Acer Aspire 3 Review

The Aspire models have taken up a fair share of space in the budget laptops market and rightfully so. Aspire 3 ranks among the cheapest laptops in Acer’s own lineup, just above their Chromebooks

Similar to most other budget laptops, the Acer Aspire 3 comes with the average Core i3 or i5 CPU, 4/8GB RAM, 256/512GB SSD, and mostly an integrated GPU.

But there is more to be considered here than just these specs. We also need to look at the ports, upgradability, build quality, and more.

For a $300-$400 price range, there aren’t many laptops that offer what the Aspire 3 does. Some of its configurations, though, such as the A315-56, may not be as much value for money as the other Aspire 3 variants.

In this Aspire 3 review, let’s see if it’s the right fit for you.

Acer Aspire 3

Specs and Upgradability

The budget/value-inclined Aspire 3 A315-58 has the following specs: 

This is the lowest you can go without compromising on productivity, and getting good value at the same time. Other versions with 4GB RAM and an HD display are available, but they provide less value for the money. 

You can also get Aspire 3 with a Core i5, 512GB SSD, and sometimes even a dedicated GPU, such as the GeForce MX230 and MX330.

Both the RAM and SSD are upgradable in most models. The RAM can go up to 16GB, which would significantly boost the overall performance.

Acer Aspire 3Performance

Aspire 3 is comparable to a few Dell Inspiron models, as well as Aspire 5 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 . These are all similarly-priced budget laptops, each with its own sets of available configurations.

Compared to the Aspire 5, Aspire 3 has fewer configurations with high-range CPUs.

Aspire 5 also offers better GPUs and more RAM (up to 24GB,) making it a better option for video editors.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is quite similar in pricing but provides better GPUs in its lower-end models with more RAM than the Aspire 3. However, the IdeaPad’s CPU — Ryzen 3 — is not as powerful as the Aspire 3’s Core i5.

Regarding Aspire 3’s own performance, there are two CPU options: Intel Core i3 and i5.

A Core i3 is great for running programs like MS Word, Chrome, and the like. Apart from lightweight office tasks and schoolwork, my test model of Acer Aspire 3 also handled most web and mobile app development well enough.

But if you’re multitasking or performing graphic-intensive tasks such as video editing and 3D modeling, Aspire 3’s Core i3 won’t cut it.

The i5 version can add $100 more to the price tag but will handle (most likely) anything thrown at it. If you’re into graphic-intensive work like 3D modeling or game development, I’d avoid the integrated GPU model.

When it comes to gaming, I can’t say I’d recommend the Aspire 3. Even the dedicated GPU version is not capable of handling most of today’s games.

However, the laptop can still run lighter games like Minecraft, Fortnite, and CS:GO, at low settings. But if you’re into playing the latest AAA games, you can look for something else that works for both gaming and school.

Screen, Keyboard, and Trackpad

The Aspire 3 comes in two display sizes, 15.6” and 17” with your typical 60Hz refresh rate. The 17” models can cost a bit more, but the price does not necessarily translate to better display quality.

Aspire 3’s major drawback when compared to the Aspire 5 has been its poor quality TN panel. The Aspire 5 models come with IPS panels and better build quality. They also have a higher price tag, but provide more value. I prefer IPS panels because they’re more color-accurate, crispier and just more pleasant to look at, especially if you work long hours.

Recently though, Acer has added IPS panels to their new Aspire 3 models so it makes more sense to buy those now. They do cost more than the low-end budget variants, though. 

The keyboard is fairly comfortable to use and comes with well-proportioned keys, and even has a numpad on the side. This is awesome for number crunchers and data input — so kudos to Acer for including it.

Acer Aspire 3 Screen

Design and Weight

Acer is pretty consistent with its designs. In its own right, the Aspire 3 is quite sturdy despite its plain and simple look. To some, it may seem boring, but this laptop is more about just getting the work done and not really for show.

The build is pure plastic, which does not mean it’s not tough. My impression was it’s a strong chassis, but it doesn’t have the same aluminum feel that the Aspire 5 has.

The bezel isn’t as thin as I would prefer, but it works fine with this laptop.

It is on the heavier side weighing between 4 and 5 lbs. Still, for some people, that is pretty acceptable.

Webcam and Speakers

Recent models have an average-quality webcam, while the older versions are below average, but that’s common for most laptops in this budget category.

While you can listen to lectures on its speakers, listening to music is another story. I found the bass lacking, and the sound is too thin for entertainment purposes.

Port Selection

Older Aspire 3 models have 2 USB 2.0 ports and only one USB 3.1 port, however, that changed in 2022. Newer models have 1 or 2 USB 3.1 type A ports and only one USB 2.0 port. A USB-C port is not added yet to this budget model.

Besides that, there is one HDMI port, a card reader slot, and an RJ45 LAN port. 

Aspire 3’s combination of ports is good for most use cases. Even some of the more expensive laptops today often have fewer ports than the Aspire 3. Still, if you often need to transfer data between devices or use a docking station, a missing USB-C port can be an issue.

Acer Aspire 3Battery Life and Portability

Acer lists its battery timing at around 8 hours, but in reality, this isn’t the case. Based on my battery tests, the Aspire 3’s battery life is 6-6.5 hours at best.

In comparison, both the Aspire 5 and IdeaPad 3 have similar battery performance. If you want better battery life, consider ASUS VivoBook S15 as it offers the best battery timings for 15” inch laptops – but it also comes with a higher price tag. The Aspire 3 is fairly portable considering the specs, but not as light or portable as the IdeaPad and VivoBook.

17” models have both reduced battery life and portability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Aspire 3 is a good choice if you’re looking for a low-end budget laptop for lightweight office or school work. It is a practical all-rounder so long as you don’t play too many games or do graphics-intensive work. 

Higher-end Aspire 3 models have more competition and may not be as much value for money when carefully evaluated against other laptops.