A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Acer Swift X offers higher performance, especially in graphics-intensive tasks like 3D rendering, gaming, or machine learning, due to its Nvidia RTX 3050 GPU, compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, which has an integrated Vega 6 graphics in the Ryzen 3 processor. However, it is a bit more expensive and might be less portable due to its slightly smaller screen size. On the other hand, the IdeaPad Slim 3 has a larger screen and is generally less costly, but it may not handle demanding applications as well, although it's better suited for general use and its integrated graphics offer adequate performance for everyday tasks. Both laptops offer similar battery life for typical usage, have 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, but the Acer has a more robust build, better color coverage on the display, and will likely handle heat management and noise better. If you prioritize performance and build quality over screen size and are willing to pay more, the Swift X is the better option. If you want a larger screen and a more budget-friendly laptop for general use, go with the IdeaPad Slim 3. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Acer Swift X (2021)
- Good for engineering and design
- Good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has no clear advantages over the Acer Swift X (2021).
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.0
6.1
5.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.6/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Acer Swift X (2021) is good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is only fair.
The Acer Swift X stands out for engineering and design because of its more capable AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and dedicated Nvidia RTX GPU, which offer stronger performance for demanding tasks and graphics-intensive applications compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, which has a less powerful AMD Ryzen 3 CPU and integrated Vega graphics. Furthermore, the Acer's screen displays more vibrant colors and higher brightness, enhancing visual accuracy for design work, while the Lenovo has a touchscreen and a slightly larger screen size, but with lower color accuracy and brightness.
Screen Quality
6.9
6.4
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
372.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
281.0 nits
The Acer Swift X has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and content creation.
The Acer Swift X boasts a higher resolution and brighter display, enhancing clarity and visibility for everyday tasks and detailed engineering work, along with a wider color gamut that benefits professional design applications. However, its lower refresh rate makes it less ideal for gaming and 3D work, where smooth motion is critical. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 offers satisfactory resolution and brightness for everyday and professional tasks, but like the Swift X, its modest refresh rate and color representation limit its effectiveness for gaming and demanding 3D applications.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Acer Swift X (2021) has very good portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.6
6.5
The Acer Swift X (2021) has good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$580
$390
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
The Acer Swift X (2021) has a price of $580 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 costs $390.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
General Use
7.4
7.0
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
372.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
281.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.9/10
The Acer Swift X (2021) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 are both good for general use.
The Acer Swift X (2021) outshines the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 in general use due to its stronger Ryzen 5 CPU and dedicated Nvidia RTX 3050 graphics, which contribute to better application performance and visual content handling. The Swift X also offers higher screen brightness and better color coverage, which translates to a more vibrant and clear display, while maintaining a good balance of portability and battery life compared to the less capable, heavier IdeaPad with a less impressive display and integrated graphics.
Gaming and AI
6.3
5.9
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
9.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Swift X (2021) to be only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is poor.
The Acer Swift X is equipped with an Nvidia RTX 3050 GPU which supports hardware ray tracing, beneficial for gaming and 3D applications, but has a standard 60Hz screen refresh rate limiting smoothness in fast-paced games. In comparison, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 uses the Vega 6 GPU integrated with its AMD Ryzen CPU, which is less powerful for gaming and 3D tasks than a dedicated GPU, and also comes with the same standard 60Hz screen refresh rate.
Content Creation
7.5
7.2
5.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Acer Swift X (2021) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 are both good for content creation.
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.
Software Development
7.3
7.1
5.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Acer Swift X (2021) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 are both good for software development.
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.
Battery
10.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Acer Swift X has 10 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has 10 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Acer Swift X (2021) and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Swift X (2021) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$580 | $390 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | March 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.7'' x 8.4'' x 0.7'' | 14.2'' x 9.3'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.06 lbs | 3.52 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.7" | 14.15" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.4" | 9.25" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5600U | AMD Ryzen 3 7330U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 59 Wh | 47 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 372 nits | 281 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8/10 | 9.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Acer Swift X (2021)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Sebastian Jentsch | March 2022
"The Swift X is an Acer for entry-level gaming. With the entry-level graphics chip, our Acer not only beats every single current AMD and Intel iGPU, but also Intel's dGPU Iris Xe Max. However, despite being a GDDR6 version, the GTX does not match the expectations set by its own counterparts from our database. This may be a result of the single fan, which only produces moderate noise levels under load. The performance level of the thin and light 1.4 kg (~3.09 lbs) 14-inch laptop is impressive nonetheless."
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Rtings
Olivier Martin, Ryan Lim, and John Peroramas | May 2023
"The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is decent for use as a workstation. Its Intel CPU and integrated graphics can only handle light productivity tasks, not demanding workloads like video editing or 3D graphics. You also can't do any color-critical work because the available displays have a narrow color gamut. It has a good port selection, but its USB-C lacks Thunderbolt 4 support. On the upside, it has a comfortable keyboard and doesn't get hot or loud under load."
Get a great deal on the Acer Swift X (2021) or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
About Acer
Acer is a prominent Taiwanese electronics brand which makes a wide range of laptops, with multiple product lines catering to personal use, gaming, and business use. They are renowned for having exceptional value for money, as they frequently offer good specifications at a lower price than other manufacturers.
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Acer Swift X (2021) vs. Acer Aspire 5 15
VS
Compare Acer Swift X (2021) vs. Lenovo V15
VS
Compare Acer Swift X (2021) vs. Lenovo Flex 5 14
VS
Compare Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 vs. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14"
VS
Compare Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 vs. Dell Inspiron 15 3525
VS
Compare Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 vs. HP 15" Laptop
VS
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
132,495
Recommendations made
28,708
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
Featured in
