In this ever-changing world of technology, choosing the right laptop can be a painstaking task. This is particularly difficult when you have industry giants like Acer and Dell both offering a wide array of options.
But, which one is truly better? PC International’s guide will dive into the nitty-gritty of Acer laptops vs Dell laptops, comparing key factors like design, performance, and much more.
So, let’s find the type of laptop that suits you!
About Acer Laptops

Acer is a Taiwan-based multinational hardware and electronics company. They’re largely known for having a wide range of affordable laptops. Most online reviews of Acer laptops highlight their value for money, decent performance, and features, all of which come at a significantly lower price point than many competitors.
The brand caters to a variety of users, from working professionals to gamers, with its diverse product lineup which includes the Acer Aspire, Swift, and Predator Helios series.
In terms of its designs, Acer leans towards functionality and affordability, which is why it’s such a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers and gamers looking for good performance without having to break the bank.
About Dell Laptops

Dell is a popular American tech company that has an extensive range of laptops, from budget-friendly models to high-end business and gaming machines. Dell laptops, like the Inspiron, Latitude, and XPS series, suit a variety of users and are known for their reliability and durability.
The brand also stands out for its excellent customer service and technical support, which many customers say provides a smooth user experience. Dell’s pricing tends to be higher than some competitors, but the quality, performance, and after-sales service provided pretty much justify the cost.
Whether for personal or professional use, Dell is a reliable laptop solution.
Design

Acer
As we said earlier, Acer largely focuses on functionality and affordability, which in some cases has led to them winning design awards. They’ve even produced one of the thinnest laptops in the world in the form of the Swift 7.
So you’ll find that most Acer laptops, like the Aspire and Swift series, have a plastic body to keep costs low, although their premium models like the Predator series use metal for a stronger feel.
Acer laptops generally have a minimalist aesthetic and usually feature a brushed finish to give their laptops a sophisticated look. Customisability varies across models, with higher-end laptops offering more options like backlit keyboards and high-resolution displays.
Dell
On the other hand, Dell laptops design philosophy is geared towards their devices having sturdy and sleek designs. The brand uses a mix of materials, like plastic, aluminium, and carbon fibre, depending on the model. For example, Dell’s Inspiron series has a simple yet elegant look, while the XPS series has a more premium, slim design.
Dell also offers a fair amount of customizability, providing options such as display resolution, touch capability, and even the colour of the laptop chassis in some models.
Performance
Acer
As you’d expect, the performance levels of Acer laptops depend on what you’re using the laptop for and the model your using. The Aspire series, for example, often uses Intel Celeron or Core processors for everyday tasks, while a gaming laptop like the Predator Triton 500 might feature a powerful Intel Core or AMD processor.
An Acer Laptop will typically offer an HD display or a Full HD display, with the higher-end models boasting superior refresh rates. RAM options also vary, with most models supporting upgrades for enhanced multitasking. Do note that users regularly report performance issues in lower-end Acer models.
Dell
Dell laptops generally offer very reliable performance. The Inspiron series usually has Intel Core processors for basic everyday computing, while the XPS and Alienware series use high-end Intel Core or AMD processors for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
Dell offers HD, Full HD, and even 4K displays in some models and, much like Acer, RAM is often easily upgradeable, So you can get better performance for heavy multitasking and professional applications. One of the main issues that users have with most Dell laptops is the audio, which is frequently reported to be substandard, as well as the excessive inclusion of bloatware.
Compatibility

Acer
If you opt for an Acer laptop, you generally won’t have any compatibility issues, as they’re generally compatible with most applications and games. The Aspire and Swift series is equipped with Intel Core processors and enough RAM and can handle productivity apps like Photoshop pretty well.
For gamers, the Predator Helios and Nitro series have powerful processors and dedicated NVIDIA GeForce graphics which offer excellent compatibility with demanding games like Call of Duty Warzone 2.0.
Dell
The same goes for Dell laptop models. The Inspiron and XPS series, generally have the required processors and RAM to efficiently run demanding applications like video editors.
In terms of gaming, Dell gaming laptops like the Alienware and G-series have NVIDIA GeForce graphics to give you top-notch performance and compatibility with the latest games.
Battery Life
Acer
The Acer Swift series is known for having an energy-efficient design that can last up to 12 hours under light usage, making them ideal for users who are always on the move. But, high-performance models like the Predator Helios usually have a shorter battery life because of their powerful components.
User claims generally align with Acer’s estimates with some citing the business-oriented models as having good battery life. As you might expect though, heavy tasks like gaming can significantly reduce battery life.
Dell
Like Acer, Dell laptops are also recognized for their reliable battery performance. For example, the Dell XPS series has a long battery life, with some models lasting for as long as 14 hours under light usage.
Again, if you’re looking for a gaming laptop, then you can expect a shorter battery life. Dell’s gaming laptops are no exception to this rule.
Security Features

Acer
Acer takes security very seriously, equipping most of their laptops with pre-installed Norton Antivirus software. Acer also uses Windows Secured-Core which offers another level of device protection, especially if you have sensitive information on your device.
Some Acer models, like the Aspire and Swift series, come with a fingerprint scanner for extra security. We’d highly recommend checking out Acer’s Travelmate Series, as it stands out with its MIL-STD-810G certification, ensuring the laptop can withstand the environmental stress of travel.
Dell
Dell laptops also come with antivirus software already installed, so you’ll have decent protection from malware. Users can switch to alternate antivirus software if desired, which most people generally do seeing as the software is usually just a trial version. Dell also adds TPM chips to their laptops, to further enhance data security.
Some Dell models, especially in the XPS and Latitude series, offer fingerprint security for an additional layer of protection. Their business laptops even include a subscription to a Business Antivirus plan, which is why they’re a popular choice for corporations.
Gaming
Acer
Acer has made a good name for itself in the gaming industry with its Predator Helios series. The series offers impressive gaming capabilities at a fair price.
The Acer Predator Helios 300, for example, has an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5 VRAM, which will give you uninterrupted gaming performance. It also comes with 16GB DDR4 memory and a combination of 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD and 1TB HDD storage. So, you’ll get smooth gameplay and enough space to accommodate the large games of nowadays.
Dell
Dell also doesn’t disappoint when it comes to gaming, particularly with its Alienware and G series laptops. The Dell G3 15 3579 is a good example, as it comes with a 7th Gen Intel Quad i5-7300HQ Processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB DDR5 Graphics Card. In other words: solid gaming performance.
Dell’s gaming laptops are also well-known for their excellent display screens which make the gaming experience even better with vibrant visuals.
Customer Support
Acer
Acer has decent support for its customers, although it doesn’t have as many support options as some competitors. Users can reach out to Acer’s customer service team via phone or email, but some users have reported long wait times or unhelpful support staff.
All their laptops come with a one-year limited warranty, with the exception of Predator models manufactured before 2019, which come with a two-year limited warranty. Customers can extend their warranty or support options pretty easily but doing so comes with an extra charge.
Dell
Dell users are typically happy with the customer service provided and in-warranty repairs. The company has many support options, including phone, email, and online chat. They also have a vast network of service centres for quick and easy repairs.
Most Dell laptops come with a standard one-year warranty and one year of premium support, both of which can be extended and upgraded as needed.
Price
Acer
Affordability is why Acer laptops are popular. You can find models like the Aspire 3, featuring an Intel i3 processor, priced as low as R5,200. The Aspire series generally falls below the R8,700 price range, making it a budget-friendly choice considering all that you get. On the higher end, Acer offers the TravelMate P6 at about R15,000.
Dell
Dell has a wide price range, with basic laptops like the Inspiron series starting as low as R3,800. Mid-range options like the XPS series are priced between R17,000 and R35,000, while still giving a balance of performance and affordability. For high-end users, Dell offers the Precision 7670 is about R112,000, and an Alienware model can set you back about R70,000.
Pros and Cons of Acer Laptops
Pros
- Good graphics performance
- Business laptops have better battery life
- Innovative with incredibly modern designs
- Most Acer laptops are available at an affordable price
- Acer’s Predator gaming laptops are very competitive in performance but priced lower
Cons
- Substandard customer support
- The components are not of the best quality
- Lower-end models tend to have performance issues
- Numerous customer reports of durability issues within months of purchase
Pros and Cons of Dell Laptops
Pros
- Good battery life
- Professional design
- Made from premium materials
- Involvement in sustainability initiatives
- Alienware laptop models are well-received by users
Cons
- Can come with bloatware
- Doesn’t have the best audio quality
- Lower-end models don’t have an eye-protecting coating and emit more blue light
- Premium features are more expensive considering other laptop manufacturers offer the same for less
Top Picks of Acer & Dell Laptops
Here are some of the best Dell laptops and best Acer laptops on the market:
Acer
- Best budget option – Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible Laptop, Intel Celeron
- Best for productivity – Acer Swift X
- Best for content creation – Acer ConceptD Ezel 7
- Best for gaming – Acer Predator Triton 500 SE
Dell
- Best budget option – Dell Inspiron 15
- Best for productivity – Dell Latitude 7320
- Best for content creation – Dell XPS 15
- Best for gaming – Alienware x15
FAQs

Why is Acer so cheap?
Acer products are usually cheaper because they focus on providing value-oriented laptops. They manage to keep costs low by using cost-effective materials. Another method they use is offering the essential features that meet the average user’s needs and not adding expensive extras.
Is Acer a good laptop brand?
Yes, Acer can be considered a good laptop brand. One reason why is that they offer a wide range of laptops for different needs and budgets. Acer laptops are known for being affordable while still offering users decent performance and features.
Which is better for gaming, Dell or Acer?
Neither is necessarily better than the other in terms of gaming. Both brands offer excellent gaming laptops but the better option depends on how much you’re willing to spend and which games you play. Acer’s Predator Helios series offers high performance at a reasonable price. Dell’s Alienware series offers top-tier specs and performance but is more expensive.
Which Dell laptops have an OLED display?
Most of Dell’s high-end models come with OLED displays, with good examples being the Dell XPS 13 and the Alienware series. These laptops will give you outstanding colour accuracy and contrast, which is why they’re ideal for professional photo editing, graphic design, and gaming.
What types of software does an Acer laptop come with?
Acer laptops come with Windows 10 or 11 as the default operating system. They regularly include pre-installed software like trial versions of Microsoft Office and Norton AntiVirus, in addition to Acer’s own software for system management and updates. The software usually varies from model to model.
Acer vs. Dell Laptops: Our Takeaway
Both Dell and Acer laptops stand out among most laptops for their high quality and performance. Acer offers great value for money, especially for gamers, while Dell gives a more premium experience with excellent customer service.
In this huge market of laptop brands, the best laptop for you, whether Acer or Dell, ultimately depends on what you need and how much you’re willing to spend. Here at PC International, we can help you find the perfect PC solution with our extensive range of laptops.
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