Acer Swift 3 Gen 2
Acer Swift 3 Gen 2: lightweight, powerful, and great battery life.
Technical Specifications
Processor: Available with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors (10th, 11th, and 12th Generations, such as i5-1135G7, i7-1165G7, i5-12500H, i7-1260P) or AMD Ryzen processors (Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7).
RAM: Configurable with 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR4X or LPDDR5 onboard memory.
Storage: Features NVMe PCIe Solid State Drives (SSD) with capacities ranging from 256GB to 1TB.
Display: Typically a 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display, often with 100% sRGB color coverage and brightness around 300-400 nits. Newer models may offer a 14-inch 2.8K (2880x1800) OLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate and 16:10 aspect ratio.
Graphics: Utilizes integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics or Intel UHD Graphics. Some configurations include dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX350 graphics.
Ports: Includes USB Type-C ports (supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2, Thunderbolt 4 on Intel models, DisplayPort over USB-C, and USB charging), multiple USB Type-A ports (USB 3.2 Gen 1, some with power-off charging, and USB 2.0), an HDMI port (2.0 or 2.1), and a 3.5mm headset/speaker jack. Many models do not include an SD card reader.
Wireless Connectivity: Equipped with Wi-Fi 6 (Intel AX201, AX200) or Wi-Fi 6E on newer variants, and Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2.
Other Features: Features an integrated fingerprint reader (often on the power button), a backlit keyboard, and an HD or Full HD webcam.
Chassis: Designed with a thin and light aluminum or magnesium-alloy chassis, typically weighing around 1.2 to 1.25 kg.
Analysis of Technical Specifications
The Acer Swift 3 Gen 2 offers a versatile range of configurations, primarily targeting productivity and general computing tasks. The inclusion of Intel's 11th and 12th Gen Core processors, alongside AMD Ryzen options, provides strong CPU performance for multitasking and demanding applications. The LPDDR4X/LPDDR5 RAM is generally sufficient for most users, though its onboard nature means it is not user-upgradeable. NVMe SSDs ensure fast boot times and application loading. Display options are a highlight, with the Full HD IPS panel offering good color accuracy, and the newer OLED variants providing superior contrast and refresh rates for media consumption and creative work. The port selection is comprehensive, particularly with Thunderbolt 4 on Intel models, enhancing connectivity and charging flexibility. The absence of an SD card reader on many models is a minor drawback for some users. Wireless connectivity is modern, supporting Wi-Fi 6/6E for fast and reliable internet access. The lightweight design and robust build materials contribute to its portability and durability.
Support & Compatibility
Operating System Support: Primarily supports Windows 10 Home and Windows 11 Home.
End of Support Date: Specific end-of-support dates are not uniformly published for the entire "Gen 2" line, as it encompasses multiple model years. Support lifecycle generally aligns with Microsoft's Windows OS support.
Available Drivers: Drivers are available through the official Acer support website, categorized by specific model numbers. Windows Update often automatically installs necessary drivers.
System Compatibility: Features Thunderbolt 4 (on Intel models) and USB-C with Power Delivery, ensuring broad compatibility with modern peripherals, external displays, and universal charging solutions.
Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status
The Acer Swift 3 Gen 2 maintains good compatibility with current Windows operating systems, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates. Acer provides a centralized portal for driver downloads, though Windows' automatic driver installation simplifies initial setup. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C Power Delivery significantly enhances its compatibility ecosystem, allowing seamless integration with a wide array of modern accessories and docking solutions. While a universal end-of-support date is not specified, users can expect support to align with the typical lifecycle of Windows laptops, with drivers and firmware updates provided by Acer for a reasonable period post-launch.
Security Status
Security Features: Includes an integrated fingerprint reader for secure biometric login (Windows Hello compatible), a Kensington lock slot for physical security, and BIOS-level password protection (User, Supervisor, and HDD passwords).
Vulnerabilities: Identified vulnerabilities include CVE-2022-4020, a flaw in the HQSwSmiDxe DXE driver that could allow a privileged attacker to modify UEFI Secure Boot settings via NVRAM variables, potentially enabling malware installation. Another vulnerability allows deactivation of critical protections for System Management Mode (SMM) code, granting read/write access after boot.
Recommendations: Users should regularly check for and apply BIOS and firmware updates released by Acer to address known vulnerabilities. It is crucial to ensure Secure Boot settings are correctly configured and protected. Utilizing the fingerprint reader for login enhances user authentication security.
Analysis on the Security Status
The Acer Swift 3 Gen 2 incorporates standard hardware security features like a fingerprint reader and Kensington lock slot, providing basic protection against unauthorized access and physical theft. However, documented firmware vulnerabilities, such as those affecting UEFI Secure Boot and SMM, pose a significant risk if unpatched. These vulnerabilities could allow sophisticated attackers to bypass critical system protections. Proactive application of manufacturer-provided BIOS updates is essential to mitigate these risks and maintain a secure computing environment. Users should remain vigilant about software updates and adhere to best practices for secure system configuration.
Performance & Benchmarks
Performance Metrics: Generally offers strong performance for everyday productivity, web browsing, and light content creation tasks.
CPU Benchmarks:
Intel Core i7-1165G7: Achieves Geekbench 5.4 multi-core scores around 6,205 and single-core scores around 1,571. Cinebench R23 multi-core scores are approximately 5,092 points.
Intel Core i7-1260P: Records Geekbench single-core scores of 1,714 and multi-core scores of 10,297.
Capable of handling heavy workloads, though some thermal throttling may occur under sustained high load.
GPU Benchmarks:
Intel Iris Xe Graphics: Performs well for integrated graphics, suitable for light gaming and multimedia. Basemark GPU scores are around 16,155.
NVIDIA MX350 (where available): Provides improved graphics performance compared to integrated solutions.
Not designed for graphically demanding AAA gaming or professional 3D rendering.
Storage Performance: Fast NVMe SSDs contribute to quick system responsiveness, with file transfer speeds observed around 462.7 MB/s.
Battery Life: Varies by configuration and usage, typically ranging from 8 to 16 hours of real-world use.
Comparison with Similar Devices: The Swift 3 Gen 2 often competes favorably with other laptops in its price segment, sometimes surpassing rivals in CPU performance benchmarks.
Analysis of the Performance Status
The Acer Swift 3 Gen 2 delivers strong performance for its class, particularly in CPU-intensive tasks, making it well-suited for general productivity, office applications, and web browsing. The Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics handle light gaming and multimedia consumption effectively, though the device is not intended for high-end gaming or professional-grade graphical workloads. The fast NVMe SSD ensures a responsive user experience. Battery life is a notable strength, often providing all-day usage. While some thermal throttling can occur during prolonged heavy use, it generally maintains stable performance for typical workloads, positioning it as a reliable and efficient portable computing solution.
User Reviews & Feedback
User reviews for the Acer Swift 3 Gen 2 highlight its lightweight and portable design, making it ideal for mobile use. The battery life receives consistent praise, often lasting a full workday. Users appreciate the strong CPU performance for everyday tasks and the fast SSD storage, contributing to a smooth and responsive experience. The display quality, especially on OLED models, is frequently commended for its sharpness and color accuracy. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 and a decent port selection is also a positive point.
Conversely, common criticisms include the average quality of the webcam, which can appear grainy. The touchpad is sometimes described as small or hollow, and the speakers are noted for lacking bass and depth. Some users find the keyboard to have a stiff or soft feel with short key travel, which can be tiring for extended typing. The absence of an SD card reader on many configurations is a minor inconvenience for some. While generally considered durable, there have been isolated reports of service and parts availability issues in certain regions.
Summary
The Acer Swift 3 Gen 2 is a compelling mid-range laptop, excelling in portability, battery life, and general productivity performance. Its thin and light chassis, combined with robust Intel or AMD processors and fast NVMe SSDs, makes it an excellent choice for users requiring a responsive and efficient mobile workstation. The display options, particularly the newer OLED panels, offer vibrant visuals suitable for both work and entertainment. Connectivity is strong, especially with the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 on many Intel models, providing versatile expansion capabilities.
Key strengths include its impressive battery longevity, solid CPU performance for daily tasks, and a premium-feeling build quality for its price point. However, it presents some weaknesses, such as an often-mediocre webcam, a less-than-ideal audio experience, and a keyboard that may not suit all users for prolonged typing. The lack of an SD card reader on newer models is a minor omission. Furthermore, documented firmware vulnerabilities necessitate diligent application of manufacturer updates to maintain security.
Overall, the Acer Swift 3 Gen 2 is highly recommended for students, professionals, and general users seeking a well-balanced, portable, and performant laptop for productivity and light multimedia use. Its value proposition is strong, offering a feature set typically found in higher-priced devices. Users should prioritize applying all available security updates and consider external peripherals if high-quality audio or webcam performance is critical.
Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.