Acer Switch 5 Series

Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, 12.20 inch
Weight: 0.92kg, 0.927kg, 1.27kg, 1.29kg, 1.291kg
Price: 1000, 1100, 1299 euro
Average of 21 scores (from 33 reviews)
Acer Switch 5
The Acer Switch 5 is Acer’s latest hybrid tablet-laptop, and its first 2-in-1 device to be powered by Intel's latest 7th-gen Core i7 chip. The device builds on the innovations of its predecessor, the Switch Alpha 12, and was launched alongside the Switch 3, which is its less-powerful sibling, as well as what seemed to be hundreds of other devices. The Acer Switch 5 is made of anodised aluminum, giving it a good, solid appearance. Like the Switch Alpha 12, the Acer Switch 5 has a Surface Pro-inspired design thanks to an auto-retracting kickstand so that it's viewing angle can be easily adjusted. It also comes with an attachable backlit keyboard that snaps on with ultra-secure magnets, which can be adjusted depending on user preference. The keyboard is similarly good: It feels very strong, with no flex under normal typing use. The keys are even backlit, which isn’t always a given on 2-in-1 keyboards. The touchpad is a real highlight, with perfectly weighted swipes, clicks and gestures. On the outside, the Switch 5 is a fairly standard hybrid, but under its hood, Acer has done something pretty smart: fanless cooling. Using its proprietary LiquidLoop fanless cooling system, Acer claims it can keep the Switch 5 running efficiently without fan noise. The system works by dissipating heat as liquid floats through the machine. It takes up much less space than bulky fans this way while keeping a stable temperature and running efficiently without fan noise; it also provides improved reliability.
Acer's new hybrid is also thin and light, despite some pretty heavy specs. It measures 12mm thick and weighs 1.27kg when the tablet and keyboard are connected. When undocked from the keyboard as a standard tablet, the Switch 5 tablet measures just 9.6mm thick and weighs 0.92kg. While it feels thin enough to be portable, the Switch 5 is chunkier than the Surface Pro 4. Nevertheless, it still felt like it had a relatively slim design during our hands-on, especially considering it's running such a powerful chip. The Switch 5 features a 12-inch FHD+ IPS touch display that boasts a resolution of 2160x1440. The screen appeared crisp and bright during our time with it, even in the brightly-lit environment of the outdoor demo area. However, the lack of a matte finish means it picks up a lot of reflections. As for specs, the Switch 5 boasts Intel's latest 7th-Gen chip, the Core i7, as well as up to 8GB of LPDDR3 SDRAM, meaning it features great performance when completing simple tasks. For connectivity, users will also benefit from the USB-C port, Bluetooth 4.0 and 2x2 11ac Wi-Fi. An optional USB-C dock will give you DisplayPort, HDMI, two USB-C 3.1 ports and three USB Type-A ports, along with audio input for a microphone and audio output for speakers.
Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam
Specifications

Processor: Intel Kaby Lake i5-7200U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, 16:9, 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 0.92kg
Price: 1000 euro
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Source: Kitguru

Acer has not created the perfect convertible Windows tablet but, despite its somewhat mediocre IPS screen and some other niggles, the Switch 5 presents a very capable and good-value machine. It offers a complete overall package with highlights like passive cooling and a very competent bundled keyboard and stylus.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/30/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Trusted Reviews

If you’re on the market for a semi-affordable Windows 10 convertible that won’t break the bank, the Acer Switch 5 is a decent choice. It isn’t the sexiest or most original device on the market, but it ticks most of the right boxes when it comes to functionality and performance. The liquid-cooling system is also a nice addition that makes it run near-silently.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/20/2017
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Toptenreviews

We can’t quite give it full marks, but if color isn’t vitally important for you, the Switch 5 is close to being a Surface Pro at a huge saving.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/09/2017
Source: It Pro

With a spec to rival the Surface Pro, and some accessories thrown in, the Switch 5 offers a decent 2-in-1 experience at a great price point. Unfortunately, woeful display performance and an average battery life hold it back from being a true challenger to the Surface range. Still, the Switch 5 is a great companion device if you're in the market for something cheaper.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/04/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Pocket Lint

The Acer Switch 5 is a largely successful progression of the series, with decent battery life, silent operation, ample power, plus other great features such as the one-handed stand adjustment and the fingerprint scanner being built into the power button.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/27/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Stuff TV

The clever hinge and bundled stylus make the Switch 5 a great Surface alternative for anyone looking to draw, doodle or write instead of type. The infinitely adjustable positioning is far more flexible than Microsoft's rigid kickstand. The keyboard cover is a great inclusion as well, meaning it works just as well as a laptop as it does as a tablet.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/28/2017
Source: Tech Advisor

We certainly like the Switch 5 which is essentially an improved version of the Alpha 12. However, it’s the price that’s really the sticking point here so look for the Switch 3 if it’s out of your price range.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/28/2017
Source: Trusted Reviews

This is probably Acer’s best 2-in-1 to date, but with a starting price of nearly €1099 (around £1100), it’s right up against the Surface Pro 4, so there will be some fairly strong comparisons to make when Trusted does its full review. The Switch 5 launches in June.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/27/2017
Foreign Reviews
Source: Netzwelt

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/28/2017
Source: Mobil.se

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/20/2017
Rating: Total score: 72%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Specifications

Processor: Intel Kaby Lake i7-7500U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, 3:2, 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 1.291kg
Price: 1299 euro
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Hot worker. We are testing the Surface Pro rival and successor to Acer's Swift Alpha 12, and we will discover to what extent it can meet Windows standards. Acer tackles this feat with high performance at a low price.
Update: Lower power consumption in idle scenario
Source: Pocket Lint

The Acer Switch 5 is a largely successful progression of the series, with decent battery life, operation, ample power, plus other great features such as the one-handed stand adjustment and the fingerprint scanner being built into the power button.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/20/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Pocket Lint

The Acer Switch 5 is a largely successful progression of the series, with decent battery life, operation, ample power, plus other great features such as the one-handed stand adjustment and the fingerprint scanner being built into the power button.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/20/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Foreign Reviews
Source: Netzwelt

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/29/2017
Rating: Total score: 78% performance: 80% features: 70% display: 70%
Source: Netzwelt

Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/29/2017
Rating: Total score: 78% performance: 80% features: 70% display: 70%
Source: Tuexperto

Positive: Elegant design; large screen; nice display; powerful hardware. Negative: Uncomfortable keyboard.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/12/2018
Source: Tuexperto

Positive: Elegant design; large screen; nice display; powerful hardware. Negative: Uncomfortable keyboard.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/12/2018
Source: HDblog.it

Positive: Impressive design; powerful processor; compact size; light weight. Negative: No USB-C.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/19/2018
Source: HDblog.it

Positive: Impressive design; powerful processor; compact size; light weight. Negative: No USB-C.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/19/2018
Source: Tablets Magazine

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/21/2018
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Tablets Magazine

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/21/2018
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Prohardver.hu

Positive: Good hardware; high performance; good cooling and silent system; backlit keys; smart stylus pen.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/14/2018
Source: Prohardver.hu

Positive: Good hardware; high performance; good cooling and silent system; backlit keys; smart stylus pen.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/14/2018
Source: Tek.no

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/14/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tek.no

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/14/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Alt om Data

Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 07/03/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 60% performance: 80%
Source: Alt om Data

Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 07/03/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 60% performance: 80%
Source: Arena IT

Positive: Great built quality; powerful hardware; good price.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/26/2017
Source: Arena IT

Positive: Great built quality; powerful hardware; good price.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/26/2017
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52P
Specifications

Processor: Intel Kaby Lake i7-7500U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, 3:2, 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 1.27kg
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Foreign Reviews
Source: Diskidee.nl

Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/13/2018
Rating: Total score: 69% price: 77% performance: 60%
Source: Techzine

Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/11/2017
Rating: Total score: 85% performance: 80% display: 90% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-73Y5
Specifications
Notebook: Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-73Y5Processor: Intel Kaby Lake i7-7500U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, , 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 0kg
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Foreign Reviews
Source: Techzilla.it

Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/05/2018
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 80% display: 85% mobility: 75% workmanship: 85%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-50XX
Specifications

Processor: Intel Kaby Lake i5-7200U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, 3:2, 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 0.927kg
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Foreign Reviews
Source: Alt om Data

Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/19/2018
Rating: Total score: 100%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-58Q4
Specifications

Processor: Intel Kaby Lake i5-7200U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.20 inch, 16:9, 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 1.29kg
Price: 1100 euro
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Source: Gadgetspeak

While this is a Notebook as it has a keyboard it is more likely to be used as a Tablet as the keyboard folds back behind the screen and then you have an excellent touch screen Windows unit that even comes with a stylus for accurate work. If fact the keyboard can even be totally detached should you wish.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 06/22/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 60% performance: 80% workmanship: 80%
Comment
Acer: The company was founded under the name of Multitech in Taiwan in 1976 and renamed to Acer or Acer Group in 1987. The product range includes, for example, laptops, tablets, smartphones, desktops, monitors and televisions. Gateway Inc. and Packard Bell also belong to the Group and sell their own laptops.
While Acer still had the third largest global market share in the notebook segment in 2008, it ranked 6th in 2016 with a market share of 6% after they had continuously lost market shares.
There are dozens of Acer laptop reviews per month, the ratings are average (as of 2016). Gateway, which has an own laptop line-up, has also belonged to the Acer Group since 2007.
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
Intel HD Graphics 620: Integrated GPU (GT2) found on some Kaby-Lake CPU models (15 W ULV series).
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
Intel Kaby Lake:
i5-7200U: Kaby-Lake based SoC with two CPU cores clocked at 2.5 to 3.1 GHz, HyperThreading and manufactured with an improved 14nm process.
i7-7500U: Kaby-Lake based SoC with two CPU cores clocked at 2.7 to 3.5 GHz, HyperThreading and manufactured with an improved 14nm process.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.
0.92 kg:
Mainly, bigger-sized tablets and convertibles weigh as much.
1.291 kg:
In former time,s this weight was typical for big tablets, small subnotebooks, ultrabooks and convertibles with a 10-11 inch display-diagonal. Nowadays, often 15 inch laptops weigh as much.
79.49%: This rating is not convincing. The laptop is evaluated below average, this is not really a recommendation for purchase.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.