Acer Swift Go 16 Review: A Solid Laptop, Not an "AI Machine"

The Acer Swift Go 16 is a competent laptop equipped with several AI features, but it falls short of being labeled a true "AI machine."

As AI continues to integrate into various tech devices, Acer's Swift Go 16 represents the initial wave of AI-enhanced laptops. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra chip with AI capabilities, it boasts an Intel Arc GPU for AI-accelerated graphics, an AI Copilot key on the keyboard, AI noise reduction mics, and a webcam with AI-enabled Temporal Noise Reduction.

Retailing at $900, the Swift Go 16 features an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It has a 16-inch multi-touch IPS display and Intel Arc graphics. This configuration is currently the only option available for Acer's latest budget laptop.

Design: Light, Compact, and Durable The Swift Go 16 is designed for productivity with its thin and light form factor. Weighing just 3.7 lbs, it's lighter than many of its 16-inch counterparts, such as the Apple MacBook Pro and Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Pro. Despite its slim 0.7-inch thickness, it maintains a sturdy build quality.

Keyboard and Trackpad: Functional with Flaws The 16-inch laptop features a spacious keyboard with a numeric keypad, full-function row, backlighting, and a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to AI features. However, the keyboard is shallow and lacks sufficient feedback, which may be uncomfortable for extended typing sessions. The trackpad is spacious and stable, providing a satisfactory user experience.

Performance: Efficient but Not for Gaming Equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, Intel Arc graphics, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD, the Swift Go 16 delivers impressive performance scores, outperforming competitors like the Dell XPS 14 and Lenovo ThinkBook X1 Fold. However, it’s not suitable for gaming, as its built-in Intel Arc graphics are geared more towards productivity tasks.

Display: Good, Not Great The 16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS display with a 60Hz refresh rate offers decent quality for general use but lacks the vibrant contrast and clarity of OLED screens. It's adequate for tasks like watching videos and browsing, but not ideal for high-end gaming or graphic-intensive work.

Camera and Mic: Standard with Some AI Enhancements The 1440p QHD webcam features AI-enabled Temporal Noise Reduction, but the difference in visual noise is minimal compared to non-AI webcams. The AI noise reduction in the mic works effectively to minimize background noise.

Battery Life: Falls Short of Promises Despite Acer's claims of 20-hour battery life, real-world usage yields around 10 hours, which, while respectable, is disappointing compared to the advertised duration. This battery life is still decent for a 16-inch laptop but may require users to carry a charger for extended periods away from power sources.

Verdict: A Good Laptop with Overhyped AI Features Score: 3/5

At $900, the Acer Swift Go 16 offers reliable performance, a decent display, ample ports, and a portable design. The battery life, while not as advertised, is acceptable. The AI features are more of a novelty than a necessity. Overall, it’s a solid productivity laptop, but not the groundbreaking "AI machine" it’s marketed as.