Premium Appeal
Lenovo IdeaPad S940
Pros
- 4K HDR display is outstanding
- Thin, premium aluminum chassis
- Contoured display
- 10th Gen Intel performance
- Far more customization options
Cons
- Can be pricey without Lenovo deals
- Weighs more than the Swift 5
- Limited port selection
Lenovo's IdeaPad S940 is a premium aluminum Ultrabook available in a number of configurations. The 10th Gen Intel hardware boosts performance, and the contoured 4K HDR display option is gorgeous. However, the S940 costs more than the Swift 5 (though Lenovo has almost-constant deals to knock the price down), it weighs more, and it has fewer ports than the Swift 5.
Portable wonder
Acer Swift 5 (SF514-54T)
Pros
- 10th Gen Intel performance
- Superior port selection
- Extremely light for a 14-inch device
- Starts at a great price
Cons
- Fingerprint reader is poor
- No 4K display option
- Limited configuration options
Acer's Swift 5 saw a considerable refresh at the end of 2019 with a better port layout, a new hinge system, and a seemingly higher quality build standard. It's not as premium as the IdeaPad S940 and there aren't as many configuration options available. However, it's an ideal choice for anyone who wants to travel as light as possible.
These two 14-inch Ultrabooks share a lot of similarities, especially in terms of internal hardware. Whereas the IdeaPad S940 is near the top of Lenovo's lineup in terms of price and quality, the Swift 5 remains near the middle of Acer's selection. We're here to break things down to help you decide which is the better option.
Lenovo IdeaPad S940 vs. Acer Swift 5 tech specs
| Lenovo IdeaPad S940 | Acer Swift 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U Core i7-8565U 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 |
10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 Core i7-1065G7 |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR3 16GB LPDDR4x |
8GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD | 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD |
| Display size | 14 inches | 14 inches |
| Display resolution | 1920x1080 (touch and non-touch) 3840x2160 (non-touch) |
1920x1080 (touch) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C 3.5mm audio |
Thunderbolt 3 USB-A 3.1 USB-A 2.0 HDMI 3.5mm audio |
| Wireless | 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Bluetooth 5.0 |
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Camera | Front-facing 720p | Front-facing 720p |
| Biometrics | IR camera | Fingerprint reader |
| Battery | 52Wh | 54Wh |
| Dimensions | 12.57 x 7.77 x 0.48 inches (319.3mm x 197.4mm x 12.2mm) |
12.55 x 8.29 x 0.59 inches (318.7mm x 210.5mm x 14.95mm) |
| Weight | From 2.64 pounds (1.2kg) | 2.18 pounds (990g) |
Design and features
With both laptops sitting side-by-side, Lenovo's IdeaPad S940 is clearly the more premium PC. Its chassis is built from a solid chunk of aluminum, with hardly any flex, and overall weight and size that is common with 14-inch devices. The Swift 5, on the other hand, uses a magnesium alloy for the chassis. It's not as rigid and likely won't withstand quite as much abuse as pure aluminum, but it allows for a lighter overall build. The Swift 5 weighs just 2.18 pounds (990g) compared to the starting weight of 2.64 pounds (1.2kg) for the S940. If you want the lightest device for easy carrying, the Swift 5 is likely quite appealing, while the S940 brings a superior level of craftsmanship to those who prefer a premium laptop.
The IdeaPad S940 is just a bit thinner than the Swift 5, but ports on Lenovo's laptop take a hit. You get just two Thunderbolt 3, one USB-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack. You can always connect a powerful Thunderbolt 3 docking station for improved connectivity, but Acer's Swift 5 will natively offer more connections. It has a single Thunderbolt 3 (which can also be used for a docking station), two USB-A, HDMI, and 3.5mm audio. If you hate hubs and adapters, especially for common accessories that use USB-A, the Swift 5 should cause fewer headaches.
The keyboard and touchpad on both devices could use a bit of work. I found the Swift 5 to be mostly comfortable if not a bit cramped, and the Precision touchpad was large enough to promote productivity. The S940 also has a Precision touchpad and backlit keyboard. Both laptops have a 16:9 aspect ratio that shortens the area allowed for palm rests, so some might find typing uncomfortable. In any case, we always suggest you give the keyboard and touchpad a try in person before making a final decision.
While the S940 uses an IR camera for facial recognition through Windows Hello, the Swift 5 has a fingerprint reader. Unfortunately, it's incredibly finicky and works properly well less than half the time. If you like a quick, secure way to get into your PC, the S940's IR camera should make a far better choice. Likewise, if you value audio quality from your Ultrabook, the S940's top-firing speakers make a considerable difference. Along with two down-firing speakers on the edges of the laptop and Dolby Atmos, audio from the S940 is better than what you'll find from the Swift 5.
Display
The Swift 5's display got a boost in this refresh, covering 99% of the sRGB gamut and coming in with an 86.4% screen-to-body ratio. It's a great look, even at an FHD resolution, and touch functionality is included. To help combat glare, there is a matte finish on the display. This is especially welcome due to the screen not getting remarkably bright. A 1920x1080 resolution is your only option here; if you want 4K, you'll have to turn to the IdeaPad S940.
Lenovo's laptop has an optional 4K (UHD) display option with native HDR 400 support. It surpasses 500 nits brightness, and it covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut and 86% of the AdobeRGB gamut. It doesn't have touch functionality, however, which might be a letdown for some. If you'd like touch, you'll have to go with the more standard FHD offering. All displays have a glossy finish, and all use Lenovo's Contour Display technology. The edges of the display curve away (just like a phone) for a slimmer bezel look. This amplifies the premium look of the S940, especially next to the more traditional look of the Swift 5.
Keep in mind that opting for the 4K display with all that brightness will significantly sap battery life in the S940. In our testing, the S940 with 4K managed only about 6.5 hours of life on a charge. The Swift 5 managed about eight hours on a charge with the FHD display.
Performance and price
The Acer Swift 5 has optional 10th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processors (CPU) depending on your workload and budget. The Core i5 option will save you more than $100 compared to the Core i7 model, but for some, the extra performance will be well worth the elevated cost. Otherwise, Swift 5 models all come with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB M.2 PCIe solid-state drive (SSD). The SSD can be upgraded after purchase, but RAM is soldered to the board.
The IdeaPad S940 is also available with the same 10th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, but there are also some models available with 8th Gen Intel Core i5 and Core i7 hardware. You'll pay less for the older CPUs, but you won't quite get the same performance or perks. With 8th Gen Intel CPUs, there's no Wi-Fi 6, something that Swift 5 offers standard. Whereas the Swift 5 currently has two models for sale, there are far more customization options for the IdeaPad S940. Add up to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD to go along with the 10th Gen Core i7 CPU. Like the Swift 5, the S940's SSD is upgradeable but RAM is soldered.
A Swift 5 with 10th Gen Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and 14-inch touch FHD display costs about $900, while a Core i7 model with otherwise similar specs costs about $1,025. That's a pretty solid deal and will no doubt factor into your final decision.
An IdeaPad S940, without any of the frequent Lenovo discounts, starts at about $1,500, and that's with an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU, FHD display, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. However, that price can be knocked down to less than the introductory Swift 5 model thanks to a sale. Building your own S940 with 10th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and FHD display has prices starting out at about $1,535.
It's clear you will pay considerably more for the IdeaPad S940 with 10th Gen Intel hardware, but at least there are more options to choose from. You're going to get more performance for less from the Swift 5, but there are currently only two options to choose from (Core i5 and Core i7).
The IdeaPad S940's numerous configurations will suit more people
Lenovo's IdeaPad S940 is a premium Ultrabook with multiple configurations (and a customizable model) to choose from. You will pay more for models with 10th Gen Intel hardware, but those who prefer the aluminum chassis and gorgeous 4K display won't want to turn anywhere else. Better audio, IR camera for Windows Hello, and the Contour Display tech are no doubt attractive features, and the S940 is ultimately a better choice for most people.
Premium Appeal
Lenovo IdeaPad S940
Awesome screen, great speakers, super thin
The IdeaPad S940 brings exciting technology like contoured glass, 4K HDR display, and brilliant Dolby Atmos quad sound to one of the smallest 14-inch Ultrabooks on the market.
The Swift 5 is right for light travelers
Acer's Swift 5 won't quite match up against the IdeaPad S940 in terms of premium build quality, display, and audio, but it is considerably lighter and available at a competitive price. Port selection is better on the Swift 5, and altogether it's much better cut out for a mobile life. As long as you don't want a 4K display and can live with some of its shortcomings, the Swift 5 will still make a great laptop.
Portable wonder
Acer Swift 5 (SF514-54T)
Take it everywhere
Acer's Swift 5 refresh boosts performance and battery life while remaining incredibly thin and light. If you're searching for an ultraportable 14-inch Ultrabook, this should make a great choice.
Premium Appeal
Lenovo IdeaPad S940
From $1,500 at Lenovo
Pros
4K HDR display is outstanding
Thin, premium aluminum chassis
Contoured display
10th Gen Intel performance
Far more customization options
Cons
Can be pricey without Lenovo deals
Weighs more than the Swift 5
Limited port selection
Lenovo's IdeaPad S940 is a premium aluminum Ultrabook available in a number of configurations. The 10th Gen Intel hardware boosts performance, and the contoured 4K HDR display option is gorgeous. However, the S940 costs more than the Swift 5 (though Lenovo has almost-constant deals to knock the price down), it weighs more, and it has fewer ports than the Swift 5.
Portable wonder
Acer Swift 5 (SF514-54T)
$900 at Newegg
Pros
10th Gen Intel performance
Superior port selection
Extremely light for a 14-inch device
Starts at a great price
Cons
Fingerprint reader is poor
No 4K display option
Limited configuration options
Acer's Swift 5 saw a considerable refresh at the end of 20... by: Cale Hunt via https://www.AiUpNow.com/
