Introduction

The tech world is buzzing with excitement as Intel finally joins the ranks of laptops equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra 2 processors. Following closely on the heels of exciting Qualcomm-powered models, the Acer Swift 14 AI is here to offer a fresh perspective in the ultrabook market. But does it bring enough to the table to stand out?

Performance and Battery Life

First and foremost, one significant advantage of choosing Acer's Intel-based ultrabooks is the elimination of potential app compatibility issues that can arise with ARM-based Qualcomm chips. This move also provides an impressive battery life, with the Acer Swift 14 AI clocking an incredible 17 hours and 41 minutes of video playback in tests. Starting at S$1,399 for the Intel Core Ultra 5 model, and with the Core Ultra 7 version featuring a stunning OLED screen priced around S$1,800, it's moderately positioned in the crowded ultrabook market.

Design and Build Quality

Design-wise, the Acer Swift 14 AI opts for a minimalistic approach, making it suitable for professional contexts. Its aesthetics mirror the Qualcomm-powered Acer Swift Go 14 AI, with a subtle AI icon on the lid and a similar branding layout. The touchpad features a light-up AI indicator that signals active AI functions; however, it can be easily disabled if not needed.

Display

Weighing in at just 1.3kg, this 14-inch ultrabook is highly portable, complete with a 16:10 aspect ratio that delivers more vertical space for productivity tasks compared to the standard 16:9. Our review unit is fitted with a 1,920 x 1,200-pixel OLED display, while Acer also provides a higher-end version with a 90Hz, 3K OLED screen. The VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks, although the glossy screen finish can result in distracting reflections, especially in bright environments.

Camera and Privacy Features

Incorporating thoughtful features for users, the laptop's infrared webcam enhances security and battery efficiency through facial recognition and presence detection capabilities. The built-in physical webcam shutter offers peace of mind for privacy-conscious users. The 1,440p resolution of the webcam is respectable but might not deliver perfect clarity in every situation.

Connectivity

Acer has thoughtfully maintained a diverse range of ports on the Swift 14 AI, providing users with two USB4 ports, two USB-A ports, and an HDMI 2.1 port. This expands connectivity options without resorting to dongles, a feature that makes this Intel model favorable compared to its Qualcomm counterpart.

AI Integration and Features

One of the key highlights of this laptop is its dedication to AI integration, showcasing the convenience of Windows Copilot, akin to a ChatGPT companion. The copilot key instantly activates AI assistance, while features like Windows Studio Effects enhance your appearance on video calls. Additionally, Microsoft promises more Copilot features soon, including an upgraded search in Windows 11, keeping users excited about future capabilities.

Performance Benchmarks

On the performance front, the Acer Swift 14 AI is noteworthy. Equipped with Wi-Fi 7 support, a robust 32GB of memory, and a generous 1TB SSD, the laptop is built for speed and storage. Tests reveal that the Intel Core Ultra 7 285V processor outperforms last year's Intel Core i7, scoring 7,347 in PCMark 10 compared to the Swift Go 14's 6,093.

Gaming Performance

In terms of benchmarks, the Swift 14 AI is in a competitive position against its Qualcomm sibling, achieving 2,739 (single-core) and 11,110 (multi-core) in Geekbench 6. While the Qualcomm variant does have an edge in video encoding tasks, timing 6:55 minutes for a 1GB conversion compared to the 8:07 minutes for the Intel version, its app compatibility issues leave something to be desired.

Pricing and Availability

Priced competitively at under S$1,400 for the Intel Core Ultra 5 model, the Acer Swift 14 AI offers a feature-rich alternative to other ultrabooks in its class. While the Qualcomm version is slightly cheaper at around S$1,200, users must contend with its IPS display and potential compatibility issues that come with ARM architecture.

Conclusion

For everyday users searching for a lightweight ultrabook that promises excellent battery life and robust performance, the Acer Swift 14 AI stands out as an impeccable choice. This stylish and smart machine is readily available on popular platforms like Shopee and Lazada. Don't miss out on this impressive piece of technology – your future ultrabook is waiting!