Acer Swift Go 16 (SFG16-72, 2024) vs Apple MacBook Air 13" M4
The Verdict
Acer's Swift Go 16 delivers exceptional value with a larger 16-inch OLED display (3200x2000, 120Hz) and robust connectivity including dual Thunderbolt ports, HDMI, and SD card slot, all while weighing just 1.5kg with 12.5-hour battery life. Apple's MacBook Air M4 offers superior portability at 1.24kg, exceptional build quality, and industry-leading battery endurance (18 hours), though its 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display runs at 60Hz and provides only 256GB base storage. Performance-wise, both handle productivity seamlessly, but the M4's efficiency and macOS ecosystem justify its premium for creative professionals. The Acer excels for content creators needing screen real estate and ports at a lower price; Apple wins for ultraportable workflow and longevity. Choose Acer for versatility and value, MacBook Air for refined portability and ecosystem integration.
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" M4 if…
- →M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- →16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- →Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
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" M4
Pros
- M4 chip is a massive leap over M3 — handles demanding creative workflows
- 16 GB RAM standard across all configurations
- Under 2.7 lbs — one of the lightest capable laptops available
- 18-hour battery life rivals the 15-inch model
- Fanless, completely silent operation
Cons
- 60Hz display — no ProMotion or high-refresh option
- 256 GB base storage requires upgrading for most users
- Only two Thunderbolt ports limits connectivity
- 13.6-inch screen feels cramped for multitasking
Full Specifications
| Spec | Acer Swift Go 16 (SFG16-72, 2024) | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | macOS Sequoia |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.5 kg | 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg) |
| Material | Aluminum | Recycled aluminum |
| Dimensions | 358 x 248.5 x 15.9 mm | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | |
| USB-A ports | 2 | — |
| USB-C ports | 0 | 2 |
| SD card | ||
| Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 2 |
| MagSafe | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 12.5 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Capacity | 65 Wh | 52.6 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 16 inches | 13.6 inches |
| Type | OLED, 16:10 | Liquid Retina IPS |
| 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 (configurable to 2 TB) |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X | 16 GB |
| Cores | 16 cores (6P+8E+2LPE) | 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU |
| Chipset | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | 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 Swift Go 16 (SFG16-72, 2024) or the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4.