Acer Aspire 5 (2022) Review: A Strong Budget Laptop for Students

Acer Aspire 5 (2022) Review: A Strong Budget Laptop for Students

The Acer Aspire 5 (2022) has long been a favorite among students, office workers, and anyone seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank. This year’s model continues that tradition, offering impressive specs at a remarkably affordable price point. Let’s dive into our detailed review to see if this laptop is right for you.

Design and Build

The Aspire 5 (2022) sports a plastic chassis with an aluminum-clad lid, a design choice that helps keep the weight manageable at 1.77 kg. However, the overall feel is somewhat clumsy, especially when compared to more premium laptops. The keyboard deck exhibits noticeable flex, though this isn’t problematic during normal typing. One downside is the lack of backlighting on the keyboard in my test unit, which might be an issue for those working in low-light conditions. On the bright side, the trackpad is large and responsive, handling gestures smoothly.

Display

The 15.6-inch IPS display offers a matte FHD resolution, but it falls short in several areas. The screen has a low brightness level and limited color coverage, making it unsuitable for graphic design work. There’s also a gap between the screen and the bezel, which could lead to dust accumulation over time. Additionally, the display uses a 16:9 aspect ratio, missing out on the extra vertical space offered by newer 16:10 panels.

Performance

Where the Aspire 5 (2022) truly shines is its performance. The 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor marks a significant upgrade over the previous generation, boasting a hybrid architecture with 10 cores and 12 threads. This results in a noticeable speedup in tasks like multitasking, video editing, and light gaming. The laptop handled all my daily tasks effortlessly, from writing and editing scripts to running multiple Chrome tabs and even some light photo editing in Photoshop.

Upgradeability and Cooling

One of the standout features of this model is its upgradeability. The RAM can be expanded up to 32GB, and the storage can be upgraded to 512GB, making it a future-proof choice for growing needs. The cooling system is adequate for everyday use, keeping the laptop cool under normal conditions. However, during extended gaming sessions, temperatures can rise, particularly around the keyboard and the area under the right side of the screen.

Battery and Connectivity

The 50Wh battery provides around 5 hours of usage on average, which is decent for a laptop in this category. The included 65W power adapter is sufficient for most needs, but the presence of a Thunderbolt 4 port means you can use a more compact PD charger if preferred. Connectivity options are rich, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, three USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet jack.

Verdict

Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 (2022) is a compelling choice for students and budget-conscious users. Its powerful 12th Gen Intel processor, rich connectivity options, and potential for upgrades make it a versatile and future-ready device. However, the mediocre build quality and basic display are notable downsides. If you prioritize performance and value, the Aspire 5 (2022) is an easy recommendation, despite its minor flaws.