Dell vs Acer Laptops
Author: Luke Adkins Date Posted: 25 June 2024
.jpg)
When it comes to choosing a new laptop, you'll be faced with loads of different brands to consider, but among all of them, two often stand out the most: Dell and Acer.
Both have established themselves as reliable laptop brands offering a range of models to suit various needs, and whether you're a professional seeking a powerful machine for work or a gamer looking for high performance hardware, both Dell and Acer provide options that meet these requirements.
But how can you tell which laptop brand is best? Today, we're going to compare them, taking a closer look at what each of these brands and some of their most popular models offer, helping you find the best laptop for your specific needs.
Performance
Of all the considerations you need to make when working out if a Dell laptop or Acer laptop would be the right choice, CPU performance is arguably the most important. Both brands offer a range of laptops with varying performance levels, from basic models suitable for everyday use to high-end machines designed for intensive work.
Dell Laptop Performance
Dell laptops are well-known for providing robust performance, and one of their standout models is the Dell XPS series, which has consistently received positive reviews and high marks for its efficient processing capabilities. Dell XPS laptops also feature Intel's latest processors, ranging from Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 to the super powerful Intel Core i9, and this means that they can handle anything from simple web browsing to running demanding software applications. Additionally, the integration of SSD storage in most of Dell's models enhances their power even further by providing faster boot times and quick data access.
For gamers and those requiring high-performance machines, Dell's Alienware series is another very good choice. Alienware laptops are packed with high-end components such as NVIDIA's latest GPUs and Intel's top-tier processors, making them capable of running the latest games and handling VR applications smoothly.
Acer Laptop Performance
Acer laptops also offer impressive performance across their product range. The Acer Predator series, for instance, is designed for gamers and power users, and is equipped with Intel’s high-end processors and NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, delivering excellent gaming performance and handling intensive tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering with ease.
For budget-conscious shoppers, the Acer Swift series also offers commendable performance at an affordable price. These laptops are designed to be lightweight and portable while still providing sufficient power for daily tasks, and they usually come with Intel’s lower to mid-range processors and integrated graphics, making them ideal for students and professionals who need a reliable, portable device.
Design & Build Quality
Along with its performance, you need to consider the laptop's design and build quality, as this will impact both its usability and durability and ensure it's comfortable and capable of withstanding daily wear and tear.
Dell Design & Build Quality
The Dell XPS series, in particular, is highly reviewed for its sleek, modern design, featuring a minimalistic aluminium chassis with carbon fibre palm rests, giving them a luxurious and robust feel. Along with this, the overall build quality is excellent, with attention to detail evident in the precise construction and durable materials used.
The Dell Inspiron series also boasts solid build quality, although it leans more towards practicality than luxury. These laptops are made from a combination of plastic and aluminium, ensuring durability while keeping costs down, and while the design is straightforward but functional, there is still a focus on providing a comfortable typing and viewing experience.
If you're looking for a bold, futuristic design, the Dell Alienware series is a good choice. These laptops have a distinctive look with customisable RGB lighting and a robust build quality designed to handle the demands of gaming and intensive use. The materials used, including magnesium alloy and copper, also make them incredibly durable.
Acer Design & Build Quality
Acer’s design philosophy varies across its different series, but a common theme is practicality and functionality. For example, the Acer Predator series, which is designed for gamers, features a bold, aggressive design with angular lines and RGB lighting. The build quality is also solid, with sturdy materials that can withstand the rigours of gaming.
Conversely, the Acer Aspire series offers a more conservative design approach. These laptops are made from plastic, which helps keep them lightweight and affordable, and the build quality is decent, with a focus on providing a comfortable user experience.
Acer’s Swift series, aimed at users seeking portability, features a sleek, lightweight design, and are made from aluminium, giving them a premium look and feel. The overall build quality is good, with a focus on creating a durable, portable device that can be easily carried around.
.jpg)
Graphics & Display
Whether you're planning to use your new laptop for gaming, video editing, viewing documents, or media consumption, it needs to have the best possible display in line with your needs. From basic integrated graphics to high-end dedicated GPUs, both brands have something to offer.
Dell Graphics & Display
With high-quality displays and graphics options that cater to various needs, Dell laptops have become one of the most popular choices in terms of graphics. In a common theme, the Dell XPS series stands out in this category with its stunning InfinityEdge displays that offer nearly borderless viewing. These screens are also available in Full HD and 4K resolutions, with excellent colour accuracy and brightness and adjustable screen brightness, making them ideal for creative professionals and media enthusiasts.
The Dell Inspiron series offers good display quality, too, with most models featuring Full HD resolution. The graphics options in Inspiron laptops range from integrated Intel UHD graphics to entry-level NVIDIA GeForce GPUs, providing sufficient power for everyday tasks and light gaming.
For gamers, the Alienware series delivers excellent graphics performance and is equipped with high-refresh-rate displays, often featuring 120Hz or 144Hz panels with G-Sync support. The graphics options include the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs, capable of delivering smooth gameplay and stunning visuals.
Acer Graphics & Display
Acer also provides impressive graphics and display options across its laptop range, and the Acer Aspire series offers good display quality, with most models featuring Full HD resolution. The graphics options range from integrated Intel or AMD graphics to mid-range NVIDIA GeForce GPUs, providing decent performance for everyday use and light gaming.
Acer’s Swift series, which as we've discussed before is designed for portability, features high-quality displays with Full HD resolution. They are also equipped with integrated graphics, suitable for general use and media consumption, and the display quality is good, with bright, sharp screens that are ideal for working on the go.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor to consider when comparing brands, especially for those who need to use their laptops on the move. As both Dell and Acer offer laptops with varying battery life, depending on the model and intended use, knowing which models have the best battery life is incredibly helpful when making your choice.
Dell Battery Life
Of the two brands, Dell is often considered the better option for battery life, with some models, such as the XPS series, offering up to 12 hours of use from a single charge. This is ideal for professionals and students who need to work throughout the day without worrying about recharging.
The Dell Inspiron series also delivers good battery life, typically ranging from 6 to 10 hours depending on the model and usage, while the battery life on the Alienware series is not as long, due to the high-performance components used. However, Alienware laptops still offer reasonable battery life for gaming laptops, and you can expect 4 to 6 hours on a single charge, which is sufficient for short gaming sessions or intensive tasks without being tethered to a power outlet.
Acer Battery Life
While not as revered as Dell laptops, Acer laptops also offer decent battery life across their range. Acer’s Swift series, in particular, excels in battery performance and can last up to 12 hours or more on a single charge, making them ideal for users who need a lightweight device with long battery life.
The Acer Aspire series also provides a good amount of battery life, with most models capable of lasting between 7 to 9 hours on a single charge. Or, if you're in the market for gaming laptops, the Predator series has a battery life of around 4 to 6 hours, which is similar to Dell’s Alienware laptops. While shorter than other Acer models, this is expected given the power-hungry components and high-refresh-rate displays.
Features & Innovation
Both Dell and Acer are known for incorporating innovative features into their laptops, enhancing the user experience and providing additional functionality. But which comes out on top? As always, this ultimately depends on what you're going to be using your laptop for.
Dell Features & Innovation
Dell laptops are often at the forefront of technological innovation, and many models offer a range of features aimed at enhancing productivity. This includes backlit keyboards, precision touchpads, and high-quality audio systems. Some, like the Dell Inspiron series, also offer the flexibility of both a laptop and a tablet, which is an excellent features for on-the-go use, along with several USB C ports for attaching peripherals or an external display.
Dell's Alienware laptops are packed with features designed for gamers, including customisable RGB lighting, advanced cooling systems, and high-performance components. Also, Dell’s Alienware Command Center software allows you to fine-tune your gaming experience, adjusting performance settings and customising the laptop’s lighting for a truly immersive experience.
Acer Features & Innovation
Many Acer laptops offer innovative features that are useful for different needs. The Predator series, for example, includes advanced cooling technologies such as the AeroBlade 3D fan, which helps maintain optimal performance during intensive gaming sessions, as well as customisable RGB lighting and high-refresh-rate displays that enhance the gaming experience.
Or, if gaming isn't your priority, Acer’s Swift series includes features aimed at enhancing portability and usability, such as lightweight designs, long battery life, a more comfortable keyboard, and high-quality displays. Some also come with biometric security features like fingerprint readers, ensuring that you can can keep sensitive data secure.
.jpg)
Price Range
It's all too easy to get carried away with features when deciding whether a Dell or an Acer laptop is the right choice for your needs, but it's very important to keep your budget in mind at all times. Let's explore the different price points between each brand.
Dell Price Range
Dell laptops are available in a wide range of prices, from budget laptops to high-end machines. The Inspiron series, for example, offers affordable options starting around $400, making them accessible to students and budget-conscious users, while the Dell XPS series is positioned in the premium segment, with prices starting around $1,000 and going up to $2,500 or more.
Alienware gaming laptops are also in the higher price range, with most models starting around $1,500 and reaching up to $3,000 or more for top-tier configurations.
Acer Price Range
Acer laptops also cover a broad price spectrum. The Acer Aspire series offers budget-friendly options starting as low as $300, while mid-range Aspire models typically range from $500 to $800, providing a good mix of performance and affordability. The Acer Swift series starts around $600 and can go up to $1,500, depending on the model and configuration, and the Predator series costs around $1,200 at the lower end and can reach up to $2,500 or more.
Customer Support & Warranty
Your laptop purchase doesn't necessarily stop once it's in your possession, and it's good to know that you have support on hand from the brand when needed. Here's what you need to know about customer support and warranties from both Dell and Acer.
Dell Customer Support & Warranty
Dell offers a standard one-year warranty on most of its laptops, which can be extended up to three years or more for an additional cost. This warranty includes hardware repair and replacement services, as well as technical support.
They also offer customer support and after sales service through various channels, including phone, chat, and email, and you'll also have access to an extensive online support centre complete with troubleshooting guides, driver downloads, and user forums. For business users, Dell also offers premium support services such as ProSupport, which includes 24/7 access to expert technicians and on-site repair services.
Acer Customer Support & Warranty
Acer also provides solid customer support and warranty options, and most Acer laptops come with a standard one-year warranty, which covers hardware repairs and technical support. This can be extended up to three years for an additional fee, providing you with extra peace of mind.
Acer’s customer support is accessible through phone, chat, social media, and email, and the company has an online support portal with resources such as driver downloads, troubleshooting guides, and FAQs. Acer also offers premium support plans, including the Acer Care Plus service, which provides extended warranty coverage and priority technical support.
Who is a Dell Laptop Best For?
Dell laptops cater to a wide range of users, from students and professionals to gamers and creative professionals. The Dell Inspiron series is ideal for students and budget-conscious users who need a reliable, affordable laptop for everyday tasks. The Inspiron 2-in-1 models are particularly good if you need the flexibility of a laptop and a tablet in one device.
For gamers and those needing high-performance machines, the Alienware series offers excellent gaming performance, advanced cooling systems, and customisable features, making them ideal for gaming enthusiasts and power users who demand the best performance.
Our Latest Dell Laptop Deals
Who is an Acer Laptop Best For?
Acer laptops are also designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of users. The Acer Aspire series is perfect for students and budget-conscious users who need an affordable, reliable laptop for everyday use, and they offer good performance and practical features at a competitive price point.
They're also a good choice for working on the go, and the Acer Swift series is ideal for anyone who needs to prioritise portability and battery life. Or, if you're a gamer or need a laptop that can handle intensive tasks, Acer's Predator Series is ideal.
Both Dell and Acer offer a wide range of laptops to suit different needs and budgets, but by considering factors such as performance, design, graphics, battery life, features, price, and customer support, you can choose the best laptop for your specific requirements. Whether you opt for a Dell or an Acer, one thing is for certain - you can be confident that you are getting a reliable, high-quality laptop that fulfils all your needs in ways some other brands simply can't.
Help Centre
Contact Us