Highlights
- The Aspire 5 comes with either a 256GB or 512GB solid-state drive (SSD) and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, while the Vivobook 14 offers a 128GB or 256GB SSD and 8GB of DDR4 RAM.
- The Aspire 5 starts at around $400 for the base model with an Intel Core i3 processor, while the Vivobook 14 starts at around $500 for the base model with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor.
- The Aspire 5 offers a superior display, lightweight design, and USB Type-C connectivity, while the Vivobook 14 boasts a more durable build, longer battery life, and a dedicated fingerprint scanner.
In the realm of budget laptops, the Acer Aspire 5 and Asus Vivobook 14 stand as two formidable contenders. Both offer a compelling blend of features, performance, and affordability, making them ideal for students, professionals, and everyday users. But which one emerges as the true champion? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Acer Aspire 5 and Asus Vivobook 14 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Acer Aspire 5 boasts a sleek and modern design with a silver or black chassis. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to carry around, weighing in at just 3.97 pounds. On the other hand, the Asus Vivobook 14 features a more traditional design with a brushed metal finish. It is slightly heavier than the Aspire 5, weighing 4.19 pounds, but it feels more sturdy and durable.
Display
Both the Acer Aspire 5 and Asus Vivobook 14 come with 14-inch displays, but they differ in terms of resolution and panel type. The Aspire 5 offers a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution IPS display, while the Vivobook 14 has a slightly lower resolution of 1366 x 768 and uses a TN panel. The Aspire 5’s IPS display provides better viewing angles and color accuracy, making it a better choice for content creation and media consumption.
Performance
Under the hood, the Acer Aspire 5 and Asus Vivobook 14 are powered by different processors. The Aspire 5 comes with either an Intel Core i3-1115G4 or Core i5-1135G7 processor, while the Vivobook 14 offers an AMD Ryzen 3 5300U or Ryzen 5 5500U. In terms of graphics, the Aspire 5 relies on integrated Intel UHD Graphics, while the Vivobook 14 uses AMD Radeon Vega graphics. For most everyday tasks, both laptops provide adequate performance, but the Vivobook 14 has a slight edge in graphics-intensive applications.
Storage and Memory
The Acer Aspire 5 and Asus Vivobook 14 offer various storage and memory configurations. The Aspire 5 comes with either a 256GB or 512GB solid-state drive (SSD) and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, while the Vivobook 14 offers a 128GB or 256GB SSD and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. Both laptops have upgradeable storage and memory, allowing you to expand them as needed.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any laptop, especially for those who are on the go. The Acer Aspire 5 is equipped with a 48Wh battery, while the Asus Vivobook 14 has a larger 50Wh battery. In real-world usage, the Aspire 5 provides an average battery life of around 6-7 hours, while the Vivobook 14 lasts slightly longer, offering around 7-8 hours of battery life.
Ports and Connectivity
The Acer Aspire 5 and Asus Vivobook 14 offer a similar range of ports and connectivity options. Both laptops feature two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. The Aspire 5 additionally includes a USB Type-C port, while the Vivobook 14 has a built-in fingerprint scanner.
Price
Pricing for the Acer Aspire 5 and Asus Vivobook 14 varies depending on the configuration. The Aspire 5 starts at around $400 for the base model with an Intel Core i3 processor, while the Vivobook 14 starts at around $500 for the base model with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between the Acer Aspire 5 and Asus Vivobook 14 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a high-resolution display, lightweight design, and USB Type-C connectivity, the Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more durable build, longer battery life, and a dedicated fingerprint scanner, the Asus Vivobook 14 is the better option.
The Verdict: A Close Call
Both the Acer Aspire 5 and Asus Vivobook 14 are outstanding budget laptops with their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Aspire 5 offers a superior display, lightweight design, and USB Type-C connectivity, while the Vivobook 14 boasts a more durable build, longer battery life, and a dedicated fingerprint scanner. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual requirements and preferences.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which laptop has a better processor?
The Asus Vivobook 14 has a slight edge in terms of processor performance, as it offers AMD Ryzen processors compared to the Intel processors in the Acer Aspire 5.
2. Which laptop has a longer battery life?
The Asus Vivobook 14 has a slightly longer battery life, offering around 7-8 hours of usage compared to the Aspire 5’s 6-7 hours.
3. Which laptop has more storage options?
Both laptops offer similar storage options, with the Aspire 5 available with 256GB or 512GB SSDs and the Vivobook 14 offering 128GB or 256GB SSDs.