The Acer Swift Go 14 AI offers a compelling blend of long battery life and respectable CPU performance, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor. But does it justify its price tag in a competitive market with increasingly powerful alternatives? This review dives into the Swift Go 14 AI’s performance, features, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right laptop for you.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips made waves in 2024 with their impressive combination of processing power and battery efficiency. This has driven down prices in the budget and mid-range laptop segments, intensifying competition. While the Acer Swift Go 14 AI offers a solid balance of these qualities, it faces rivals offering more for the money.
Performance and Features: A Mixed Bag
The Swift Go 14 AI we reviewed features the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) processor, alongside 16GB of RAM and a generous 1TB of SSD storage. This configuration is typical for a laptop in its price range (around $1,000).
- Model: SFG14-01-X006
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100)
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5x-8448
- Graphics: Qualcomm Adreno
- NPU: Qualcomm NPU up to 45 TOPS
- Display: 14.5-inch 2560×1600 120Hz IPS
- Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Webcam: 1440p 30fps with privacy shutter, dual microphones
- Connectivity: 2x USB-C 4 (DisplayPort, Power Delivery), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 3.5mm audio jack
- Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
- Biometrics: Fingerprint reader
- Battery: 75 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 12.6 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 2.91 pounds
- OS: Windows 11 Home
- Extras: USB-C to HDMI adapter
- Price: $999 MSRP (often discounted)
While Acer’s $999 MSRP might seem steep, the Swift Go 14 AI can frequently be found at lower prices, making it more competitive.
Acer Swift Go 14 AI hero
Design and Build: Functional, Not Flashy
The Swift Go 14 AI’s design is best described as understated. Its grayish-silver chassis is attractive but generic, lacking any standout features. The build quality feels slightly thin, with some flex noticeable in the lower chassis. While functional, the design doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Acer Swift Go 14 AI design
Input Devices: Comfortable Keyboard, Standard Trackpad
The Swift Go 14 AI’s keyboard is a highlight, offering spacious, well-sized keys and comfortable key travel with a satisfying tactile click. The typing experience is superior to many budget laptops. The touchpad, however, is less remarkable, offering a standard experience for its class.
Acer Swift Go AI 14 keyboard
Display and Audio: Bright IPS, Weak Speakers
The 14.5-inch 2560×1600 120Hz IPS display is sharp, bright, and features an anti-glare coating. However, its IPS technology falls short of OLED competitors in terms of contrast and color vibrancy. While adequate for productivity, the display isn’t ideal for media consumption. The downward-firing speakers are underwhelming, lacking volume and bass, resulting in muddy audio.
Acer Swift Go 14 AI display
Webcam and Connectivity: Modern Features
The 1440p webcam is a welcome addition, delivering sharp and colorful video. The dual-array microphone performs adequately for video conferencing. Connectivity is robust with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and two USB-C 4 ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery. The inclusion of two USB-A ports and a 3.5mm audio jack is also appreciated. The bundled USB-C to HDMI adapter compensates for the lack of a dedicated HDMI port.
Acer Swift Go 14 AI ports
Battery Life: A Major Strength
The Swift Go 14 AI’s 75 watt-hour battery delivers impressive longevity, exceeding 19 hours in our video playback test. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize all-day battery life.
Acer Swift Go 14 AI battery life results
Conclusion: A Solid Choice, Depending on the Price
The Acer Swift Go 14 AI is a competent laptop with excellent battery life, a comfortable keyboard, and a bright display. However, its performance, particularly its integrated graphics, lags behind some competitors, especially those with Snapdragon X Elite chips. The $999 MSRP makes it a tough sell, but if you can find it discounted below $800, it becomes a much more attractive option for users who prioritize battery life and portability.
