If you’re searching for a larger laptop ideal for creative tasks, you’ll encounter numerous options. The MacBook Pro is a popular choice, but it’s not within everyone’s budget or preferred operating system. Acer’s Swift X 16 presents a compelling alternative, offering impressive performance for less demanding creative work at a more affordable price point. While not exceptionally thin or light, the Swift X 16 delivers sufficient speed to compete with similarly priced machines, boasting a vibrant OLED display with exceptional color accuracy.
Acer Swift X 16 front view showing display.Image: The Acer Swift X 16’s OLED display offers stunning visuals.
Specifications and Configurations
The Acer Swift X 16 (SFX16-61G) comes in two configurations. The base model, priced at $1,250, features an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, and a 16.0-inch WQXGA IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate. The higher-end configuration, at $1,600, upgrades to a Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU, an RTX 4050 GPU, and a WQXGA+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
| Feature | Acer Swift X 16 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14.03 x 9.82 x 0.85-1.06 inches |
| Weight | 4.25 pounds |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS / AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 / Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Display | 16.0-inch 16:10 WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS, 165Hz / 16.0-inch 16:10 WQXGA+ (3200 x 2000) OLED, 120Hz |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Ports | 2 x USB-C USB4, 1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack, 1 x microSD card reader |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Webcam | 1080p |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Battery | 76 watt-hours |
| Price | $1,250+ |
Design and Build Quality
Acer Swift X 16 front angled view showing display and keyboard.Image: The Swift X 16 features a sleek, all-grey design with an angular rear edge.
While categorized within Acer’s thin-and-light Swift series, the Swift X 16 isn’t exceptionally thin or light, measuring up to 1.06 inches thick and weighing 4.25 pounds. However, its all-aluminum chassis feels robust and well-built, with minimal flex. The overall design is simple and understated, featuring an all-grey color scheme.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Acer Swift X 16 top down view showing keyboard and touchpad.Image: The keyboard includes a numeric keypad, but the keycaps are slightly small.
The keyboard includes a numeric keypad, which might be appreciated by some users. However, the keycaps are somewhat small and closely spaced, potentially impacting typing comfort. The key switches are snappy but feel a bit loose. The touchpad, on the other hand, is large and responsive, providing a smooth and accurate tracking experience.
Ports and Connectivity
Acer Swift X 16 left side view showing ports and vents.
Acer Swift X 16 right side view showing ports and vents.
Image: The Swift X 16 offers a good selection of ports for connectivity.
The Swift X 16 offers a good selection of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a microSD card reader. It supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast wireless connectivity. However, as an AMD-based system, it lacks Thunderbolt 4 support. The 1080p webcam is adequate for video conferencing. A fingerprint reader integrated into the power button provides secure login.
Performance
Acer Swift X 16 rear view showing lid and logo.Image: The Swift X 16 delivers impressive performance for its price range.
The Ryzen 9 7940HS in the higher-end configuration delivers impressive performance, rivaling laptops equipped with Intel Core i7-13700H and Core i9-13900H processors. The RTX 4050 GPU, while not a high-end gaming card, handles less demanding creative tasks effectively.
| Benchmark | Acer Swift X 16 (Ryzen 9 7940HS/RTX 4050) |
|---|---|
| Geekbench (single/multi) | Bal: 1,840 / 11,741 Perf: 1,893 / 11,681 |
| Handbrake (seconds) | Bal: 64 Perf: 64 |
| Cinebench R23 (single/multi) | Bal: 1,793 / 16,407 Perf: 1,799 / 16,760 |
| Pugetbench Premiere Pro | Bal: 567 Perf: 568 |
Battery Life
Acer Swift X 16 side view showing ports, vents, and lid.Image: Battery life is decent for a performance-oriented laptop.
Battery life is acceptable, but not outstanding, averaging around 6-8 hours depending on usage. The OLED display contributes to higher power consumption.
Display
The OLED display on the higher-end configuration is a standout feature, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.
| Metric | Acer Swift X 16 (OLED) |
|---|---|
| Brightness (nits) | 406 |
| Contrast | N/A |
| sRGB gamut | 100% |
| AdobeRGB gamut | 99% |
| Accuracy DeltaE (lower is better) | 0.70 |
Audio
The downward-firing stereo speakers are surprisingly weak, lacking sufficient volume for larger spaces.
Conclusion
The Acer Swift X 16 is a compelling option for those seeking a powerful and affordable laptop for creative tasks. Its performance is competitive within its price range, and the OLED display is a significant advantage. While not the thinnest or lightest option available, the Swift X 16 offers a solid balance of performance, features, and value.
