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Acer Swift 3 SF313 (Core i5-8250U, 8 GB, 256 SSD, FHD) Laptop Review

A modern Swift 3! With an Intel Core i5-8250U processor and a fast SSD, the Acer Swift 3 SF313 is well-equipped for most tasks that could be thrown at it. Thanks to its LTE modem, the 13.3-inch subnotebook is also suitable as a small business companion for work on the go. Acer has not included a dedicated GPU, but this decision benefits battery life.

The Acer Swift 3 SF313 is a compact 13.3-inch subnotebook that offers decent computing power thanks to its Intel Core i5-8250U processor and its 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. Acer also sells the compact travel companion with an Intel Core i7-8550U CPU and a 512 GB SSD should you need more horsepower and a larger system drive.

Our test device is available for 1,019 Euros (~$1,169) at the time of writing and is also the base model of the Swift 3 SF313. The device comes with a 256 GB SSD in addition to its Core i5-8250U processor. However, the SSD utilises the NVMe protocol, which yields fast read and write speeds. Unfortunately, there are no alternatives for RAM other than the 8 GB LPDDR4 in our test device.

Users that regularly travel for work will appreciate the convenience of an LTE modem though. Acer also sells a cheaper non-LTE version too if you do not need the additional connectivity that having an LTE modem brings.

Overall, the Swift 3 SF313 offers a solid base to master everyday office work. We have subjected our test unit to our usual tests to determine whether it can match its paper specifications though. We have chosen five comparably priced subnotebooks against which we will compare the Swift 3 SF313. We included an overview of our comparison devices below.

Acer Swift 3 SF314 Lenovo IdeaPad 320S ASUS VivoBook S13 ASUS ZenBook 13 Honor Magicbook
CPU Intel Core i3-8145U Intel Core i5-8250U Intel Core i7-8550U Intel Core i5-8625U Intel Core i5-8250U
GPU Intel UHD Graphics 620 NVIDIA GeForce MX150 & Intel UHD Graphics 620 Intel UHD Graphics 620 Intel UHD Graphics 620 NVIDIA GeForce MX150 & Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display 14-inch: 1,920 x 1,080 13.3-inch: 1,920 x 1,080 13.3-inch: 1,920 x 1,080 13.3-inch: 1,920 x 1,080 14-inch: 1,920 x 1,080
RAM 4 GB DDR4 8 GB DDR4 8 GB LPDDR3 8 GB DDR3 8 GB LPDDR4
Speicher 128 GB SSD 512 GB SSD (NVMe) 512 GB SSD 256 GB SSD 256 GB SSD
Overall score 86% 85% 85% 84% 86%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ (Swift 3 SF313 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-8250U 4 x 1.6 - 3.4 GHz, Kaby Lake Refresh
Graphics adapter
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Core: 1100 MHz, Memory: 1200 MHz, 23.20.16.4974 DCH
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2400, soldered to the motherboard
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 166 PPI, BOE NV133FHM-N62, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-U + iHDCP 2.2 Premium PCH
Storage
Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1, 256 GB 
, M.2 2280 NVMe SSD, 200 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek Audio
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm headphone jack, Card Reader: microSD, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2, LTE
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 16 x 309 x 214 ( = 0.63 x 12.17 x 8.43 in)
Battery
48.8 Wh, 3200 mAh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: 6-row chiclet, 45 W charger, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
1.313 kg ( = 46.31 oz / 2.89 pounds), Power Supply: 157 g ( = 5.54 oz / 0.35 pounds)
Price
1019 EUR
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313

At first glance, our test device looks premium and timelessly elegant with its silver finish. We are torn though because Acer has mainly constructed the Swift 3 SF313 using plastic. The surfaces on our test unit are smooth and grippy. An aluminium case would have been better in our opinion as it would have resulted in the SF313 feeling sturdier than it does.

Stability is not a big issue though thanks to its compact design. Despite being mainly plastic, our test device is quite stable at the edges of its frame, but it does bow when we press the keyboard deck hard. Moreover, we can twist the case without much effort, during which we can hear quiet cracking noises. Additionally, we found the display lid easy to twist, but it can withstand pressure well with the screen not deforming no matter how hard we applied pressure to the lid.

The display frame is surrounded by a black rubber lip, which acts as a small buffer between the case and the display lid when the screen is closed. Acer has also included a small protruding edge above the webcam that should help make opening the lid easier. The inclusion of the lip worked well during our tests and allowed us to open our test device with one hand. The hinges are also responsible for this, but they cannot prevent the screen from teetering back and forth slightly when we are typing. The display opens 180°, which should be wide enough for most people in daily use.

In short, we liked the SF313’s design with its narrow bezels, which makes the device look modern and elegant.

Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313
Acer Swift 3 SF313

Size Comparison

The Swift 3 SF313 measures 30.9 x 21.4 cm, which is slightly larger than our two ASUS comparison devices. The IdeaPad 320s-13IKB is roughly the same size as the SF313, but our two 14-inch comparison devices are predictably larger than our test unit. The SF313 also weighs 1.3 kg, which is heavier than all but the Honor Magicbook and the Swift 3 SF314 out of our comparison devices. It is worth noting that the SF313’s 45 W charger weighs 157 g, which is comparatively light for a 45 W charger.

323 mm / 12.7 inch 221 mm / 8.7 inch 16 mm / 0.63 inch 1.4 kg3.18 lbs323 mm / 12.7 inch 228 mm / 8.98 inch 14.9 mm / 0.587 inch 1.5 kg3.31 lbs309 mm / 12.2 inch 214 mm / 8.43 inch 16 mm / 0.63 inch 1.3 kg2.89 lbs307.4 mm / 12.1 inch 211 mm / 8.31 inch 16.9 mm / 0.665 inch 1.2 kg2.74 lbs305 mm / 12 inch 196 mm / 7.72 inch 17.9 mm / 0.705 inch 1.2 kg2.7 lbs302 mm / 11.9 inch 189 mm / 7.44 inch 16.9 mm / 0.665 inch 1.2 kg2.62 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

The SF313 is a well-equipped 13.3-inch subnotebook. There are three USB ports, of which one runs at the slower 2.0 standard. The other two ports are both USB 3.0, but one is Type-C, which is a welcome inclusion. You can connect the device to an external monitor either with the HDMI port or via USB Type-C thanks to its support for DisplayPort. You could also use a Type-C to HDMI adapter if you preferred.

There is a microSD card reader on the left side too, which can only be opened with a SIM tool. We see this type of card slot regularly on smartphones, but its inclusion here feels like a misstep. The purpose of putting a microSD card in a smartphone is generally to expand its memory, so it can sit in a locked card slot as it will not need to be regularly removed. However, a microSD card is generally used to transfer files to and from a laptop, so it is more useful to have an opening into which a microSD card can be inserted and removed quickly without the need for a tool. The port also holds the SIM card for the SF313’s LTE connectivity. Overall, we would have preferred dedicated card slots as it would be easy to get caught out if you cannot remove or insert a microSD card because you do not have a SIM tool or a pin to hand.

Left-hand side: power connector, USB 2.0 Type-A, headphone jack, microSD & SIM-card slot
Left-hand side: power connector, USB 2.0 Type-A, headphone jack, microSD & SIM-card slot
Right-hand side: USB Type-C, HDMI, USB 3.0 Type-A, security lock slot
Right-hand side: USB Type-C, HDMI, USB 3.0 Type-A, security lock slot
Front side: No connections
Front side: No connections
Rear: No connections
Rear: No connections

Communication

Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 card
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 card
Fibocom L850-GL LTE modem
Fibocom L850-GL LTE modem

Acer equips the SF313 with an Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 Wi-Fi modem. The 7265 also integrates Bluetooth 4.2. Our test device achieved decent results despite being equipped with what it is now an old Wi-Fi card. The SF313 averaged 628 Mb/s in the iperf3 Client (transmit) test, which puts the device third in our comparison table. It also averaged 536 Mb/s in the receive test, which leaves the SF313 in fourth place and 137 Mb/s behind the ZenBook 13 UX333FA in first place.

As mentioned previously, the SF313 has an LTE modem should you need Internet connectivity where there is no Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, the subnotebook does not have an RJ45 LAN port, which could have proven useful in an office. You could always use a USB adapter if you need a wired Internet connection though.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Average of class Subnotebook
  (606 - 1339, n=3, last 2 years)
1056 MBit/s +68%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
638 (570min - 673max) MBit/s +2%
Honor Magicbook
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
628 (281min - 654max) MBit/s 0%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265
628 (591min - 673max) MBit/s
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
623 (313min - 643max) MBit/s -1%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
347 MBit/s -45%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
295 MBit/s -53%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Subnotebook
  (623 - 1690, n=3, last 2 years)
1258 MBit/s +135%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
673 MBit/s +26%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
630 (523min - 670max) MBit/s +18%
Honor Magicbook
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
540 (268min - 550max) MBit/s +1%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265
536 (506min - 552max) MBit/s
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
410 (231min - 484max) MBit/s -24%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165
326 MBit/s -39%
03570105140175210245280315350385420455490525560595630665Tooltip
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø536 (506-552)
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø628 (591-673)

Security

Fingerprint sensor
Fingerprint sensor

Acer has included a fingerprint sensor on the SF313, which you can use to unlock the device once you have added your fingerprints within Settings. There is also a lock slot on the right-hand side of the case and a trial version of Norton Security should you not feel content with just Windows Defender.

Accessories

Acer only included a 45 W charger and some literature about the SF313 including the warranty information with our test device. It would have been nice had Acer included a USB to RJ45 adapter in the box, but these can be bought cheaply from a range of third-party manufacturers.

Maintenance

The SF313 is easy to repair and maintain, although there are few components that could be replaced. While the subnotebook has no maintenance cover, the internal components are accessible by loosening a few screws from the bottom case and carefully prying the cover from the plastic clips that keep it secured to the case. We would recommend using a plastic pry tool to do this as the clips are easy to break. Removing the bottom case reveals the battery, the Wi-Fi card, the LTE modem and the SSD, which is hidden beneath a foil shroud. You can also easily clean the fan and heatsink should you need to do so. The RAM is soldered to the motherboard though, so there is no way to add more RAM to the SF313 in the future.

A look at the internals of the Acer Swift 3 SF313
A look at the internals of the Acer Swift 3 SF313

Warranty

The SF313 comes with Acer’s standard 24 months warranty, which includes a send and return warranty service, rather than Acer engineers coming to your address to fix the device. You will also receive third-party warranty if you buy the subnotebook from a reseller like Amazon. Please see our Guarantees, Return policies and Warranties article for country-specific information.

Input Devices

Keyboard

A look at the Acer Swift 3 SF313’s keyboard in daylight…
A look at the Acer Swift 3 SF313’s keyboard in daylight…
… and with its backlight switched on.
… and with its backlight switched on.

The keyboard is well integrated within the base of the SF313 with all keys sitting level with the palm rest. The keys measure 16 x 15 mm, which is comparatively large for a 13.3-inch subnotebook. The keyboard is also laid out cleanly, although we are not fans of its half-sized arrow keys. This is a common complaint with many laptops though and not just subnotebooks. The black keys also stand out nicely from the silver case and the white lettering is clear.

Acer has included a white keyboard backlight too, but this can only be cycled on or off. There are no multiple levels of backlighting like we have seen on other laptops. The keyboard is easy to type on thanks to the keys' crisp pressure points and pleasant travel. The keys are also grippy, which helps keep typing noise to a minimum.

We did notice the keyboard deck flexing slightly as we typed though, as we mentioned earlier in this review. However, we hardly noticed this in daily use, and it should not be a problem even for frequent typists.

Trackpad

A look at the trackpad on the Acer Swift 3 SF313
A look at the trackpad on the Acer Swift 3 SF313

The trackpad measures 10 x 6.5 cm, which is a good size for a 13.3-inch subnotebook. There are no visual flourishes like a silver accent around the trackpad, but its colouring matches the colour of the case perfectly, while its smooth finish allows us to move the mouse around onscreen precisely. The trackpad worked well throughout testing and is accurate even into its corners. Acer has incorporated two mouse buttons too that respond with an audible clicking sound when pressed. There is some play between the trackpad and its aperture within the case on our test unit, which causes the trackpad to rattle slightly. We suspect that this is a localised issue, but we would recommend checking for this issue with your device too.

Display

Sub-pixel array
Sub-pixel array
Unfortunately, our test unit suffers from noticeable backlight bleeding.
Unfortunately, our test unit suffers from noticeable backlight bleeding.

The SF313 has a 13.3-inch IPS display that has a matte finish. The screen operates natively at 1920x1080, which corresponds to a pixel density of 166 PPI. Our test unit achieved an average display brightness of 277 cd/m², according to X-Rite i1Pro 2. This puts the SF313 behind the IdeaPad 320S-13IKB of our comparison devices and on par with the Swift 3 SF314. The SF313 has an 87% evenly lit display, which is marginally worse than most of our comparison devices.

While the average maximum luminosity is rather low, the SF313 achieves a decent 1,154:1 contrast ratio thanks to its low 0.26 cd/m² black value. These values are in line with our comparison devices too, albeit the Honor Magicbook, ZenBook 13 UX333FA and the IdeaPad 320S-13IKB all have lower black values and higher contrast ratios than the SF313.

Unfortunately, the SF313 uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) to regulate its display brightness, which we measure at 500 Hz. This should not cause problems for even those who are PWM sensitive, but we cannot guarantee this. Moreover, the BOE NV133FHM-N62 display in our test unit suffers from noticeable backlight bleeding, which makes the corners of the screen look cloudy. We did not notice this in daily use except at night or in a dark room though, so it should not be an issue for most people either.

279
cd/m²
269
cd/m²
281
cd/m²
285
cd/m²
300
cd/m²
277
cd/m²
265
cd/m²
276
cd/m²
261
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
BOE NV133FHM-N62 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 300 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 277 cd/m² Minimum: 20.4 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 300 cd/m²
Contrast: 1154:1 (Black: 0.26 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.96 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 2.47
ΔE Greyscale 7.64 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
88% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
57% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
64.3% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
88% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
67% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.44
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
BOE NV133FHM-N62, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Chi Mei N140HCE-EN2, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
InfoVision M133NWF4R0, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.30
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
N133HCE-EAA, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.30
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
AU Optronics B133HAN05.C, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Honor Magicbook
BEO0764 (TV140FHM-NH0), IPS LED, 1920x1080, 14.00
Display
5%
5%
-32%
7%
-32%
Display P3 Coverage
67
66.2
-1%
66.3
-1%
42.16
-37%
67.9
1%
43.09
-36%
sRGB Coverage
88
98.3
12%
97.4
11%
63.2
-28%
97.4
11%
63.1
-28%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
64.3
67.8
5%
68.1
6%
43.59
-32%
69.2
8%
44.52
-31%
Response Times
1641%
-26%
1711%
-14%
-17%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
44 ?(22, 22)
41 ?(21, 20)
7%
56.8 ?(27.6, 29.2)
-29%
40.8 ?(22, 18.8)
7%
54.4 ?(24.4, 30)
-24%
44.4 ?(23.2, 21.2)
-1%
Response Time Black / White *
36 ?(21, 15)
30 ?(18, 12)
17%
31.6 ?(17.6, 14)
12%
29.6 ?(16.4, 13.2)
18%
37.6 ?(18.8, 18.8)
-4%
32.8 ?(18, 14.8)
9%
PWM Frequency
500 ?(90)
25000 ?(20)
4900%
198.4 ?(99)
-60%
26040 ?(20)
5108%
200 ?(100)
-60%
Screen
10%
25%
-16%
13%
-11%
Brightness middle
300
291
-3%
330
10%
280
-7%
276
-8%
287
-4%
Brightness
277
276
0%
304
10%
265
-4%
263
-5%
273
-1%
Brightness Distribution
87
90
3%
88
1%
89
2%
89
2%
86
-1%
Black Level *
0.26
0.27
-4%
0.25
4%
0.24
8%
0.21
19%
0.21
19%
Contrast
1154
1078
-7%
1320
14%
1167
1%
1314
14%
1367
18%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
5.96
3.86
35%
1.8
70%
5.6
6%
4.85
19%
5
16%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
10.6
8.26
22%
4.3
59%
20.7
-95%
8.24
22%
20.1
-90%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
2.47
4.3
-74%
1.6
35%
4.5
-82%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
7.64
5.33
30%
2.5
67%
4.1
46%
5.7
25%
2.7
65%
Gamma
2.44 90%
2.25 98%
2.11 104%
2.44 90%
2.08 106%
2.18 101%
CCT
6877 95%
7426 88%
6588 99%
6614 98%
7424 88%
6653 98%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
57
62
9%
61.8
8%
40.1
-30%
63
11%
40.59
-29%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
88
98
11%
97.3
11%
63
-28%
98
11%
62.66
-29%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
552% / 315%
1% / 12%
554% / 286%
2% / 9%
-20% / -16%

* ... smaller is better

88% sRGB colour-space coverage
88% sRGB colour-space coverage
57% AdobeRGB colour-space coverage
57% AdobeRGB colour-space coverage

Colours look vibrant thanks to the SF313’s good contrast ratio. However, the display did not reveal its qualities until after we calibrated it. Upon delivery, our test device had high DeltaE 2000 deviations, which additional calibration reduced below the ideal value of 3. We have included our calibrated ICC profile in the box above our comparison table, but please only apply it to the BOE NV133FHM-N62 display as the profile may worsen your device’s colour accuracy if it has a different display. You can check what display and model number your SF313 uses in apps like HWiNFO.

The SF313 also has decent colour space coverage, although some of our comparison devices provide better coverage than our test device. Our test unit achieved 88% sRGB and 57% AdobeRGB colour-space coverage, which makes the subnotebook accurate enough for hobbyist image-editing. It is not high enough for professional work though.

CalMAN: Grayscale
CalMAN: Grayscale
CalMAN: ColorChecker
CalMAN: ColorChecker
CalMAN: Colour Saturation
CalMAN: Colour Saturation
CalMAN: Grayscale - calibrated
CalMAN: Grayscale - calibrated
CalMAN: ColorChecker - calibrated
CalMAN: ColorChecker - calibrated
CalMAN: Colour Saturation – calibrated
CalMAN: Colour Saturation – calibrated
Using the Acer Swift 3 SF313 outside on an overcast sky
Using the Acer Swift 3 SF313 outside on an overcast sky

The SF313 is relatively easy to use outside. Its matte display helps diffuse reflections and overcome its relatively low maximum luminosity. You may struggle to read the screen when using the SF313 under direct sunlight, but the screen remains legible on overcast days or in shady spots, as our photo to the right demonstrates.

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
36 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 21 ms rise
↘ 15 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 93 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
44 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 22 ms rise
↘ 22 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 69 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 500 Hz ≤ 90 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 500 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 90 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 500 Hz is relatively high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering. However, there are reports that some users are still sensitive to PWM at 500 Hz and above, so be aware.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Our test device also has good viewing angles, as we have tried to show in the composite image below. Colours look washed out at acute viewing angles, but the screen remains readable. You should have no such issues when using the SF313 from normal viewing angles though.

Viewing angles
Viewing angles

Performance

The SF313 is well-equipped and is powerful enough for most tasks, although it would struggle with resource-intensive workflows like video-editing. Our test unit is equipped with an Intel Core i5-8250U processor and 8 GB RAM, which is a common combination for subnotebooks released in the last year or so. You could also choose the Core i7-8550U version if you need more computing power, but its performance is not always that much better, as demonstrated by the graph below.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
DPC-Latenzen
HWiNFO
Intel Extreme Utility
Intel Extreme Utility (Benchmark)

Processor

A look at the Acer Swift SF313’s heatsink
A look at the Acer Swift SF313’s heatsink

The Core i5-8250U is a quad-core CPU with a 1.6 GHz base clock that can utilise Intel Turbo Boost for clock speeds up to 3.4 GHz when required. The processor also supports Intel Hyper-Threading that enables it to execute up to eight threads simultaneously.

The Core i5-8250U in our test device performed slightly above average in our tests and significantly above the IdeaPad 320S-13IKB, at least initially. The VivoBook S13 outperformed the SF313 because of its more powerful Core i7-8550U processor. The SF313 fell just short of the equally equipped Honor Magicbook and ZenBook 13 UX333FA too.

We subject all our laptops to a looped Cinebench R15 multi benchmark to determine how well they can maintain their performance under sustained load. The SF313 initially scored 576 points in the first run, but this steadily dropped on subsequent runs until it plateaued at around 450 points. By comparison, the Honor Magicbook delivers more stable results, while the ZenBook 13 UX333FA throttles hard after its first run and drops from 595 to 508 points, at which point it levels off.

Please see our CPU benchmarks page for more information about the Core i5-8250U and how it compares against other processors.

03570105140175210245280315350385420455490525560595630665Tooltip
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel Core i5-8250U: Ø475 (441.38-576.87)
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8 Intel Core i3-8145U, Intel Core i3-8145U: Ø349 (347.66-361.38)
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel Core i5-8250U: Ø470 (392.82-506.64)
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T Intel Core i7-8550U, Intel Core i7-8550U: Ø579 (552-696)
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel Core i5-8265U: Ø512 (506.95-595.21)
Honor Magicbook Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel Core i5-8250U: Ø552 (547.12-598.25)
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (91.8 - 280, n=62, last 2 years)
234 Points +64%
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
Intel Core i7-8550U
171 Points +20%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel Core i5-8265U
159 Points +11%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
150 Points +5%
Honor Magicbook
Intel Core i5-8250U
145 Points +1%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
143 Points
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (81 - 147, n=97)
141.1 Points -1%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
Intel Core i5-8250U
132 Points -8%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (514 - 2581, n=70, last 2 years)
1705 Points +196%
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
Intel Core i7-8550U
703 Points +22%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel Core i5-8265U
603 Points +5%
Honor Magicbook
Intel Core i5-8250U
598 Points +4%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
576 Points
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (320 - 730, n=101)
570 Points -1%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
Intel Core i5-8250U
516 Points -10%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
361 Points -37%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (1.38 - 3.33, n=12, last 2 years)
2.84 Points +73%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
1.77 Points +8%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
1.64 Points
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (0.91 - 1.79, n=35)
1.615 Points -2%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (9.23 - 30, n=12, last 2 years)
21.7 Points +240%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
6.38 Points
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (3.15 - 7.76, n=35)
6.02 Points -6%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
4.01 Points -37%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Subnotebook
  (last 2 years)
348 Points +61%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
Intel Core i5-8250U
248.1 Points +15%
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
Intel Core i7-8550U
237.9 Points +10%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
216.2 Points
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
215.9 Points 0%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (151.5 - 256, n=78)
215 Points -1%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Subnotebook
  (49893 - 98093, n=33, last 2 years)
80655 Points +188%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
Intel Core i5-8250U
35817 Points +28%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (22772 - 35817, n=54)
30123 Points +7%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
29392 Points +5%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
28023 Points
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
1322 ms *
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
1314 ms * +1%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (986 - 1532, n=59)
1221 ms * +8%
Honor Magicbook
Intel Core i5-8250U
1061 ms * +20%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
Intel Core i5-8250U
1029 ms * +22%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (363 - 1913, n=67, last 2 years)
598 ms * +55%
SPECviewperf 12
1900x1060 Solidworks (sw-03)
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
24.09 fps
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (18 - 24.4, n=3)
22.2 fps -8%
1900x1060 Siemens NX (snx-02)
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (2.56 - 3.08, n=3)
2.79 fps +2%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
2.73 fps
1900x1060 Showcase (showcase-01)
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (6.61 - 13.2, n=3)
8.91 fps +35%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
6.61 fps
1900x1060 Medical (medical-01)
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (3.49 - 10.3, n=3)
7.65 fps +119%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
3.49 fps
1900x1060 Maya (maya-04)
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (4.27 - 26.2, n=3)
14.5 fps +11%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
13.1 fps
1900x1060 Energy (energy-01)
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (0.22 - 0.81, n=3)
0.507 fps +130%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
0.22 fps
1900x1060 Creo (creo-01)
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
12.37 fps
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (7.9 - 12.4, n=3)
10.5 fps -15%
1900x1060 Catia (catia-04)
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
13.79 fps
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (7.38 - 16.4, n=3)
12.5 fps -9%
1900x1060 3ds Max (3dsmax-05)
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (13 - 22, n=3)
16.2 fps +25%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
12.95 fps
SPECviewperf 13
Solidworks (sw-04)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (last 2 years)
65 fps +104%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (31.9 - 32.1, n=2)
32 fps 0%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
31.86 fps
Siemens NX (snx-03)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (last 2 years)
11.7 fps +139%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (4.89 - 5.28, n=2)
5.09 fps +4%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
4.89 fps
Showcase (showcase-02)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (last 2 years)
49.5 fps +641%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (6.68 - 6.87, n=2)
6.78 fps +1%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
6.68 fps
Medical (medical-02)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (last 2 years)
31.5 fps +1407%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
2.09 fps
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (1.96 - 2.09, n=2)
2.03 fps -3%
Maya (maya-05)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (last 2 years)
136 fps +595%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (19.6 - 20, n=2)
19.8 fps +1%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
19.58 fps
Energy (energy-02)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (last 2 years)
9.24 fps +416%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (1.79 - 2.85, n=2)
2.32 fps +30%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
1.79 fps
Creo (creo-02)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (last 2 years)
102 fps +502%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (16.9 - 17.1, n=2)
17 fps 0%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
16.93 fps
Catia (catia-05)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (last 2 years)
67.5 fps +233%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
20.3 fps
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (19.6 - 20.3, n=2)
20 fps -1%
3ds Max (3dsmax-06)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (last 2 years)
97.8 fps +631%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
13.38 fps
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (13.1 - 13.4, n=2)
13.2 fps -1%
Blender - v2.79 BMW27 CPU
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (813 - 1209, n=8)
948 Seconds * -17%
Honor Magicbook
Intel Core i5-8250U
815 Seconds * -0%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
813 Seconds *
Average of class Subnotebook
  (201 - 1600, n=66, last 2 years)
397 Seconds * +51%
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0
Pass 1
Average of class Subnotebook
  (146.9 - 305, n=8, last 2 years)
233 fps
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (124.6 - 157.6, n=4)
139.3 fps
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
117.6 fps
Pass 2
Average of class Subnotebook
  (33.2 - 129.6, n=8, last 2 years)
91.1 fps
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (29.5 - 37.7, n=4)
32.8 fps
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
22.6 fps
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 - 4k Preset
Average of class Subnotebook
  (1.5 - 19.4, n=56, last 2 years)
11.5 fps +156%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
4.49 fps
Honor Magicbook
Intel Core i5-8250U
4.48 fps 0%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (3.02 - 4.78, n=8)
4.17 fps -7%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
2.64 fps -41%
wPrime 2.10
1024m
Average of class Subnotebook
  (243 - 1168, n=11, last 2 years)
470 s * -55%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
463.9 s * -53%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (243 - 402, n=13)
309 s * -2%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
303 s *
Honor Magicbook
Intel Core i5-8250U
295 s * +3%
32m
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel Core i3-8145U
13.1 s * -65%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (3.89 - 34, n=11, last 2 years)
12.3 s * -55%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (7.39 - 13.8, n=13)
8.91 s * -13%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel Core i5-8250U
7.917 s *
Honor Magicbook
Intel Core i5-8250U
7.83 s * +1%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R10
Cinebench R10
Cinebench R11.5
Cinebench R11.5
Cinebench R15
Cinebench R15
Jetstream 1.1
Jetstream 1.1
Octane V2
Octane V2
Mozilla Kraken 1.1
Mozilla Kraken 1.1
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5725
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
7174 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
24120 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
6140 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
5527
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
18809
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 32Bit
5.83 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 32Bit
47.32 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.64 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
6.38 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
47.18 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 32Bit
1.46 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
143 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
53 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
576 Points
Help

System Performance

The SF313 has solid system performance and scored well in PCMark benchmarks. Our test device scored above average for its class and for the average of Core i5-8250U devices that we have already tested. The lead that the Core i7-8550U and the VivoBook S13 had in CB R15 is almost gone in PCMark. One big advantage that the SF313 has over most subnotebooks is its fast NVMe SSD, which ensures short loading times and a consistently smooth system.

PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4384 - 7428, n=56, last 2 years)
5810 Points +58%
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Kingston RBU-SNS8180DS3512GJ
3851 Points +5%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
3787 Points +3%
Honor Magicbook
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZNLN256HAJQ
3740 Points +2%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1
3668 Points
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (3358 - 4081, n=67)
3296 Points -10%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
3191 Points -13%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
UHD Graphics 620, i3-8145U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3128GJ
3179 Points -13%
Essentials
Average of class Subnotebook
  (8890 - 11168, n=56, last 2 years)
10202 Points +35%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
7786 Points +3%
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Kingston RBU-SNS8180DS3512GJ
7783 Points +3%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1
7574 Points
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (5855 - 9289, n=67)
7398 Points -2%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
6955 Points -8%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
UHD Graphics 620, i3-8145U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3128GJ
6911 Points -9%
Productivity
Average of class Subnotebook
  (6213 - 10279, n=56, last 2 years)
7803 Points +28%
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Kingston RBU-SNS8180DS3512GJ
6302 Points +3%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1
6090 Points
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
6025 Points -1%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
5995 Points -2%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (3851 - 6653, n=67)
5725 Points -6%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
UHD Graphics 620, i3-8145U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3128GJ
5274 Points -13%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4093 - 9749, n=56, last 2 years)
6758 Points +133%
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Kingston RBU-SNS8180DS3512GJ
3160 Points +9%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
3142 Points +8%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1
2905 Points
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2613 - 3082, n=67)
2733 Points -6%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
UHD Graphics 620, i3-8145U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3128GJ
2392 Points -18%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
2115 Points -27%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4730 - 5285, n=3, last 2 years)
5030 Points +33%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
3796 Points +1%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1
3773 Points
Honor Magicbook
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZNLN256HAJQ
3741 Points -1%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2986 - 4458, n=69)
3584 Points -5%
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Kingston RBU-SNS8180DS3512GJ
3566 Points -5%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
UHD Graphics 620, i3-8145U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3128GJ
3281 Points -13%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
3150 Points -17%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Kingston RBU-SNS8180DS3512GJ
5033 Points +4%
Honor Magicbook
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZNLN256HAJQ
4852 Points 0%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1
4845 Points
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
4826 Points 0%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2699 - 5106, n=58)
4646 Points -4%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
UHD Graphics 620, i3-8145U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3128GJ
4556 Points -6%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
4341 Points -10%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2972 - 5271, n=3, last 2 years)
3805 Points -21%
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3773 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4759 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4845 points
PCMark 10 Score
3668 points
Help

Storage Devices

The Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1 256 GB SSD included in our test device.
The Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1 256 GB SSD included in our test device.

Acer has equipped our test device with a Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1 M.2 2280 SSD. The SSD uses the NVMe protocol to provide significantly higher transfer speeds compared to older SATA III SSDs. The Kingston SSD in our test unit is much faster than the drive in the VivoBook S13 and is marginally slower than the 128 GB version of the RBUSNS8154P3 in the SF314. However, it cannot keep up with the Samsung PM961 SSD in the IdeaPad 320S-13IKB in the benchmarks that we ran on our devices.

The Kingston SSD in the SF313 has good 4K read speeds though, which significantly speed up loading many small files. The SF313 does not have a second M.2 slot or a 2.5-inch drive bay though, so you must replace the SSD with a larger one if you run out of storage space.

AS SSD
AS SSD
CDM 3
CDM 3
CDM 5
CDM 5
CDM 6
CDM 6
CDI
CDI
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Kingston RBUSNS8154P3128GJ
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
Kingston RBU-SNS8180DS3512GJ
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
Honor Magicbook
Samsung SSD PM871b MZNLN256HAJQ
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
7%
124%
-40%
32%
-31%
Write 4K
113.7
96.8
-15%
170.9
50%
64.5
-43%
113.7
0%
82.1
-28%
Read 4K
40.6
36.99
-9%
46.43
14%
24.91
-39%
43.18
6%
21.11
-48%
Write Seq
845
463.1
-45%
996
18%
453.4
-46%
970
15%
451.7
-47%
Read Seq
1137
794
-30%
942
-17%
424.9
-63%
1085
-5%
477.7
-58%
Write 4K Q32T1
868
291.7
-66%
469.1
-46%
257.8
-70%
396.8
-54%
242.2
-72%
Read 4K Q32T1
1580
352
-78%
540
-66%
200.4
-87%
317.8
-80%
257.4
-84%
Write Seq Q32T1
345.6
468.1
35%
1582
358%
504
46%
518
50%
526
52%
Read Seq Q32T1
411.7
1489
262%
3218
682%
459.6
12%
1741
323%
550
34%
Write 4K Q8T8
647
284.4
-56%
Read 4K Q8T8
685
301.2
-56%
AS SSD
-43%
64%
-63%
11%
-37%
Seq Read
1403
1201
-14%
2310
65%
485.5
-65%
1186
-15%
481.6
-66%
Seq Write
836
434.5
-48%
1479
77%
351
-58%
809
-3%
458.5
-45%
4K Read
42.19
40.9
-3%
50.3
19%
30.94
-27%
39.69
-6%
32.46
-23%
4K Write
99.7
90
-10%
127.6
28%
61.6
-38%
114
14%
84.5
-15%
4K-64 Read
738
425.5
-42%
1226
66%
323.8
-56%
618
-16%
378.6
-49%
4K-64 Write
606
390.9
-35%
1236
104%
439.9
-27%
510
-16%
279.8
-54%
Access Time Read *
0.074
0.184
-149%
0.063
15%
0.108
-46%
0.068
8%
0.07
5%
Access Time Write *
0.045
0.048
-7%
0.029
36%
0.174
-287%
0.032
29%
0.04
11%
Score Read
921
586
-36%
1508
64%
403
-56%
776
-16%
459
-50%
Score Write
789
524
-34%
1512
92%
537
-32%
705
-11%
410
-48%
Score Total
2163
1386
-36%
3757
74%
1150
-47%
1870
-14%
1114
-48%
Copy ISO MB/s
586
310.1
-47%
1717
193%
546
-7%
1090
86%
333
-43%
Copy Program MB/s
315.2
88.4
-72%
448.5
42%
106.2
-66%
714
127%
163.8
-48%
Copy Game MB/s
478.5
166.4
-65%
588
23%
151
-68%
413
-14%
259.6
-46%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-18% / -25%
94% / 86%
-52% / -53%
22% / 19%
-34% / -35%

* ... smaller is better

Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1
Sequential Read: 1128 MB/s
Sequential Write: 846 MB/s
512K Read: 860 MB/s
512K Write: 761 MB/s
4K Read: 36.92 MB/s
4K Write: 91.2 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 297 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 232 MB/s

Graphics Card

Since the SF313 does not have a dedicated GPU, people should not expect wonders when it comes to 3D performance. Comparing the subnotebook to the Honor Magicbook or the IdeaPad 320S-13IKB demonstrates the difference between the Intel UHD Graphics 620 and the Nvidia GeForce MX150. The UHD Graphics 620 performed well in our test device and is consistently above average thanks to the system operating in dual-channel mode, which helps the SF313 get the most from its GPU. The UHD Graphics 620 can decode the H.265/HEVC codec with 10-bit colour depth and Google's VP9 codec, which relieves the CPU of decoding high-resolution video.

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2979 - 16904, n=55, last 2 years)
8016 Points +341%
Honor Magicbook
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, Intel Core i5-8250U
4494 Points +147%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, Intel Core i5-8250U
2796 Points +54%
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U
1949 Points +7%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1818 Points
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (1144 - 3432, n=244)
1749 Points -4%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8265U
1732 Points -5%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i3-8145U
1415 Points -22%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (13768 - 65911, n=40, last 2 years)
29002 Points +191%
Honor Magicbook
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, Intel Core i5-8250U
21461 Points +115%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, Intel Core i5-8250U
16227 Points +63%
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U
10677 Points +7%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8265U
10660 Points +7%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
9974 Points
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (6205 - 16400, n=225)
9262 Points -7%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i3-8145U
7152 Points -28%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2837 - 12349, n=59, last 2 years)
5881 Points +380%
Honor Magicbook
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, Intel Core i5-8250U
3459 Points +182%
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, Intel Core i5-8250U
2324 Points +90%
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U
1320 Points +8%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1225 Points
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (557 - 2608, n=213)
1161 Points -5%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i3-8145U
838 Points -32%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (811 - 4773, n=58, last 2 years)
1981 Points +468%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (299 - 797, n=88)
389 Points +11%
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
349 Points
3DMark 11 Performance
2021 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
76685 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
8769 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
1122 points
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score
512 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
400 points
Help

Gaming Performance

The UHD Graphics 620 is not powerful enough to render complex 3D games smoothly. Older and undemanding titles like BioShock Infinite and Rocket League are playable at 720p at minimal graphics. The UHD Graphics 620 also has no issues with rendering browser-based games either. The Nvidia GeForce MX150 is much better at playing games, by comparison.

low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 68.2 37.5 31.4 10.2
Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016) 23.2 14.6 7.5
Rocket League (2017) 78.4 35.8 23.2

Emissions

Fan Noise

The SF313 has a single small fan to cool its components. The fan is often silent at idle and only spins up to 30.7 dB(A) when we set the Windows 10 power mode to high-performance. The fan also reaches 34 dB(A) under sustained load, which rarely occurs in everyday use. It is worth keeping in mind though that the fan in the SF314 only reaches 31.4 dB(A), although the Honor Magicbook hits 43.8 dB(A), by contrast.

The fan noise remained pleasant and did not sound shrill or high-pitched throughout testing.

Noise Level

Idle
30.4 / 30.4 / 30.7 dB(A)
Load
33.7 / 34 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30.4 dB(A)
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
UHD Graphics 620, i3-8145U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3128GJ
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Kingston RBU-SNS8180DS3512GJ
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
Honor Magicbook
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZNLN256HAJQ
Noise
3%
-1%
6%
3%
-8%
off / environment *
30.4
30.3
-0%
29.4
3%
29
5%
28.6
6%
30.3
-0%
Idle Minimum *
30.4
30.3
-0%
30
1%
29
5%
28.6
6%
30.3
-0%
Idle Average *
30.4
30.3
-0%
30
1%
29
5%
28.6
6%
30.3
-0%
Idle Maximum *
30.7
30.3
1%
30
2%
29
6%
28.6
7%
30
2%
Load Average *
33.7
31
8%
32.2
4%
29.9
11%
28.6
15%
40.4
-20%
Load Maximum *
34
31.4
8%
38.8
-14%
33.3
2%
42.4
-25%
43.8
-29%
Witcher 3 ultra *
35.2

* ... smaller is better

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2029.430.130.929.42533.130.630.733.13136.632.835.236.64033.429.929.333.45030.427.926.930.46326.627.326.726.68025.925.625.325.910025.424.224.525.412525.125.424.925.116025.324.923.625.320023.623.22223.625023.123.220.823.131523.723.320.123.740022.22119.622.250023.52318.823.563022.92318.222.980022.722.91822.7100024.324.21824.3125022.622.717.822.6160022.222.717.922.2200021.922.318.221.9250021.621.917.921.6315020.221.21820.240002020.718.420500019.820.718.319.8630019.92118.419.9800019.420.318.619.41000019.220.318.619.21250019.120.118.619.11600019.420.218.919.4SPL33.734.130.533.7N1.81.91.31.8median 22.2median 22.7median 18.6median 22.2Delta2.11.312.1hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseAcer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ

Temperature

3DMark 11 results after running a stress test
3DMark 11 results after running a stress test

With exception to the Honor Magicbook, the surface temperatures of our comparison devices and the SF313 are broadly the same. Our test unit heats up to 42.1 °C under sustained load, which is much lower than the 56.1 °C that the Honor Magicbook reaches.

We also subjected the SF313 to a one-hour stress test to determine how it manages its internal temperatures when under sustained load. The CPU reached a maximum of 85 °C during our stress test but initially operated at 3.4 GHz before it heated up. The CPU then drops to 1.6 GHz when it reaches 80 °C to cool itself down. This helped the CPU to operate at around 70 °C by the end of our stress test.

The FurMark stress test caused the GPU core temperatures to rise to 68 °C. The GPU averaged 820 MHz during a FurMark stress test, but this dropped to 700 MHz when we ran FurMark and Prime95 simultaneously. The CPU also downclocked to 900 MHz during this combined stress test as the CPU and GPU share the same TDP.

It is worth noting that our stress tests caused 3D performance to drop slightly until the device had cooled fully, which we confirmed by running 3DMark 11.

Prime95 stress test
Prime95 stress test
FurMark stress test
FurMark stress test
FurMark & Prime95 combined stress test
FurMark & Prime95 combined stress test
Max. Load
 31.7 °C
89 F
40.4 °C
105 F
36.8 °C
98 F
 
 28.7 °C
84 F
36.6 °C
98 F
36.4 °C
98 F
 
 34.7 °C
94 F
35.7 °C
96 F
26.2 °C
79 F
 
Maximum: 40.4 °C = 105 F
Average: 34.1 °C = 93 F
31.6 °C
89 F
42.1 °C
108 F
35.9 °C
97 F
30.1 °C
86 F
38.9 °C
102 F
29.4 °C
85 F
26.3 °C
79 F
26.8 °C
80 F
25.6 °C
78 F
Maximum: 42.1 °C = 108 F
Average: 31.9 °C = 89 F
Power Supply (max.)  46.4 °C = 116 F | Room Temperature 22.3 °C = 72 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 34.1 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 30.7 °C / 87 F for the devices in the class Subnotebook.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.4 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42.1 °C / 108 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.1 °C / 75 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (35.7 °C / 96.3 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (-7.4 °C / -13.4 F).
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
UHD Graphics 620, i3-8145U, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3128GJ
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Kingston RBU-SNS8180DS3512GJ
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
Honor Magicbook
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung SSD PM871b MZNLN256HAJQ
Heat
5%
-3%
5%
2%
-14%
Maximum Upper Side *
40.4
40.2
-0%
45
-11%
41.3
-2%
37
8%
52.3
-29%
Maximum Bottom *
42.1
40
5%
47
-12%
43
-2%
44
-5%
56.1
-33%
Idle Upper Side *
26.2
24.4
7%
24.9
5%
23
12%
26
1%
25.1
4%
Idle Bottom *
26
24.1
7%
24.7
5%
23.2
11%
25.6
2%
25.7
1%

* ... smaller is better

Heat map of the top of the device under load
Heat map of the top of the device under load
Heat map of the bottom of the device under load
Heat map of the bottom of the device under load
Heat map of the top of the device at idle
Heat map of the top of the device at idle
Heat map of the bottom of the device at idle
Heat map of the bottom of the device at idle

Speakers

The SF313 has two small downward-firing speakers, which results in audio sounding rather muted when the device is placed on a soft surface. The speakers deliver clear sound, but they lack bass, although that is a problem with many laptops speakers. In short, the speakers on the SF313 are good enough for video-calling or for streaming music and video.

We would recommend connecting external speakers or headphones via the 3.5 mm jack or Bluetooth for a better listening experience.

A look at the speaker grilles on the Acer Swift 3 SF313…
A look at the speaker grilles on the Acer Swift 3 SF313…
…and the speakers that sit beneath them
…and the speakers that sit beneath them
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2031.730.931.72532.430.732.43136.535.236.54033.729.333.75029.926.929.9632826.7288026.525.326.510025.624.525.612526.124.926.116025.823.625.820023.32223.32502620.82631532.620.132.640041.619.641.65004618.84663048.418.248.480058.51858.5100060.71860.7125058.517.858.5160056.717.956.7200055.718.255.7250053.417.953.4315056.11856.1400052.418.452.4500054.418.354.4630053.818.453.8800052.418.652.41000047.118.647.11250046.618.646.6160004718.947SPL67.630.567.6N19.31.319.3median 48.4median 18.6median 48.4Delta11.1111.135.735.63433.132.131.83133.430.531.130.530.629.629.927.430.526.333.925.941.226.348.925.653.82555.824.558.624.160.123.960.623.759.323.564.323.26623.165.922.760.52358.92354.722.852.2235422.860.122.96422.962.422.856.722.853.835.373.62.432.2median 23.2median 58.61.25.5hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseAcer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZAsus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (60.7 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 21.8% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 7.2% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (13.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.8% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (8.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (36.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 96% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 2% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 93% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 6% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (66 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 14.6% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.3% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.7% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (8.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (21.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 67% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 28% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 53% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 39% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Power Management

Power Consumption

The 45 W power supply included with our test unit
The 45 W power supply included with our test unit

The SF313 is an energy-efficient subnotebook. Our test unit consumed a minimum of 3.4 W at idle and averaged 8.8 W, which is higher than the power consumption of our comparison devices. Our test unit consumed a maximum of 42 W under load, which is on par for the average of UHD Graphics 620-powered devices that we have already reviewed. The SF313 also consumes only slightly more than the SF314, despite the latter being less powerful on paper. The SF313 does benefit from not having a dGPU though, as demonstrated by how much the IdeaPad 320S-13IKB and the VivoBook S13 consume.

The 45 W power supply should be powerful enough to recharge the device even if it is pushed hard.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.29 / 0.45 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.4 / 5.8 / 8.8 Watt
Load midlight 34 / 42 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
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.
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3256GJ1, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
i3-8145U, UHD Graphics 620, Kingston RBUSNS8154P3128GJ, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
i5-8250U, GeForce MX150, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.30
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
i5-8550U, UHD Graphics 620, Kingston RBU-SNS8180DS3512GJ, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.30
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Honor Magicbook
i5-8250U, GeForce MX150, Samsung SSD PM871b MZNLN256HAJQ, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 14.00
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
 
Average of class Subnotebook
 
Power Consumption
16%
-13%
-9%
15%
-29%
-9%
-40%
Idle Minimum *
3.4
2.9
15%
3.4
-0%
2.8
18%
1.6
53%
3.9
-15%
3.81 ?(1 - 12.4, n=259)
-12%
4.9 ?(1.77 - 11.8, n=63, last 2 years)
-44%
Idle Average *
5.8
5.6
3%
6.1
-5%
5
14%
4.6
21%
7.3
-26%
6.94 ?(2.8 - 15.7, n=261)
-20%
8.4 ?(4.6 - 17.4, n=63, last 2 years)
-45%
Idle Maximum *
8.8
6.1
31%
7.7
12%
8.3
6%
7.3
17%
8
9%
8.75 ?(3.8 - 30, n=259)
1%
10.4 ?(5.1 - 22.4, n=63, last 2 years)
-18%
Load Average *
34
29
15%
44.2
-30%
42.8
-26%
37.9
-11%
55.4
-63%
35 ?(8.1 - 51.6, n=259)
-3%
46.1 ?(19.1 - 83.3, n=62, last 2 years)
-36%
Load Maximum *
42
35.3
16%
60.3
-44%
65.8
-57%
44.8
-7%
63.6
-51%
47.5 ?(22 - 96.3, n=261)
-13%
66.2 ?(24.2 - 121.2, n=63, last 2 years)
-58%
Witcher 3 ultra *
37.6
45.6

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

3DMark 11 scores when running on battery
3DMark 11 scores when running on battery
Cinebench R15 results when running on battery
Cinebench R15 results when running on battery

Acer has equipped the SF313 with a 48.8 Wh battery. Our test unit lasted for 18.5 hours at idle, which is well beaten by the ZenBook 13 UX333FA and the Honor Magicbook. By contrast, the SF313 outlasted all our comparison devices when subjected to constant load. However, the subnotebook delivered disappointing runtimes in our looped H.264 battery test and our Wi-Fi battery life test. Please note that we achieved these runtimes by setting the display to 150 cd/m², which is approximately 40% brightness on the SF313. The subnotebook should last long enough for an extended movie night. The Honor Magicbook will last considerably longer than the SF313 though.

Our test device takes just under three hours to recharge fully with the included 45 W charger. We did not notice any performance loss when running our test unit on battery compared to on mains power. We confirmed this by running Cinebench R15 and 3DMark 11, which yielded almost identical results to when we ran benchmarks with the subnotebook on AC power.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
18h 37min
WiFi Websurfing (Edge: 42.17134.1.0)
9h 33min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
8h 15min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 17min
Battery life at idle
Battery life at idle
Battery life under constant load
Battery life under constant load
Battery life during our Wi-Fi test
Battery life during our Wi-Fi test
Battery life during our H.264 looped video test
Battery life during our H.264 looped video test
Charging time
Charging time
Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 48.8 Wh
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-31N8
i3-8145U, UHD Graphics 620, 50.7 Wh
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S-13IKB
i5-8250U, GeForce MX150, 36 Wh
Asus VivoBook S13 S330UA-EY034T
i5-8550U, UHD Graphics 620, 42 Wh
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, 50 Wh
Honor Magicbook
i5-8250U, GeForce MX150, 56 Wh
Average of class Subnotebook
 
Battery Runtime
7%
-38%
-13%
16%
37%
14%
Reader / Idle
1117
736
-34%
1668
49%
1740
56%
1197 ?(581 - 2550, n=10, last 2 years)
7%
H.264
495
346
-30%
729
47%
778 ?(426 - 1153, n=30, last 2 years)
57%
WiFi v1.3
573
614
7%
344
-40%
501
-13%
593
3%
613
7%
623 ?(303 - 1144, n=64, last 2 years)
9%
Load
137
73
-47%
132
-4%
115.4 ?(61 - 197, n=47, last 2 years)
-16%

Verdict

Pros

+ modern, slim design
+ matte IPS display
+ fingerprint scanner
+ USB Type-C with DisplayPort support
+ LTE module
+ good Wi-Fi performance
+ backlit keyboard
+ fast NVMe SSD
+ decent system performance
+ runs quietly
+ solid battery life

Cons

- the case could be more stable
- low maximum display brightness
- high Delta E 2000 deviations upon delivery
- the microSD card slot is difficult to reach
- soldered RAM
The Acer Swift 3 SF313 laptop review. Test device courtesy of Acer Germany.
The Acer Swift 3 SF313 laptop review. Test device courtesy of Acer Germany.

The Acer Swift 3 SF313 is a compact subnotebook that impressed us in our tests. The device delivers plenty of power at a reasonable price for a 13.3-inch subnotebook. The SSD should be large enough too, but this could be upgraded later. Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade the RAM, but this is now rare for subnotebooks.

We are torn by the display, which only reaches its full potential when we properly calibrated it. We are similarly unsure about the case, which looks stylish, but Acer’s use of plastic makes the case rather unstable.

The Acer Swift 3 SF313 is a compact subnotebook that has many features, good battery life and few compromises.

The SF313 does not have a Thunderbolt 3 port, but it is otherwise well-equipped for a subnotebook. Another positive feature is the inclusion of USB Type-C with DisplayPort support to control 4K displays at 60 Hz. The LTE module is useful too as it provides Internet connectivity on the go when there is no Wi-Fi.

Overall, Acer has taken the Swift 3 SF313 in the right direction without making too many sacrifices. A better choice of materials and a way to expand the RAM would have created an even better subnotebook. Nevertheless, we can wholeheartedly recommend the Acer Swift 3 SF313 because it is a fairly priced, powerful and well-equipped 13.3-inch subnotebook.

Acer Swift 3 SF313-51-59SZ - 01/28/2019 v6(old)
Sebastian Bade

Chassis
79 /  98 → 80%
Keyboard
84%
Pointing Device
88%
Connectivity
52 / 80 → 65%
Weight
71 / 35-78 → 84%
Battery
91%
Display
85%
Games Performance
60 / 68 → 88%
Application Performance
85 / 87 → 97%
Temperature
92 / 91 → 100%
Noise
96%
Audio
46 / 91 → 50%
Camera
40 / 85 → 46%
Average
74%
86%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Acer Swift 3 SF313 (Core i5-8250U, 8 GB, 256 SSD, FHD) Laptop Review
Sebastian Bade, 2019-01-30 (Update: 2019-02-23)