When it comes to laptops that balance performance, portability, and affordability, the Acer Aspire 5 (Core i3, 2019) has earned a reputation as a solid option in the competitive budget laptop market. Designed for students, professionals, and casual users, this laptop makes a compelling case for anyone looking to get good value without breaking the bank. In this review, we will delve into the specifications, benchmarks, performance, design, and overall user experience of the Acer Aspire 5, revealing why it might just be the right laptop for you.
Overview of the Acer Aspire 5 (Core i3, 2019)
Launched as part of Acer's popular Aspire series, the 2019 model of the Aspire 5 features the Intel Core i3 processor, which marks a distinct upgrade over previous iterations. It is targeted towards users who need a reliable machine for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and multimedia consumption, without demanding high-end gaming or professional-grade software capabilities.
Key Specifications
Before we dive deeper, let’s take a look at the primary specifications that make the Acer Aspire 5 a competitive offering in its class:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-8145U |
| RAM | 4GB DDR4 (upgradable to 12GB) |
| Storage | 256GB SSD (upgradable) |
| Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours |
| Weight | Approximately 4.19 pounds (1.9 kg) |
Design and Build Quality
The first thing users notice about the Acer Aspire 5 is its sleek and modern design. The laptop sports a brushed aluminum finish on the lid, which not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also makes it durable. The overall build quality is commendable for a budget laptop, providing a sturdy feel that can withstand everyday use.
The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display delivers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for watching movies or working on presentations. However, while the brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, outdoor visibility might be compromised due to the reflective screen.
The keyboard is another highlight; it features a full-size, backlit keyboard with decent key travel, allowing for comfortable typing, even during long sessions. Additionally, the inclusion of a precision touchpad ensures smooth navigation. Overall, the design reflects a thoughtful balance between aesthetics and functionality, making it appealing to both students and professionals.
Performance Benchmarks
Now let's address the heart of the Acer Aspire 5 — its performance. Powered by the Intel Core i3-8145U processor, this laptop is designed to handle basic computing tasks with ease. Here are some key performance metrics and benchmarks that provide insight into its capabilities:
CPU Performance
When assessing CPU performance, we can turn to synthetic benchmarking tools like Cinebench R20 and Geekbench. The Intel Core i3-8145U, a dual-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.1 GHz and turbo boost capability up to 3.9 GHz, delivers commendable performance for everyday tasks.
In Cinebench R20, the Acer Aspire 5 scored approximately 700 points in multi-core tests, which is competitive for its class. Geekbench results showed single-core scores around 2500, while multi-core scores touched around 5000. These results confirm that the Aspire 5 can handle multitasking and basic productivity applications like Microsoft Office and web browsers effectively.
Graphics Performance
While the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 is not designed for heavy gaming, it does support light gaming and casual graphics applications. In 3DMark Fire Strike benchmarks, the laptop scored around 1000 points, which is suitable for entry-level gaming. Titles like "League of Legends" and "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive" can be played on lower settings with manageable frame rates, making it an appealing option for casual gamers.
Storage Performance
Equipped with a 256GB SSD, the Acer Aspire 5 offers impressive read and write speeds compared to traditional HDDs. In CrystalDiskMark tests, the sequential read speeds reached approximately 500 MB/s, while write speeds hovered around 450 MB/s. This translates into fast boot times, swift application launches, and efficient file transfers, contributing to an overall responsive user experience.
Thermals and Noise Levels
Under load, the Aspire 5 manages heat effectively. The fan design ensures that the laptop remains relatively quiet during standard operations. Although the fan can become audible during more intensive tasks, it never reaches disruptive levels, allowing for a comfortable user experience.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Acer Aspire 5 is its battery life. With a 48 Wh battery, the laptop promises up to 8 hours of usage on a single charge. In real-world testing, users can expect anywhere from 6 to 7 hours of battery life under mixed-use conditions, including web browsing and video playback. This level of battery performance is commendable for a laptop in this price range, allowing for a full day of work or study without needing to reach for a charger.
User Experience
The overall user experience with the Acer Aspire 5 is a positive one, and it's essential to highlight some of the features that contribute to this:
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Connectivity Options: The laptop is equipped with a range of connectivity options, including USB Type-C, USB 3.0, HDMI, and an SD card reader. This versatility allows users to connect various peripherals and external displays conveniently.
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Audio Performance: The dual stereo speakers deliver decent audio quality, suitable for video calls and multimedia consumption. However, for more immersive audio experiences, users might want to consider using headphones.
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Software: The laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, providing a familiar interface for most users. It also includes Acer's proprietary software for managing system settings and performance.
Upgrade Options
One of the attractive features of the Acer Aspire 5 is its upgradeability. Users can easily access the internal components by removing the bottom panel, which allows for RAM upgrades (up to 12GB) and storage expansion through an additional M.2 slot. This is a significant advantage for those looking to extend the lifespan of their device by upgrading hardware as their needs evolve.
Pros and Cons of the Acer Aspire 5 (Core i3, 2019)
Pros:
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Affordable Price Point: The Aspire 5 offers solid performance for its price, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.
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Decent Build Quality: The sleek design and sturdy materials give it a premium feel not often found in budget laptops.
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Upgradable RAM and Storage: The ability to upgrade components makes this laptop future-proof to a certain extent.
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Good Battery Life: With up to 8 hours on a single charge, it caters well to users on the go.
Cons:
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Limited Graphics Performance: Integrated graphics may not be sufficient for heavy gaming or graphics-intensive tasks.
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Reflective Display: The screen can be difficult to use outdoors due to glare and reflections.
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Only 4GB of RAM by Default: While upgradeable, the base model comes with limited RAM, which may hinder multitasking capabilities for power users.
Conclusion
The Acer Aspire 5 (Core i3, 2019) is a laptop that successfully meets the needs of a diverse range of users. With its powerful Intel Core i3 processor, attractive design, good battery life, and upgradeable components, it stands out in the budget segment of the market. While it may have some limitations, particularly in graphics performance, its strengths make it an appealing choice for students, professionals, and casual users alike.
If you're on the lookout for a reliable and affordable laptop that can handle day-to-day tasks with ease, the Acer Aspire 5 should undoubtedly be on your radar. Its combination of performance, design, and value puts it a step ahead of many competitors in the budget laptop category.
FAQs
1. Is the Acer Aspire 5 suitable for gaming?
While the Acer Aspire 5 is equipped with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620, it is best suited for light gaming. Casual games can be played on lower settings, but it is not designed for demanding gaming experiences.
2. Can I upgrade the RAM on the Acer Aspire 5?
Yes, the Acer Aspire 5 allows users to upgrade the RAM up to 12GB. This flexibility can significantly improve multitasking capabilities.
3. What is the battery life like on the Acer Aspire 5?
The Acer Aspire 5 offers up to 8 hours of battery life under optimal conditions. In real-world usage, you can expect around 6 to 7 hours of mixed-use battery performance.
4. Does the Acer Aspire 5 have a backlit keyboard?
Yes, the Aspire 5 features a full-size, backlit keyboard, making it easy to use in low-light conditions.
5. What operating system comes pre-installed on the Acer Aspire 5?
The Acer Aspire 5 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, providing a familiar and user-friendly interface for most users.