Acer Swift Go 16 (SFG16-72, 2024) vs Apple MacBook Air 13" M3
The Verdict
Acer's Swift Go 16 delivers exceptional value with a larger 16-inch OLED display (3200x2000, 120Hz), superior multitasking capability via 16GB RAM and Intel Core Ultra 7, and genuine port versatility including Thunderbolt 2, USB-A, HDMI, and SD card. Apple's MacBook Air M3 counters with legendary efficiency—its M3 chip still handles professional tasks seamlessly, weighs only 1.24kg, achieves 18-hour battery life, and maintains macOS ecosystem integration. However, the MacBook starts with just 256GB storage and 8GB RAM at a higher $1,099 price point. For creators, developers, and power users needing performance and screen real estate, the Swift Go 16 offers dramatically better specifications for $200 less. MacBook Air suits those prioritizing portability and macOS exclusivity, though the base configuration feels restrictive. Acer Swift Go 16 is the stronger overall choice for most users.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Acer Swift Go 16 (SFG16-72, 2024) if…
- →Sharp 3.2K 120Hz OLED display
- →Affordable for a Core Ultra OLED laptop
- →Generous port selection including SD card reader
Buy the Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 if…
- →Light and portable at 1.24 kg
- →Excellent fanless M3 efficiency
- →Bright 500-nit Liquid Retina display
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Acer Swift Go 16 (SFG16-72, 2024)
Pros
- Sharp 3.2K 120Hz OLED display
- Affordable for a Core Ultra OLED laptop
- Generous port selection including SD card reader
- Lightweight for a 16-inch laptop
- Solid 1080p IR webcam
Cons
- Speakers are merely average
- Display brightness lower than competitors
- Soldered RAM limits upgradability
- Plastic deck flex on the keyboard
Apple MacBook Air 13" M3
Pros
- Light and portable at 1.24 kg
- Excellent fanless M3 efficiency
- Bright 500-nit Liquid Retina display
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Supports two external displays with lid closed
Cons
- 8 GB base RAM increasingly limiting
- Only two Thunderbolt ports
- 256 GB SSD uses single NAND chip with slower speeds
- No high-refresh display
- Limited port selection
Full Specifications
| Spec | Acer Swift Go 16 (SFG16-72, 2024) | Apple MacBook Air 13" M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | macOS Sequoia |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.5 kg | 1.24 kg |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum unibody |
| Dimensions | 358 x 248.5 x 15.9 mm | 304.1 x 215.0 x 11.3 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | — |
| USB-A ports | 2 | — |
| USB-C ports | 0 | — |
| SD card | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 2 |
| MagSafe | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 12.5 hours | Up to 18 hours wireless web |
| Capacity | 65 Wh | 52.6 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 16 inches | 13.6 inches |
| Type | OLED, 16:10 | Liquid Retina IPS LED |
| Resolution | 3200 x 2000 | 2560 x 1664 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 400 | 500 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe | 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X | 8 GB unified |
| Cores | 16 cores (6P+8E+2LPE) | 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU |
| Chipset | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Apple M3 |
Related Comparisons
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 Swift Go 16 (SFG16-72, 2024) or the Apple MacBook Air 13" M3.