It’s the first laptop to feature Intel’s Iris Xe Max discrete graphics. Its build isn’t great, but the balance of power to price makes a lot of sense.
Why you can trust Pocket-lint (Pocket-lint) – When we last reviewed the Acer Swift 3 we concluded that it delivered one heck of a lot for the money. For its end-of-2020 guise, however, it’s about to offer one heck of a lot more. For the Acer Swift 3X is the very first laptop to feature Intel’s Iris Xe Max graphics – the company’s first graphics for laptops, without the typically huge associated costs. It’s not cheap, mind, despite its build seeming a little budget side, so is the Swift 3X a sensible balance of parts and power? DesignScreen: 14-inch Full HD IPS LCD display,84% screen-to-body ratioFinishes: Safari Gold (as pictured), Steam BlueThickness: 17.8mm / Weight 1.37kgsFingerprint scanner on bodyImproved airflow & vents The Swift 3 range has never been about presenting the most luxe materials and design. It looks just fine. But it doesn’t look high-end – the plasticky raised bezels around the screen tell you that. Sure, it is light and slim, and even made of metal – it just somehow doesn’t really look as though it is. Pocket-lint Maybe that’s something to do with the Safari Gold finish we’ve handled. We love the bright blue rear hinge, that’s a fun pop of interest, but the „gold“ colour is rather far from it and not as inspired as it sounds. It’s trying to be different, which in the world of laptops has to be appreciated, but it’s not quite there. However, the Swift 3 X’s design is great from a usability point of view. It weighs well below average for a 14-inch screen laptop. It’s a little thicker than the existing Swift 3 models on the market – the X is 17.8mm rather than 16mm – but that’s still decent for portable use. Especially where full-size ports are included (alongside a USB-C at Thunderbolt 4 speeds). As for typing: there’s little flex to the Swift 3X’s keyboard, with decent key travel, and satisfying key depress.
