Acer Swift Pro 2023

Basic Information

• Model: Acer Swift 14 (SF14-71T), Acer Swift X 14 (SFX14-71G)
• Version: 2023 models.
• Release Date:
  • Acer Swift 14: January 2023 (EMEA), March 2023 (North America).
  • Acer Swift X 14: April 2023 (Globally).
• Minimum Requirements: Not explicitly detailed, but designed for Windows 11.
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 11 Home, with Windows 11 Pro available on certain configurations.
• Latest Stable Version: Firmware and drivers are updated periodically via Acer Support.
• End of Support Date: Not publicly specified.
• End of Life Date: Not publicly specified.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not publicly specified.
• License Type: Typically includes a Windows 11 license.
• Deployment Model: Primarily consumer and prosumer laptop.

Technical Specifications

The Acer Swift 14 (2023) and Acer Swift X 14 (2023) offer distinct configurations catering to different user needs. The Swift 14 focuses on portability and general productivity, while the Swift X 14 targets creative professionals requiring discrete graphics performance.

• Processor:
  • Acer Swift 14: Up to 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H or i5-13500H H-series processors.
  • Acer Swift X 14: Up to 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H H-series processors.
• RAM:
  • Acer Swift 14: Up to 32GB LPDDR5.
  • Acer Swift X 14: 16GB LPDDR5 6400MHz (non-upgradeable).
• Storage: Up to 2TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD. Common configurations include 512GB and 1TB.
• Graphics:
  • Acer Swift 14: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics.
  • Acer Swift X 14: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics and discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU.
• Display:
  • Acer Swift 14: 14-inch IPS touch display, resolutions include 2560x1600 (WQXGA) or 1920x1200 (WUXGA), 60Hz refresh rate, with antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass.
  • Acer Swift X 14: 14.5-inch OLED display, 2880x1800 (2.8K) resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, Vesa-certified DisplayHDR True Black 500.
• Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack. Some models (Swift X 14, Swift Go) also include a microSD card reader.
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home/Pro.
• Dimensions & Weight:
  • Acer Swift 14: Approximately 0.59 x 12.2 x 8.4 inches (1.5 x 31.1 x 21.3 cm) and 2.65 pounds (1.2 kg).
  • Acer Swift X 14: Approximately 3.42 pounds (1.55 kg).
• Webcam: 1440p QHD with temporal noise reduction.
• Audio: Dual speakers with DTS Audio, dual microphones with Acer PurifiedVoice.
• Wireless: Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E 1675i, Bluetooth 5.1.

Analysis of Technical Specifications: The Acer Swift 14 (2023) series offers a compelling blend of modern components. The adoption of 13th Gen Intel H-series processors provides strong computational power for demanding tasks, particularly in the Swift X 14 with its discrete RTX 4050 GPU, making it suitable for content creation. The Swift 14's IPS display is bright and high-resolution, while the Swift X 14's OLED panel delivers superior contrast and color accuracy, ideal for visual work. Memory and storage options are generous, supporting multitasking and large file storage. The port selection is comprehensive, including Thunderbolt 4 for high-speed connectivity. The 1440p webcam is a notable upgrade for video conferencing. The main distinction lies in the graphics capability and display technology, with the Swift X 14 being the more performance-oriented option.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Drivers and firmware updates are available through the official Acer support website.
• OS Support: Fully supports Windows 11.
• End of Support Date: Not explicitly stated by the manufacturer.
• Localization: Available in various regions globally, with specific release schedules for EMEA and North America.
• Available Drivers: All necessary drivers are provided by Acer via their support portal.
• Cartridge and Ink Codes: Not applicable for a laptop.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: The Acer Swift 14 and Swift X 14 (2023) maintain good compatibility with the latest Windows operating system and benefit from Acer's established support infrastructure for drivers and firmware. While specific end-of-support dates are not public, Acer typically provides several years of driver and system updates for its laptop lines. Global availability ensures broad access to support resources.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button for secure login. Windows Hello is supported, with facial recognition available on models equipped with an IR webcam. Some newer Acer Swift models (like Swift AI) incorporate the Microsoft Pluton security processor for enhanced chip-to-cloud security and biometric login. Hardware and software level protections are built-in to safeguard digital assets.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Affected by CVE-2023-24932, a Secure Boot bypass vulnerability impacting all Windows devices with Secure Boot enabled. A fix is available via Microsoft updates and a BIOS update from Acer (version 1.11 or newer) is recommended to resolve this issue.
• Blacklist Status: No known blacklist status.
• Certifications: The Acer Swift 14 and Swift X 14 are Intel Evo certified, indicating a premium laptop experience with responsiveness, battery life, and connectivity. The Swift X 14 is also NVIDIA Studio-rated, signifying suitability for creative workloads.
• Encryption Support: Implied through Windows 11's native encryption capabilities and hardware-level security features.
• Authentication Methods: Biometric authentication via fingerprint reader and, on some configurations, facial recognition via Windows Hello (IR webcam).
• General Recommendations: Users should update their BIOS to version 1.11 or newer to mitigate the Secure Boot bypass vulnerability (CVE-2023-24932) and apply all available Windows security updates.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: The Acer Swift 14 and Swift X 14 (2023) offer a robust security posture for a consumer laptop, featuring biometric authentication and hardware-level protections. The Intel Evo certification implies adherence to certain security standards. The identified Secure Boot vulnerability is a platform-wide issue for Windows devices, and Acer provides a BIOS update to address it, demonstrating active management of security concerns. Regular software and firmware updates are crucial for maintaining optimal security.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Acer Swift 14 (Intel Core i7-13700H):
    • PCMark 10: 6,057
    • 3DMark Time Spy: 1,968
    • Geekbench (single/multi): 2,381 / 11,207
    • Cinebench (single/multi): 1,770 / 11,569
  • Acer Swift X 14 (Intel Core i7-13700H, RTX 4050):
    • 3DMark Night Raid (iGPU): 50381
    • 3DMark Time Spy (dGPU): 8001
    • Photoshop benchmark: 856
    • After Effects benchmark: 700s
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Acer Swift 14: Delivers strong performance for general productivity, office tasks, and web browsing. Its integrated graphics are not suited for graphically intensive gaming or 3D rendering.
  • Acer Swift X 14: Excels in creative applications such as Photoshop, After Effects, and 1080p/4K video editing. A 9-minute 4K video export in Premiere Pro takes approximately 2 minutes 48 seconds, and a 4K export in DaVinci Resolve takes about 5 minutes 17 seconds.
• Power Consumption:
  • Acer Swift 14: Equipped with a 45W H-series CPU and a 54Whr battery. Real-world battery life can be inconsistent, sometimes falling below 4 hours during typical usage, though some tests report over 13 hours for light tasks.
  • Acer Swift X 14: Features a 70Wh battery, offering around 7.5 hours of battery life during simulated internet browsing.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed in available information.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Acer Swift 14: Competes with ultraportables like the HP Dragonfly Pro, Lenovo Yoga 9i, Dell XPS 13 Plus, and Asus Zenbook 14 OLED. It often stands out for its design and display quality but can be perceived as less value-for-money compared to rivals offering OLED screens or stronger GPUs at similar price points.
  • Acer Swift X 14: Positioned against creator-focused laptops such as the Dell XPS 17 and Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14, offering competitive discrete GPU performance for its class.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status: The Acer Swift 14 (2023) series provides a strong performance foundation with its 13th Gen Intel H-series processors. The Swift 14 is a capable productivity machine, while the Swift X 14, with its discrete RTX 4050 GPU, offers significant power for creative tasks, making it a strong contender for content creators. Battery life is a mixed bag, with the Swift 14 showing variability and the Swift X 14 having a decent but not class-leading duration for its category. The thermal management in the Swift X 14 is improved to handle the more powerful components. Overall, the series offers competitive performance within its respective segments, with the Swift X 14 being particularly strong for GPU-accelerated workloads.

User Reviews & Feedback

User and reviewer feedback for the Acer Swift 14 and Swift X 14 (2023) highlights several key aspects:

• Strengths:
  • Design: Both models are praised for their stylish and premium aesthetic, particularly the green and gold colorway of the Swift 14, and their lightweight, portable nature.
  • Display: The Swift 14's bright, high-resolution IPS display is well-regarded, while the Swift X 14's 2.8K 120Hz OLED screen receives high acclaim for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and overall visual quality, making it excellent for content consumption and creation.
  • Webcam & Audio: The 1440p QHD webcam is a significant upgrade, offering clear video for calls. The audio system performs well in video call scenarios, with good noise reduction and voice clarity.
  • Connectivity: A good array of ports, including multiple Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) and USB-A ports, plus HDMI 2.1, is appreciated.
  • Performance (Swift X 14): Strong CPU and discrete GPU performance make the Swift X 14 highly capable for demanding creative applications like video editing and graphic design.
• Weaknesses:
  • Battery Life: The Swift 14's battery life can be inconsistent, with some users experiencing less than ideal runtimes, especially given its powerful 45W H-series processor in a thin chassis. The Swift X 14's battery life, while decent, is considered disappointing by some for a creator laptop.
  • Keyboard & Touchpad: The keyboard is often described as average, not winning awards, and the touchpad on the Swift 14 is noted as being somewhat small compared to competitors.
  • Audio Quality (Multimedia): While good for video calls, the speakers are sometimes criticized for lacking bass and having a harsh timbre during music or video playback.
  • Screen Reflectance: The Swift 14's screen can suffer from high reflectance, making it difficult to view in backlit environments.
  • Upgradeability: The RAM on the Swift X 14 is not upgradeable, which can be a limitation for future-proofing or specific demanding workflows.
  • Fan Noise (Swift X 14): The fans on the Swift X 14 can be noticeable even under light load.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Acer Swift 14: Ideal for students, business professionals, and general productivity users who prioritize a lightweight, stylish laptop with a good display and webcam for daily tasks and video conferencing.
  • Acer Swift X 14: Best suited for content creators, graphic designers, and users requiring a portable workstation for photo and video editing, light gaming, and other GPU-intensive applications.

Summary

The Acer Swift 14 (2023) and Acer Swift X 14 (2023) represent Acer's refreshed premium ultrabook offerings, targeting distinct user segments with their balanced features and performance. Both models showcase Acer's commitment to sleek design, portability, and enhanced user experience, particularly in video conferencing.

Strengths: The series excels in design, offering a premium aesthetic with lightweight aluminum chassis. The 1440p QHD webcam is a standout feature, providing excellent clarity for video calls, complemented by effective audio processing. Connectivity is robust, featuring Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1. The Swift 14 boasts a bright and sharp IPS display, while the Swift X 14 elevates the visual experience with a stunning 2.8K 120Hz OLED panel, making it a strong choice for visual professionals. The 13th Gen Intel H-series processors provide ample power for most tasks, with the Swift X 14's discrete RTX 4050 GPU offering significant performance for creative and demanding workloads.

Weaknesses: A primary concern across both models is battery life, which can be inconsistent, particularly for the Swift 14 with its powerful CPU in a thin form factor. While functional, the keyboard and touchpad are often described as average. The multimedia audio quality, while adequate, lacks the richness of some competitors. The Swift 14's display can suffer from glare due to high reflectance. The Swift X 14's RAM is not upgradeable, potentially limiting its long-term viability for some users, and its fans can be noticeable.

Recommendations:

• For users prioritizing portability, a premium look, and strong performance for general productivity and video conferencing, the Acer Swift 14 (2023) is a solid choice. It is well-suited for students and business users who value a high-quality webcam and a comprehensive port selection.
• For creative professionals, content creators, or users requiring discrete graphics power for tasks like video editing, graphic design, or light gaming, the Acer Swift X 14 (2023) offers a compelling package with its OLED display and RTX 4050 GPU. Users should be mindful of its non-upgradeable RAM and manage expectations regarding battery life during intensive tasks.

Both models provide a secure computing environment with biometric authentication and Intel Evo certification. It is crucial for all users to apply the recommended BIOS update to address the Secure Boot vulnerability (CVE-2023-24932) and keep their operating system and drivers up to date.

The 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.