Can I add more RAM to the Surface Laptop Go?
A: No, the Surface Laptop Go’s RAM is not upgradeable.

Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: Neither laptop is suitable for demanding gaming due to their integrated graphics.

Q: Does the Aspire 5 support USB-C charging?
A: No, the Aspire 5 does not support USB-C charging.