Acer Aspire 5 (2024) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4
The Verdict
Aspire 5 serves budget-conscious users needing solid everyday computing, pairing an Intel i5-1335U with 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB storage in a spacious 15.6-inch 1920x1080 display. MacBook Pro 14 M4 occupies an entirely different category with its liquid retina XDR mini-LED panel (3024x1964, 120Hz ProMotion, 1600 nits), unified 16GB architecture, and exceptional 24-hour battery life. Performance-wise, M4 dominates through architectural superiority and GPU capabilities, while Acer provides competent multi-tasking for fraction of the price. Display quality represents the starkest contrast,MacBook's HDR capability and brightness far exceed the budget panel. Portability slightly favors MacBook despite similar RAM configurations. For professionals demanding color accuracy, video editing, or sustained performance, MacBook Pro M4 justifies its premium. Budget-conscious students and office workers find excellent value in Aspire 5's capable hardware and larger screen. Recommendation: Choose Aspire 5 if budget is primary constraint; select MacBook Pro M4 if professional workflows and display quality matter.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Acer Aspire 5 (2024) if…
- →Excellent all-round budget laptop at $549 with 16 GB RAM
- →Intel Core i5 handles everyday productivity and light creative work
- →Expandable storage for future SSD upgrades
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 if…
- →16 GB base RAM at no extra cost
- →Excellent battery life up to 24 hours
- →Mini-LED ProMotion display in entry MacBook Pro
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Acer Aspire 5 (2024)
Pros
- Excellent all-round budget laptop at $549 with 16 GB RAM
- Intel Core i5 handles everyday productivity and light creative work
- Expandable storage for future SSD upgrades
- Full-size HDMI and USB-A ports for hassle-free connectivity
- 9-hour battery life is solid for a budget laptop
Cons
- 60Hz FHD display — no high refresh rate or high resolution
- 300-nit brightness is dim for outdoor or bright-room use
- Plastic body feels less premium than aluminum competitors
- No Thunderbolt — USB-C is data/display only
Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4
Pros
- 16 GB base RAM at no extra cost
- Excellent battery life up to 24 hours
- Mini-LED ProMotion display in entry MacBook Pro
- Three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus HDMI and SD
- Quiet, efficient operation under typical load
Cons
- M4 lacks the GPU power of Pro/Max chips
- Storage upgrades remain expensive
- Only two external displays supported on M4
- Design unchanged from previous generation
Full Specifications
| Spec | Acer Aspire 5 (2024) | Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | macOS Sequoia |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 3.9 lbs (1.76 kg) | 1.55 kg |
| Material | Aluminum lid, plastic body | Aluminum unibody |
| Dimensions | 14.09 x 9.5 x 0.72 inches | 312.6 x 221.2 x 15.5 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-A ports | 2 | — |
| USB-C ports | 1 | — |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | — | 3 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 9 hours | Up to 24 hours wireless web |
| Capacity | 50 Wh | 72.4 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 15.6 inches | 14.2 inches |
| Type | IPS | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3024 x 1964 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Brightness (nits) | 300 | 1600 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe | 512 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB DDR5 | 16 GB unified |
| Cores | 10 cores (2P + 8E) | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU |
| Chipset | Intel Core i5-1335U | Apple M4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in laptops, see all Acer products or all Apple products. View full details for the Acer Aspire 5 (2024) or the Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4.