Acer Swift X 14 (2024) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Both laptops target creative professionals, but serve different ecosystems. Acer's Swift X 14 pairs an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H with 16GB RAM and a vibrant 2.8K OLED display (500 nits, 90Hz), delivering strong multitasking performance at $999. Apple's MacBook Pro 14" M3 commands a $600 premium with superior build quality, exceptional 1600-nit mini-LED display (120Hz ProMotion), and exceptional battery longevity (17 hours claimed). However, the M3's 8GB base RAM feels tight for 2024, and storage remains soldered. Performance-wise, the M3 excels in GPU-intensive workflows and efficiency, while the Intel processor handles heavy multithreading better. Choose the Acer for Windows users needing value and RAM flexibility, or the MacBook Pro if you're ecosystem-committed and prioritize display quality and battery endurance.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Acer Swift X 14 (2024) | Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | macOS Sonoma |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.60 kg | 1.55 kg |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum unibody |
| Dimensions | 323.4 x 225.7 x 16.9 mm | 312.6 x 221.2 x 15.5 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | 1 |
| USB-A ports | 2 | — |
| USB-C ports | 1 | — |
| SD card | ||
| Thunderbolt ports | 1 | 3 |
| MagSafe | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours mixed use | Up to 17 hours wireless web |
| Capacity | 73 Wh | 72.4 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 14.5 inches | 14.2 inches |
| Type | 2.8K OLED anti-glare | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED |
| Resolution | 2880 x 1800 | 3024 x 1964 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Brightness (nits) | 500 | 1600 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB NVMe | 512 GB NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5x | 8 GB unified |
| Cores | 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) | 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU |
| Chipset | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Apple M3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Acer Swift X 14 (2024)
Pros
- 2.8K OLED display at $999 is exceptional value
- Discrete RTX 3050 GPU option for light creative work
- Good port selection including SD card and USB-A
- Solid build quality from aluminum chassis
- Upgradeable SSD
Cons
- Only one Thunderbolt port
- Fan noise becomes noticeable under sustained load
- Battery life trails fanless ultrabooks
- 90Hz OLED refresh rate behind 120Hz peers
- RAM is soldered — no upgrade path
Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3
Pros
- Full ProMotion mini-LED XDR display at the $1599 entry tier
- Excellent 17-hour battery life for a 14-inch machine
- Compact and portable at 1.55 kg
- Three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus HDMI and SD card
- Silent under light-to-moderate workloads
Cons
- 8 GB base RAM is restrictive for demanding tasks
- Storage upgrades carry a steep Apple premium
- M3 GPU struggles with heavy 3D workloads compared to Pro/Max
- Notch in display polarises opinions
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