Acer Aspire 16 2024 reviewed: Why the RTX 2050 is still great in 2024
This year’s Acer Aspire 16, which we recently reviewed, stands out like an ugly duckling amongst new laptops. Unlike with most models riding the AI hype train, Acer has equipped the Aspire with a current-gen CPU, the Intel Core 7 150U, that lacks integrated NPU for local AI applications. Nevertheless, the notebook boasts a dedicated graphics card, meaning the Aspire 16 doesn’t have to rely solely on integrated Xe graphics, unlike many other multimedia laptops, such as the Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 16.
Instead of a current-gen, and naturally more expensive, RTX 4050, the Aspire 16 features an older RTX 2050. In our testing, this GPU demonstrated that it is still appreciably faster than even the best integrated graphics card, such as the one in the previously mentioned RedmiBook Pro. Although the RTX 2050 struggles a bit with modern games like Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings, even newer titles should be playable on the laptop at Full HD and medium to high settings.
The Acer Aspire thus has the potential to be a pretty great multimedia all-rounder from a performance standpoint. However, priced at €899 (US$993), the multimedia laptop has a few shortcomings, starting with its display and followed by its cooling system.
Despite being bright enough, the IPS display doesn’t even have full sRGB coverage – a no-no for a multimedia laptop. Furthermore, the cooling system has an extremely lopsided design with two fans placed close to each other on the right side. Consequently, the right side stays cool whilst the left side can get quite warm.
You can read our in-depth Acer Aspire 16 review to find out our verdict on this potent multimedia all-rounder, its strengths and weaknesses, and whether its processor is as performant as its graphics card.
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