The 16-inch laptop has largely replaced the 15-inch laptop as the preferred large-screen option. While similar in size, not all 16-inch laptops are created equal. A clear distinction exists between high-performance machines designed for creators and thinner, lighter laptops geared towards productivity users. The Acer Swift Edge 16 falls into the latter category, prioritizing portability over raw power, making it a compelling option for on-the-go professionals.
Design and Build: Thin, Light, and Modern
Acer Swift Edge 16 front angled view showing display and keyboard.Image: The Acer Swift Edge 16 boasts a sleek, modern design.
The Swift Edge 16 caters to users who desire a large display without the bulk. At just 0.60 inches at its thickest point and weighing a mere 2.73 pounds, it achieves this goal admirably. While not the absolute thinnest or lightest in its class (the Apple MacBook Air 15 holds that title), the Swift Edge 16 offers a larger screen. The magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis contributes to its lightweight design, but also results in some flex in the keyboard deck and display. While not feeling cheap, it lacks the rigidness of some competitors like the Dell XPS 15. Aesthetically, the Swift Edge 16 adopts a minimalist design with clean lines and a subtle chrome Acer logo. The slightly larger plastic bezels around the display, however, detract from the overall premium feel.
Keyboard and Touchpad: Comfortable and Responsive
Acer Swift Edge 16 top down view showing keyboard and touchpad.Image: The keyboard offers ample key spacing and a comfortable typing experience.
The Swift Edge 16’s keyboard features well-spaced keys and a comfortable typing experience. While not quite matching the quality of Apple’s Magic Keyboard, it surpasses most laptop keyboards. The touchpad is responsive and precise, with tactile clicks. However, it could be larger given the available palm rest space.
Connectivity: Legacy Ports and Modern Wireless
Acer Swift Edge 16 left side view showing ports.
Acer Swift Edge 16 right side showing ports.
Image: The Swift Edge 16 offers a good selection of ports, including USB-A and HDMI.
Connectivity is a strong point, with the Swift Edge 16 offering a mix of legacy and modern ports. Two USB-A ports, an HDMI 1.2 port, two USB-C ports, and a microSD card reader provide ample connectivity options. Thunderbolt 4 support is absent due to the AMD chipset. Wireless connectivity is up-to-date with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1. A crisp 1440p webcam delivers excellent video quality, a significant upgrade over the 720p webcams found on many competitors. A fingerprint reader integrated into the power button provides biometric security.
Performance: Productivity Powerhouse, Not for Creators
Acer Swift Edge 16 rear view showing vents.Image: The rear vents help dissipate heat during demanding tasks.
The Swift Edge 16’s AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor delivers impressive performance for productivity tasks. Benchmark results show it competing favorably against Intel’s 28-watt and even some 45-watt processors. While it excels in CPU-intensive tasks, the integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics are only slightly better than Intel’s Iris Xe. This limits its suitability for demanding creative applications or gaming.
| Geekbench (single/multi) | Handbrake (seconds) | Cinebench R23 (single/multi) | PCMark 10 Complete | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Swift Edge 16 (Ryzen 7 7840U) | Bal: N/A Perf: N/A | Bal: 86 Perf: 84 | Bal: 1790 / 10560 Perf: 1788 / 10848 | 6648 |
| Comparison Devices | See Table | See Table | See Table | See Table |
Battery Life: Disappointing for an AMD System
The Swift Edge 16’s battery life is a weakness. Despite the relatively efficient Ryzen 7 7840U, the 54 watt-hour battery and power-hungry OLED display result in subpar longevity. Our tests revealed significantly shorter runtimes compared to the average, making it unlikely to last a full workday.
Display: A Stunning OLED Panel
Acer Swift Edge 16 front view showing display.Image: The vibrant OLED display is a standout feature.
The 16-inch WQXGA+ (3200 x 2000) OLED display is a highlight. With a 120Hz refresh rate, vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent color accuracy, it’s a visual treat. Whether for productivity, media consumption, or creative work (despite the limited GPU performance), the display is a significant advantage.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender with Trade-offs
The Acer Swift Edge 16 offers a compelling blend of portability, performance, and a stunning display. While its battery life and integrated graphics hold it back from being a true all-rounder, its competitive price and impressive productivity performance make it a worthwhile option for users who prioritize a large, beautiful display in a thin and light package.
