Acer Swift AI 16 vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: it's a close comparison, yet one laptop continues to hold the top position.

      Microsoft offers the top 15-inch laptop with the Surface Laptop 7, at least within the Windows ecosystem. However, it is not the only player producing large, lightweight laptops that excel in productivity and multitasking capability.

      The Acer Swift AI 16 is one of the latest contenders, featuring a larger 16-inch OLED display that looks impressive. It is more affordable and similarly equipped, but does it have what it takes to dethrone Microsoft’s flagship?

      **Specifications and Configurations**

      ***Acer Swift AI 16***

      ***Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 15***

      **Dimensions**

      14.02 x 9.92 x 0.58-0.69 inches

      12.96 x 9.41 x 0.72 inches

      **Weight**

      3.37 pounds

      3.67 pounds

      **Processor**

      Intel Core Ultra 7 256V

      Intel Core Ultra 7 258V

      Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (12-core)

      **Graphics**

      Intel Arc 140V

      Qualcomm Adreno

      **RAM**

      16GB unified memory

      16GB, 32GB, 64GB

      **Display**

      16.0-inch 16:10 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED, 120Hz

      15.0-inch 3:2 2496 x 1664 IPS, 120Hz

      **Storage**

      1TB SSD

      256GB SSD, 512GB SSD, 1TB SSD

      **Touch**

      Yes

      Yes

      **Ports**

      2 x USB4 with Thunderbolt 4

      2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1

      1 x HDMI

      1 x 3.5mm audio jack

      2 x USB4 USB-C

      1 x USB-A 3.1

      1 x 3.5mm audio jack

      1 x Surface Connect

      **Wireless**

      Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4

      Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4

      **Webcam**

      QHD (2560 x 1440) with infrared

      1080p with infrared for Windows 11 Hello

      **Operating System**

      Windows 11

      Windows 11

      **Battery**

      70 watt-hour battery

      55 watt-hour

      **Price**

      $1,250

      $1,299+

      **Rating**

      4.5 out of 5 stars

      3.5 out of 5 stars

      Currently, there is only one configuration available for the Swift AI 16, which includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor, 16GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a 16-inch OLED display for $1,250. In contrast, Microsoft offers multiple configurations for the Surface Laptop 7 starting at $1,299 for a setup featuring a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite chipset, 16GB RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a 15.0-inch IPS display. An upgrade to a 512GB SSD costs an additional $200, while a 1TB SSD upgrade is $400. The highest configuration for the Surface Laptop 7 reaches $2,499 with 64GB RAM and a 1TB SSD.

      **Design**

      The Swift AI 16 exemplifies modern minimalist design with flared edges breaking up its simple all-black look. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 7 maintains Microsoft's typical Surface style, which is also minimalist but feels slightly more refined and available in various colors for personalization.

      Both laptops feature all-aluminum builds, though the Swift AI 16 has a slightly more flexible display, giving the Surface Laptop 7 an edge in overall sturdiness. While the Acer does not feel flimsy, Microsoft's design appears more durable.

      The Swift AI 16, being wider and deeper due to its larger screen, is also thinner and lighter than the Surface Laptop 7, making it easier to transport despite its greater screen area. However, the keyboard on the Swift AI 16 is somewhat cramped because of the inclusion of a numeric keypad and smaller keycaps. Its keyboard switches are light and responsive, but the Surface Laptop 7 boasts a more comfortable layout with larger keycaps and deeper switches, along with a more precise haptic touchpad. Both laptops support touch input, but only the Surface Laptop 7's screen is compatible with an active pen.

      In terms of connectivity, the Swift AI 16 shines with a wider array of modern and legacy ports. The Surface Laptop 7 has fewer ports but incorporates a proprietary Surface Connect power port, allowing for more USB-C connectivity. Both laptops are equipped with up-to-date wireless technology.

      The Swift AI 16 offers a higher resolution 1440p webcam compared to the 1080p webcam of the Surface Laptop 7. Both webcams provide good quality images and are backed by fast, modern chipsets supporting Microsoft's Copilot+ PC AI initiative.