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Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T Notebook Review

Now with Broadwell. Laptop, tablet, all-in-one - Acer's 13.3-inch convertible has various operating modes and looks impressive in all. The "Ezel Aero" hinges make it possible. Acer has not neglected the other components. A swift SSD, decent input devices, and a great screen are part of the bundle. A Broadwell processor ensures the needed computing power.

For the original German review, see here.

We tested Acer's 13.3-inch convertible only a few weeks ago. The device managed "Good" (84%) off the cuff. However, its price of approximately 1500 Euros (~$1588) does not exactly make it one of the most affordable laptops. Now another member of the lineup is in our tests. This model is available for just below 1000 Euros (~$1059). Some compromises have to be made in hardware for that. However, the present device sports a Broadwell processor. Our report reveals whether the Aspire benefits from the CPU.

Convertibles like the Lenovo Yoga 3 ProHP Envy x2-j001ng or Dell Inspiron 13 7347 can be counted to the convertible's rivals.

Since the Aspire's build is identical with its Haswell sister model, we will not go in-depth about the casing, connectivity, input devices or speakers. The corresponding information can be found in the review of the Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K.

Case & Connectivity

The Aspire's hardware
The Aspire's hardware

The Aspire does not have a maintenance cover. The base unit's underside has to be removed for accessing the innards. The underside can be lifted with a putty knife after removing all the screws. This should be done with care because the underside has a relatively tight fit.

Display

While the Haswell sister model of the Aspire is equipped with a WQHD screen (2560x1440 pixels), our current review sample "only" has a Full HD screen (1920x1080 pixels). The lower purchase price is noticed here. The screen does not give reason for complaint. Its brightness of 322 cd/m² and contrast of 1003:1 are good.

337
cd/m²
352
cd/m²
345
cd/m²
308
cd/m²
321
cd/m²
315
cd/m²
293
cd/m²
314
cd/m²
313
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics B133HAN03.0 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 352 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 322 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 83 %
Center on Battery: 321 cd/m²
Contrast: 1003:1 (Black: 0.32 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.79 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.67 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
Gamma: 2.52

The color reproduction already appealed to us in state of delivery. The screen only just misses the target range (DeltaE less than 3) with its average DeltaE 2000 shift. The screen has a bluish cast. We cannot say anything about the color-space coverage because the Aspire refused to collaborate with our measuring instrument.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
The Aspire outdoors
The Aspire outdoors

Acer equips the Aspire with an IPS screen, making it possible to read the screen from every position. The screen's contrast and brightness also allow outdoor use. However, it should not be too bright, either.

Performance

Acer's 13.3-inch convertible wants to be a tablet and laptop in one. It has more than enough computing performance for applications from the office fields. Our review sample is available for approximately 1000 Euros (~$1059). It is currently the lowest-price model in the series. Acer also has other configurations in its lineup.

Processor

Intel's Core i5-5200U dual-core processor (Broadwell) is inside the Aspire. The CPU clocks with a base speed of 2.2 GHz that can be boosted to 2.5 GHz (both cores) and 2.7 GHz (one core) via Turbo. The Turbo is utilized in both AC and battery modes. The Cinebench CPU benchmark tests were always performed with the full speed. Surprisingly, our review sample scored slightly better than the recently tested Haswell version of the Aspire in the benchmarks. The latter features a nominally stronger processor (Core i7-4510U). However, it can barely utilize its Turbo - particularly in multi-thread applications - and thus some scores are slightly worse than those of the Core i5-5200U processor.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
8673
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5310
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4175
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.79 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.27 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
24.09 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
29.34 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
255 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
109 Points
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
255 Points
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
248 Points -3%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
180 Points -29%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
184 Points -28%
HP Envy X2-j001ng
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
182 Points -29%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
216 Points -15%
Toshiba Satellite P30W-B-104
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GMCU
239 Points -6%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
109 Points
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
108 Points -1%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
91 Points -17%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
95 Points -13%
HP Envy X2-j001ng
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
90 Points -17%
Toshiba Satellite P30W-B-104
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GMCU
105 Points -4%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
2.79 Points
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
2.72 Points -3%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
2.09 Points -25%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
2.04 Points -27%
HP Envy X2-j001ng
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
1.89 Points -32%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
2.35 Points -16%
Toshiba Satellite P30W-B-104
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GMCU
2.62 Points -6%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
1.27 Points
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
1.3 Points +2%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
1.13 Points -11%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
1.13 Points -11%
HP Envy X2-j001ng
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
1.06 Points -17%
Toshiba Satellite P30W-B-104
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GMCU
1.18 Points -7%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
8673 Points
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
6773 Points -22%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
6430 Points -26%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
7189 Points -17%
Rendering Single 32Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
4175 Points
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
3853 Points -8%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
3746 Points -10%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
3915 Points -6%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
2676 Points
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
2507 Points -6%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
2441 Points -9%
32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
5346 Points
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
4505 Points -16%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
4207 Points -21%
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
121.4 ms *
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
97.3 ms * +20%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
195.1 ms * -61%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
104.7 ms * +14%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
102.7 ms * +15%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
111 ms * +9%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
2576 ms *
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
2385 ms * +7%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
2223 ms * +14%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
1586 ms * +38%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
2744 ms * -7%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
2308 ms * +10%
Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
12663 Points
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
14117 Points +11%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
23767 Points +88%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
11188 Points -12%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
13708 Points +8%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
10986 Points -13%
Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
2038 Points
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
4388 Points +115%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
2538 Points +25%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
1921 Points -6%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

A swift solid state drive and strong processor ensure a fast-working system. The very good PCMark benchmarks scores match that. The Aspire achieved a clear lead over the Haswell sister model in the PCMark benchmarks. That is primarily due to the higher desktop resolution of the Haswell-based Aspire. The scores of both Aspire models would be closer if we reran the PCMark 8 test with a resolution reduced to Full HD.

PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2805 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
3317 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3641 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
2805 Points
Toshiba Satellite P30W-B-104
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GMCU
2053 Points -27%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
2156 Points -23%
HP Envy X2-j001ng
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
2163 Points -23%
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
2419 Points -14%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
2633 Points -6%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
2690 Points -4%

Storage Devices

One SSD is inserted in our review sample. A slot for a second SSD is available.
One SSD is inserted in our review sample. A slot for a second SSD is available.

The recently tested Haswell-based Aspire is almost 500 Euros (~$529) more expensive than our present review sample. A reason for this price difference is found in the system drive. While the Haswell-based Aspire sports two SSDs that operate in a RAID array, the Broadwell Aspire model "only" features one solid state drive. It has a capacity of 256 GB. The SSD's transfer rates are good in total. Users who require more storage capacity can replace the installed model. It is an SSD in an M.2 format.

Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
Sequential Read: 505 MB/s
Sequential Write: 340.3 MB/s
512K Read: 344.1 MB/s
512K Write: 336.3 MB/s
4K Read: 27.63 MB/s
4K Write: 62.5 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 181.8 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 232.9 MB/s

Graphics Card

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 5500 core supports DirectX 11.2 and clocks with speeds of up to 900 MHz. It can utilize the working memory that operates in dual-channel mode. Thus, the 3DMark benchmark scores are better than those of other laptops with this GPU and whose memory only operates in single-channel mode. Since the Aspire has a stronger graphics core, it naturally also scores better than the Haswell Aspire in the 3DMark benchmarks.

3DMark 11 Performance
1130 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
46421 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
5059 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
724 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
1130 Points
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
929 Points -18%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
756 Points -33%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
753 Points -33%
HP Envy X2-j001ng
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
731 Points -35%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
717 Points -37%
Toshiba Satellite P30W-B-104
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GMCU
770 Points -32%
3DMark
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
46421 Points
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
28889 Points -38%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
35549 Points -23%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
35119 Points -24%
HP Envy X2-j001ng
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
30404 Points -35%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
32095 Points -31%
Toshiba Satellite P30W-B-104
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GMCU
34025 Points -27%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
5059 Points
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
4506 Points -11%
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
3673 Points -27%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
3522 Points -30%
HP Envy X2-j001ng
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
3580 Points -29%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
3728 Points -26%
Toshiba Satellite P30W-B-104
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GMCU
3791 Points -25%
1280x720 Sky Diver Score (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
2665 Points
1920x1080 Fire Strike Score (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
724 Points
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
428 Points -41%
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
450 Points -38%
HP Envy X2-j001ng
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
387 Points -47%
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
449 Points -38%
Toshiba Satellite P30W-B-104
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GMCU
495 Points -32%

Gaming Performance

The Aspire can smoothly render some games in a low resolution and low to medium quality settings. Here, it is again noticed favorably that the working memory operates in dual-channel mode. It leads to a higher frame rate of approximately 20% on average. However, this increase does not make it possible to play performance-devouring hits like Assassin's Creed Unity.

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 48.7 27.5 18 9.2

Emissions

System Noise

Not much is heard from the Aspire in idle mode. The fan spins with a low speed and is sometimes even inactive. It naturally has to spin faster during load. The produced noise level is moderate then, though. We measured a noise level of 36.7 dB in the stress test (Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour). The reason for this relatively low rate is quickly found: The CPU and GPU are throttled. The Broadwell Aspire and Haswell-based Aspire do not really differ in terms of noise development.

Noise Level

Idle
29.6 / 31 / 31.8 dB(A)
Load
36.5 / 36.7 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

The Aspire in the stress test
The Aspire in the stress test

The Aspire performed the stress test in AC and battery modes in the same manner (Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour). The processor clocked with 2.5 GHz the first few minutes and the graphics core ran with its full speed (900 MHz). Then the CPU throttled to 1.4 to 1.5 GHz and the GPU to 750 MHz. The laptop did not heat up excessively during the stress test. 40 °C was only surpassed in the fan's area.

 23.1 °C
74 F
23.8 °C
75 F
21.3 °C
70 F
 
 22 °C
72 F
23.4 °C
74 F
21.7 °C
71 F
 
 21.3 °C
70 F
21.5 °C
71 F
21.5 °C
71 F
 
Maximum: 23.8 °C = 75 F
Average: 22.2 °C = 72 F
22.9 °C
73 F
29.2 °C
85 F
24.4 °C
76 F
21.8 °C
71 F
25.2 °C
77 F
23.3 °C
74 F
21.2 °C
70 F
21.5 °C
71 F
21.7 °C
71 F
Maximum: 29.2 °C = 85 F
Average: 23.5 °C = 74 F
Power Supply (max.)  26.2 °C = 79 F | Room Temperature 20.2 °C = 68 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 32.3 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 30.2 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Convertible.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 43.7 °C / 111 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 47.5 °C / 118 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 22.2 °C / 72 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 25 °C / 77 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (+3.1 °C / 5.6 F).

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The Aspire is satisfied with a maximum power consumption of 5.8 watts in idle mode - a very good rate. The power requirement does not skyrocket in undreamed of heights under load, either. We measured 26.2 watts during medium load (via 3DMark06) and 29.1 watts in full load (stress test via Prime95 and Furmark). The rates are very close because the CPU and GPU were throttled during the stress test. The Haswell-based Aspire and Broadwell Aspire do not exhibit great differences in power consumption, either.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.5 / 5.6 / 5.8 Watt
Load midlight 26.2 / 29.1 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

Websites are opened automatically every 40 seconds in the practical Wi-Fi test. The energy-saving profile is enabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The Aspire achieved a runtime of 7:29 hours here - a very good rate. It lasts almost an hour longer than the Haswell-based model.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Surfing
7h 29min
Battery Runtime - WiFi (sort by value)
Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL
HD Graphics 5500, 5200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD
449 min
Dell Inspiron 13 7347
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
249 min
HP Envy X2-j001ng
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP
323 min
Toshiba Satellite P30W-B-104
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256GMCU
342 min
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y70, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZNTE256HMHP
379 min
Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2
HD Graphics 5300, 5Y71, Toshiba THNSFJ256GDNU 256 GB
396 min
Acer Aspire R13 R7-371T-779K
HD Graphics 4400, 4510U
396 min

Verdict

Acer's 13.3-inch Aspire R13 R7-371T-52EL convertible has more than enough computing power for routine. The laptop barely heats up and usually runs quietly. A swift solid state drive ensures a fast-working system. The screen is also appealing. Acer installs a bright, high-contrast IPS screen that can boast with good color reproduction. That, alongside the decent input devices, in conjunction with the long battery life, turns the Aspire into a portable office machine. Only an integrated LTE / 3G modem would round things off.

Buyers who are interested in the Aspire R13 can unhesitatingly take the Broadwell model. The almost 500-Euro (~$529) more expensive Haswell model does not offer any real advantages in our opinion. The CPU performance of both laptops is on par because the processor in the Haswell-based Aspire can barely utilize its Turbo. The Broadwell-based Aspire also features a stronger graphics core and has the better battery life.

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In review: Acer Aspire R13 (R7-371T-52EL). Test model courtesy of Acer.
In review: Acer Aspire R13 (R7-371T-52EL). Test model courtesy of Acer.

Specifications

Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL (Aspire R13 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-5200U 2 x 2.2 - 2.7 GHz, Broadwell
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 5500, Core: 900 MHz, dual-channel, 10.18.10.3939
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR3, dual-channel, soldered
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, capacitive, 10-point multi-touch, AU Optronics B133HAN03.0, IPS, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel Broadwell-U PCH-LP (Premium)
Storage
Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD, 256 GB 
, 190 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC282 @ Intel Broadwell PCH-LP - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: combo audio, Card Reader: SD, Sensors: position sensor, brightness sensor
Networking
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 17.9 x 343.8 x 230.4 ( = 0.7 x 13.54 x 9.07 in)
Battery
48 Wh Lithium-Ion, 15.2 V, 3220 mAh
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8.1 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD webcam
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, stylus pen, Acer Video Player, Cyberlink PhotoDirector 3, Cyberlink PowerDirector 10, McAfee LiveSafe - Internet Security (trial), MS Office (trial), 24 Months Warranty
Weight
1.5 kg ( = 52.91 oz / 3.31 pounds), Power Supply: 306 g ( = 10.79 oz / 0.67 pounds)
Price
999 Euro

 

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Links

  • Manufacturer's information

Pros

+Bright, high-contrast Full HD screen
+Swift SSD
+Decent build
+Good input devices
+Long battery life
 

Cons

-No recovery media

Shortcut

What we like

The device seen in total is compelling. The single components are well-balanced.

What we'd like to see

An integrated LTE / 3G modem would complete the laptop's concept.

What surprises us

Nothing.

The competition

Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro, Lenovo ThinkPad Helix 2, HP Envy x2-j001ng, Dell Inspiron 13 7347, Toshiba Satellite Click 2 Pro P30W-B-104.

Rating

Acer Aspire R7-371T-52EL - 02/26/2015 v4(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
86 / 98 → 88%
Keyboard
85%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
61 / 80 → 76%
Weight
69 / 35-78 → 79%
Battery
90%
Display
83%
Games Performance
71 / 68 → 100%
Application Performance
78 / 87 → 90%
Temperature
90%
Noise
91%
Audio
64 / 91 → 70%
Camera
83 / 85 → 98%
Average
80%
84%
Convertible - Weighted Average
Sascha Mölck, 2015-03- 8 (Update: 2015-03-18)