Affordable Performance: 2022 Acer Aspire 5 Review

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Design and Build Quality
3. Display Quality
4. Performance and Upgradability
5. Battery Life
6. Keyboard and Trackpad
7. Ports and Connectivity
8. Audio Quality
9. Additional Features
10. Conclusion

Introduction

The Acer Aspire 5 for 2022 is a budget-friendly laptop designed for individuals, students, and business users who require a reliable machine for everyday tasks without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various aspects of this laptop, including its design, display quality, performance, battery life, and additional features. Join us as we explore whether the Acer Aspire 5 lives up to its reputation as an affordable yet capable device.

Design and Build Quality

The Acer Aspire 5 boasts a well-designed chassis that belies its affordable price point. The top cover features an aluminum finish, while the bottom is made of sturdy plastic. Despite the plastic construction, the laptop feels surprisingly solid and doesn't give off a cheap vibe. The only drawback is that the lid requires the use of both hands to open, which can be a bit inconvenient. However, this is a minor issue compared to the overall build quality of the device.

Display Quality

With its 14-inch full HD display, the Acer Aspire 5 offers a bright and vibrant visual experience. Whether you're watching videos or working on spreadsheets, the screen provides crisp and clear imagery. However, the bezels surrounding the display are quite thick, which may disappoint those looking for a more immersive viewing experience. It would have been nice to see Acer reduce the bezel size to keep up with current design trends.

Performance and Upgradability

Equipped with a 12th generation Intel Core i5 1235U processor, the Acer Aspire 5 delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks. In fact, this processor outperforms even some high-end gaming laptops from the previous year. Its two cores offer a good balance between performance and efficiency, making it suitable for multitasking and resource-intensive applications. Additionally, the laptop's RAM and storage are upgradable, allowing users to customize their setup to suit their specific needs.

Battery Life

The Acer Aspire 5 comes with a 54.6 watt-hour battery, which provides impressive longevity. While Acer does not specify the exact battery life on its website, Windows estimates that the laptop can last for over 11 hours on 50% brightness settings. This means users can expect at least 8 to 10 hours of usage, whether they are watching videos, listening to Music, or performing other tasks. The extended battery life makes it a reliable companion for students or professionals on the go.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Typing on the Acer Aspire 5's keyboard is a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The keys offer good tactile feedback, although they do emit a noticeable sound when pressed. The trackpad, while small in size, is responsive and works well without any lag or sluggishness. Overall, the keyboard and trackpad are well-suited for everyday use, providing a seamless input experience.

Ports and Connectivity

The Acer Aspire 5 offers a decent selection of ports for connectivity. From left to right, you'll find the charging port, Ethernet port, full HDMI port, and two USB ports. Additionally, there is a USB-C port, although it does not support display out or charging. This limitation may be disappointing for some users who prefer the convenience of a USB-C charger. Nevertheless, the overall range of ports is satisfactory for most users' needs.

Audio Quality

The speakers on the Acer Aspire 5 deliver adequate sound quality, though they lack bass. While the audio output may not be exceptional, it is still manageable for everyday use. For a more immersive audio experience, it is recommended to use external speakers or headphones. Overall, the audio quality does not detract from the laptop's performance and functionality.

Additional Features

The Acer Aspire 5 includes a few additional features that enhance its appeal. The laptop features an elevated design that slightly lifts the keyboard for a more ergonomic typing experience. This design choice adds to the overall comfort when using the device on a desk. Unfortunately, the laptop does not come with a fingerprint reader, and the USB-C port does not support charging. However, other models in the Aspire 5 series may offer these features, as well as touchscreen capability. It ultimately depends on the user's preferences and requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Acer Aspire 5 for 2022 is a budget-friendly laptop that offers a compelling mix of performance and affordability. With its 12th generation Intel Core processor, upgradable RAM and storage options, and impressive battery life, it is well-suited for individuals looking for a reliable machine for everyday use. While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of higher-end laptops, the Acer Aspire 5 delivers solid performance and functionality without breaking the bank.