Acer Nitro 5 Review: A Budget-Friendly Gaming Laptop with Some Trade-Offs

Introduction

When it comes to budget-friendly gaming laptops, the Acer Nitro 5 is known to be among the best. It is a great device and while it has seen some improvements this year, they come with a few compromises. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the design and build quality, specifications, performance, thermals, battery life, and more to help you make an informed decision.

Design

The Nitro 5 sports an all-black plastic chassis with a subtle shiny glitter effect, giving it a sleek appearance. The lid features a bright red and blue line design, adding a touch of flair. While the build quality feels adequate during regular use, there is noticeable flex when applying pressure, which is expected with plastic construction. The screen can be opened easily, despite the lack of a convenient finger grip. The laptop, however, wobbles when typing hard or encountering slight bumps on the table, which is a downside.

Although the Nitro 5 is not the thinnest laptop, it remains portable and comparable to other 15-inch gaming laptops. It weighs 2.5kg (5.5lb) on its own, which increases to 3.3kg (7.3lb) when including the 230W charger. 

Hardware Specifications

The reviewed configuration of the Nitro 5 includes an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics, 16GB DDR4 memory, and a 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz screen. However, alternative variations are available, such as a larger 17-inch model and different CPU and GPU choices. These include the latest 12th-Gen Intel processors, ranging from Core i5 12700H and going up to a Core i7 12700H or one of AMD Ryzen 6000-series processors (starting with the Ryzen 5 6600H, going up to the Ryzen 7 6800H). Both versions can also stock up to Nvidia’s RTX 30-series graphics chip.

Camera

The Nitro 5 features a 720p camera positioned above the screen, it lacks an infrared sensor for Windows Hello face unlock, however. The camera quality is decent for basic video calls. Additionally, the built-in microphones deliver clear audio during online meetings or voice chats.

Keyboard and Ports

The keyboard on the Nitro 5 boasts four zones of RGB backlighting, offering a visually appealing experience. Users can choose between individual customization or select from five pre-installed lighting effects. Adjusting the key brightness or turning off the backlight can be done either through keyboard shortcuts or Acer's Nitro Sense software.  

Typing on the Nitro 5's keyboard feels comfortable, although the keys are slightly softer compared to Acer's higher-tier Helios 300 model. The touchpad is smooth and responsive, although it feels a bit softer to press and click compared to the clickier touchpad on the Helios 300. 

The Nitro 5 provides a variety of ports for connectivity. The left side includes a Kensington lock, gigabit Ethernet port, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. On the right side, there are two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports. The remaining ports, including power input, Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, and HDMI 2.1 output, are located at the back. Notably, the Type-C port on the back allows for laptop charging, but with limited power delivery. 

To access the internals of the Nitro 5, removing 11 Phillips head screws is required. Inside, a metal enclosure shields the RAM, but thermal pads are not present like in the higher-tier Helios 300. The laptop features a 2.5-inch drive bay, two memory slots, an installed SSD, a Wi-Fi 6 card, and a spare M.2 slot for future upgrades. However, the presence of the heat pipe may impede or restrict the size of the installed drive in the M.2 slot. 

Sound and Speakers

The speakers on the Nitro 5 are located underneath the laptop and deliver decent sound quality. While they lack bass, the audio output is clear and sufficient for gaming, multimedia consumption, and casual listening. 

Display

The Nitro 5's 15.6 inch 1080p display offers a 144Hz refresh rate, which enhances gameplay smoothness. However, the display has some downsides. It covers only around 60% of the sRGB color gamut, resulting in limited color accuracy. The maximum brightness is also lower when contrasted with other gaming laptops, which may make it difficult to use in bright environments. In addition, the display's response times are relatively slow, leading to some motion blur in fast-paced games. 

Gaming Experience

The Nitro 5 performs admirably in gaming, thanks to the combination of the Intel Core i7-12700H processor and Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics. It can handle modern games at 1080p resolution with decent frame rates, although it may struggle with some graphically demanding titles at higher settings. The laptop also offers different performance modes, allowing users to prioritize performance or battery life. However, some users have reported that the CPU power limits seem lower than expected, which may affect performance in some scenarios. 

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Cooling and Thermals

The thermals on the Nitro 5 are well-managed, with the fans keeping the system cool during gaming sessions. The laptop features a dual-fan cooling system, dissipating heat and effectively preventing thermal throttling. The Nitro Sense software provides control over the fan speed and performance profiles. 

The battery life in this device is below average, lasting less than 4 hours with regular usage, including web browsing, multimedia consumption, and productivity tasks. AC adapter is essential for extended periods of use, especially during gaming sessions. 

Price Range and Affordability

As for price, it can range from 800 dollars to around 1200 dollars depending upon the variations. This price range is one of the main advantages of the acer nitro 5 as it provides quality gaming at affordable prices. Different variations mean that there is something for everyone. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Acer Nitro 5 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop offering good gaming performance and upgrade options. While it has a decent design and builds quality, it does have some trade-offs, such as the wobbly screen and flex in the body. The color accuracy and brightness need to be improved, and the battery life is relatively short. However, for gamers on a budget, the Nitro 5 provides a solid gaming experience and the ability to customize and upgrade the internals. If you prioritize gaming performance and are willing to overlook some compromises, the Acer Nitro 5 could be a suitable choice.