Pros
- 4-in-1 convertible design
- 2K IPS Screen
- Core i7 quad-core processor
- Active Stylus included
Cons
- No dedicated graphics
- The bottom frame is very wide
It's with this in mind that, in this review of the Acer Spin 5 SP513-54N-74V2, we delve into the most important features of a lightweight convertible that's managed to conquer the hearts of numerous users by being perfect for studying, working, viewing multimedia - thanks to its impressive 2K display- and much more at an unbeatable price point.
Index
- For whom is it?
- Technical specs
- Design and Panel
- Processor and RAM
- Storage and Graphics
- Battery life and connectivity features
- Verdict
For whom is it?
The Acer Spin 5 SP513-54N-74V2 is ideal for students and power-users looking for a manageable and powerful convertible, whose 4-in-1 design allows you to switch between laptop, tablet, screen, and stand modes, depending on your particular needs.
In addition, this model comes with a rechargeable stylus, Active Stylus, to simplify even further everyday tasks such as browsing the internet, drawing, creative projects, and taking handwritten notes, amongst others.
Likewise, to guarantee maximum portability, this convertible has a remarkable battery life of 15 hours under mixed usage - though several users have pointed towards a much more constrained number - . And to keep your information safe, you have a fingerprint reader which is supported by the Windows Hello feature built into the Windows 10 Home software.
Technical specifications
| Make model | Acer Spin 5 SP513-54N-74V2 |
| Dimensions | 11.81 x 9.25 x 0.59 inches |
| Weight | 2.65 pounds |
| Panel | IPS LED multi-touch (13.5 inches) |
| Resolution | 2K QHD (2256 x 1504 pixels) |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1065G7 (4 cores at 3.90 GHz) |
| RAM | 16GB (LPDDR4X) |
| Graphic Controller | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| Storage | 512GB (SSD) |
| Drums | 4 cells (Lithium) |
| Operating system | Windows 10 Home |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 USB 3.1 (x2) USB-C (x2) (Thunderbolt 3 compatible) HDMI Audio combo connector HD webcam Digital microphone microSD card reader Fingerprint sensor |
Elegance and portability go hand in hand
Easily switch between 4 modes of use
Beyond its brand new matte black finish, one of the main attractions of this laptop can be found in a chassis with a slim profile ( 0.6 inches ) and a light weight ( 1.20 kg ), whose transport on daily commutes will be greatly appreciated.
In addition, the robustness of its hinge system allows you to safely switch between 4 unique modes of use; including tablet, laptop, multimedia screen and stand. The above accompanied by a comfortable backlit keyboard, ready for editing office documents in the middle of the night, or to help you write the next great American novel, whatever floats your boat.
A viewing quality that amazes everyone
The great versatility of this convertible would not be the same without the implementation of a 13.5-inch LED panel with multi-touch technology, which you can use with your fingers or with the stylus included in the box.
It should be pointed out that this is not just "any old stylus" but rather a stylus that comes with Wacom's AES 1.0 which features up to 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity to provide a more authentic experience. What's more, you can charge the stylus on the laptop and as little as a 15-second charge can deliver up to 90 minutes of battery life, that's less time than it took you to read this paragraph!
In addition, its IPS technology manages to extend the viewing angles from end to end, while its spectacular 2K (QHD) resolution allows you to view multimedia content with sharpness, brightness, and color far superior to other convertibles on the market, making it a convertible that's well suited for photographers who are looking for a laptop to take on the go.
The Acer Spin 5 SP513-54N-74V2 comes backed by the 10th generation processor, Intel Core i7-1065G7, a quad-core CPU with 8 virtual cores and an 8 MB SmartCache memory that clocks in at a base 1.3 GHz and can reach an impressive 3.9 GHz thanks to turbo boost.
And to ensure efficient power consumption, even under the heaviest multitasking, Acer relies on 16GB RAM powered by the new LPDDR4X architecture. This is the perfect amount of RAM for the most hardcore multitasker and the fact that its LPDDR4X is great as it reduces power consumption giving way to a better battery life performance.
In addition to performing office tasks such as editing spreadsheets, web browsing, social media, listening to your favorite tunes, and streaming Netflix, the power of this convertible even allows you to run a couple of virtual machines to do some software development as well as do some design and edit with software such as ZBrush and the complete Adobe suite. Again, this convertible is no toy.
The great hardware performance of this convertible would not be possible without the inclusion of an SSD unit that, in addition to being quite silent, allows you to turn on the computer and start the installed applications and games in a matter of a few seconds.
Specifically, the SP513-54N-74V2 delivers 512 GB of SSD storage, allowing you to store your entire multimedia collection and not have to constantly worry that you're running out of storage space.
In addition, its IPS technology manages to extend the viewing angles from end to end, while its spectacular 2K (QHD) resolution allows you to view multimedia content with sharpness, brightness, and color far superior to other convertibles on the market, making it a convertible that's well suited for photographers who are looking for a laptop to take on the go.
Hardware that exceeds expectations
Intel Core i7: A performance that never ceases to amaze
The Acer Spin 5 SP513-54N-74V2 comes backed by the 10th generation processor, Intel Core i7-1065G7, a quad-core CPU with 8 virtual cores and an 8 MB SmartCache memory that clocks in at a base 1.3 GHz and can reach an impressive 3.9 GHz thanks to turbo boost.
And to ensure efficient power consumption, even under the heaviest multitasking, Acer relies on 16GB RAM powered by the new LPDDR4X architecture. This is the perfect amount of RAM for the most hardcore multitasker and the fact that its LPDDR4X is great as it reduces power consumption giving way to a better battery life performance.
So, what does this mean in terms of everyday tasks?
In addition to performing office tasks such as editing spreadsheets, web browsing, social media, listening to your favorite tunes, and streaming Netflix, the power of this convertible even allows you to run a couple of virtual machines to do some software development as well as do some design and edit with software such as ZBrush and the complete Adobe suite. Again, this convertible is no toy.
A phenomenal boot speed
How much space does the hard drive incorporate?
The great hardware performance of this convertible would not be possible without the inclusion of an SSD unit that, in addition to being quite silent, allows you to turn on the computer and start the installed applications and games in a matter of a few seconds.
Specifically, the SP513-54N-74V2 delivers 512 GB of SSD storage, allowing you to store your entire multimedia collection and not have to constantly worry that you're running out of storage space.
What's more, if you're coming from a laptop with a hard drive - likely if you haven't bought a laptop in over three years - then you're in for a real treat in terms of performance speed much beyond what you could ever imagine on an HDD.
Although this convertible does not pack dedicated graphics, it does have the new generation graphics controller, Intel Iris Plus Graphics, whose excellent performance is enough to move recent games (F1 2020 and Gears Tactics) and older games (FIFA 20 and Fortnite) with ease, but in standard HD resolution. That said, in no way should you understand this device as a gaming laptop, far from it.
As far as battery life is concerned, Acer has stated that this particular convertible can deliver up to 15 hours of autonomy. However, as we all know by now, manufacturers don't really have the best track record when it comes to stating a realistic battery life, honestly, they could just say "it lasts forever* " and place a fine print which says "if you don't turn it on".
Not for nothing, this model boasts great reviews from users who have already purchased it, who highlight the excellent performance of the screen, processing power, and the integrated battery, as well as a suite of connections and cutting-edge technology. Overall, an excellent proposition if you're a demanding user who's looking to purchase a convertible and aren't looking to compromise on performance.
Enjoy casual gaming in your spare time
Although this convertible does not pack dedicated graphics, it does have the new generation graphics controller, Intel Iris Plus Graphics, whose excellent performance is enough to move recent games (F1 2020 and Gears Tactics) and older games (FIFA 20 and Fortnite) with ease, but in standard HD resolution. That said, in no way should you understand this device as a gaming laptop, far from it.
Let's talk about battery life and connectivity
A battery life that's surrounded in controversy
As far as battery life is concerned, Acer has stated that this particular convertible can deliver up to 15 hours of autonomy. However, as we all know by now, manufacturers don't really have the best track record when it comes to stating a realistic battery life, honestly, they could just say "it lasts forever* " and place a fine print which says "if you don't turn it on".
That said, we're sad to see that the actual battery life on this convertible is far from what's claimed - at least if we take the word of several users into account - and it would seem to be far closer to the 8-hour range. Not half bad and definitely something we can work with but far from the advertised 15 hours.
Another section that cannot be overlooked is that of connectivity. And, from the outset, this model boasts high-speed Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 support. It also features 2 USB-C inputs with Thunderbolt 3 interface to speed up the transfer of content between compatible devices - up to 40 Gbps -.
Additionally, it has an HDMI output for monitors and televisions, an HD webcam for online video calls, 2 USB 3.1 inputs for peripherals, a combined audio and microphone jack, a microSD card slot, and a fast-response fingerprint reader.
After reviewing the SP513-54N-74V2, once again we see that the Acer Spin 5 family offers us a convertible laptop with an elegant and manageable design as well as hardcore hardware components that will surely satisfy the most demanding users out there.
Connect devices and peripherals when and where you need it
Another section that cannot be overlooked is that of connectivity. And, from the outset, this model boasts high-speed Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 support. It also features 2 USB-C inputs with Thunderbolt 3 interface to speed up the transfer of content between compatible devices - up to 40 Gbps -.
Additionally, it has an HDMI output for monitors and televisions, an HD webcam for online video calls, 2 USB 3.1 inputs for peripherals, a combined audio and microphone jack, a microSD card slot, and a fast-response fingerprint reader.
What's the verdict?
After reviewing the SP513-54N-74V2, once again we see that the Acer Spin 5 family offers us a convertible laptop with an elegant and manageable design as well as hardcore hardware components that will surely satisfy the most demanding users out there.
Not for nothing, this model boasts great reviews from users who have already purchased it, who highlight the excellent performance of the screen, processing power, and the integrated battery, as well as a suite of connections and cutting-edge technology. Overall, an excellent proposition if you're a demanding user who's looking to purchase a convertible and aren't looking to compromise on performance.