If you are looking for a budget friendly Windows laptop that balances both affordability and performance, the 2023 Acer Aspire 5 15.6″ is our top pick.
It is not the newest model of Acer Aspire 5 because it has been upgraded to the new Acer Aspire 5 2024 version. However, it is a better option compared to the Acer Aspire 5 2022 and 2020 versions.
In this review we will explain its most important features like Design, Build quality, Performance, Storage, Accessories, battery life, connectivity, price and more.
We will also explain who it is best for and why plus the main pros and cons of getting this laptop. At the end, we have added a comparison between this laptop and other similar options in the market.
The Acer Aspire 5 15.6″ (2023) features powerful specs that make it ideal for students and professionals as well. If you need a good laptop for basic gaming or note taking, this is the one for you.
Acer Aspire 5 Specifications
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- IPS screen
- Matte Finish
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- Brightness levels: 259 nits
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics or Iris Xe
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- RAM: 8 to 16 GB
- Storage: 256 GB to 512 GB SSD
Screen
The screen is large at 15.6 inches and only comes in Full HD 1920×1080 pixels. The standard 16:9 aspect ratio is perfect and matches most video formats, making it ideal for streaming. However, for a better viewing experience, a 16:10 aspect ratio would be a good addition to this laptop series since it seems larger.
Although the display is good for most users, the display contrast is lower compared to most OLED displays . This results in dim blacks and greys which is not ideal.
The matte finish display with high brightness levels at 259 nits does a good job in both low and high light conditions. You can still see the ambient reflections a bit but they are not too much on your face to affect viewing.
What we found wanting on this screen is the poor color gamut. It covers a slim color range making colors seem washed out. It also lacks the Adobe RGB and DCI P3 color spaces that are wide enough for professional usage in videography and Printing. This is a major disadvantage for creatives.
Design and build quality
Acer Aspire 5 laptop, which is all plastic, feels quite solid for a plastic machine. There’s a little flex in the lid and keyboard deck, and the display twists with some force when grabbed, but none of these are critical issues. The finish is fairly scratch- and fingerprint-resistant, and the feet hold solidly.
The hinges feel smooth while opening and closing the lid, although they are a bit too stiff for opening with a single hand. There is a little wobble on the screen when you adjust the tilt, but once it’s set, the whole thing feels solid while typing even beating on the keyboard.
Power and performance
The Acer Aspire 5 is powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and 8 to 16 GB of RAM for smooth multitasking. Unfortunately, the RAM isn’t upgradable.
For an improved display, you will have integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics or Iris Xe GPU.
This configuration ensures smooth performance for multitasking and everyday tasks. You will be able to use this laptop for professional use because it can handle multiple programs simultaneously without lag.
You can choose either 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1TB SSD of storage. The SSD is easily replaceable and upgradable thanks to easy accessibility. This space ensures a fast boot-up and quick file access on your device.
Although it features some powerful specifications, this laptop is not made for complex renderings and will not be the best for animation tasks or gaming.
Battery life and portability
To determine portability, you need to consider the overall weight, size, and battery life. The Acer Aspire 5 stands out with up to 8 hours of battery life. This is equal to an average working day.
You can work with it for all this time without having to recharge. However, this depends on the kind of task you use it for. We tested it with continuous video streaming only.
For portability, the laptop is a little not too big, at 15.6 inches in size. Luckily, it also features a lightweight design that further enhances its portability. Because of these aspects, it is considered a great choice for students or professionals on the go.
Additional Features and Software
Acer Aspire features several useful features.
- It features a 720p HD Webcam video with Acer technology ACEP ( temporal noise reduction ).for a good video conferencing experience even in low light.
- For office workers, it comes with PurifiedVoice and AI Noise Reduction that improves sound clarity.
- Acer PurifiedView and AI algorithms correct blurry displays adjusting them as per the respective angles. For video conferencing, Acer Aspire 5 provides an ergonomic mask effect improving your view and natural video call experience.
- With Windows 11 Home, Acer Aspire 5 laptop offers a mobile interface artificial intelligence and Windows 11 Home security features. The new Windows is also more tightly coupled to Microsoft services through updates than ever before.
Conclusion
The Acer Aspire 5 (2023) is a versatile and multipurpose laptop that offers more specs for its budget-friendly price.
With a powerful processor, ample RAM, and a sleek design, it’s an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and portable laptop for everyday tasks. However, those needing a machine for more demanding applications may need to consider other options.
Pros
- Easily portable and lightweight
- Firm and sturdy build
- Powerful processor and large RAM
- Expandable SSD storage
Cons
- Short battery life
- Not the best keyboard
- Some models lack USB-C
- Narrow color accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
can you use the Acer Aspire 5 for graphic design or video editing?
The Aspire 5 can be used for basic graphic design like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. However, for complex video editing, consider a more powerful laptop to avoid lags.