Acer Swift X (2022) vs ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024)

The Acer Swift X, with its lighter build and efficient battery life, offers everyday users comfortable portability and adequate performance for routine tasks, while its screen quality satisfies standard usage. In contrast, the ASUS ROG Strix G18, with a more powerful CPU and greater RAM, excels in screen quality for an enhanced visual experience, but its heavier build and shorter battery life make it less convenient for on-the-go use, aligning it more with demanding applications like gaming and heavy multitasking.

The Acer Swift X offers a balance of performance and portability with a modest GPU and sufficient screen qualities for casual gaming and 3D tasks, but the ASUS ROG Strix G18, with its high-end GPU and rapid screen refresh rate, is tailored for immersive gaming and demanding 3D work, sacrificing some portability for top-tier power and visuals. While the CPU is also better on the ASUS, contributing to its excellent performance, the focus on high-level gaming and 3D capabilities makes it less convenient for on-the-go use compared to the more compact and lighter Acer Swift X.

The Acer Swift X offers a solid balance between power and portability, with a capable CPU, sufficient RAM, and a decent GPU that can handle engineering applications while still being easy to carry around, along with a high-quality screen; however, the ASUS ROG Strix G18, while less portable, provides a superior experience for intensive tasks with its top-of-the-line CPU, abundant RAM, powerful GPU, and excellent screen quality, which results in potentially louder operating noise due to higher performance components.

PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.

PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.

When considering a laptop for general use, the Acer Swift X's screen provides clarity and brightness well-suited for a variety of tasks, but the ASUS ROG Strix G18 stands out with a higher resolution and even better brightness, enhancing every interaction. For engineering and design, where color accuracy is crucial, both the Acer and ASUS offer screens with wide color gamuts, but the ASUS may edge out with better adherence to professional color standards, making it a preferred choice for precision work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, neither laptop is ideal due to their lower refresh rates, which don't match the fluidity required by high-speed content, despite their resolution and panel type being passable.

Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.