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Updated January 12, 2024·
The Acer Aspire 5 15 offers solid overall performance with a newer processor, which could be beneficial for general use and multitasking. However, note that it comes with Windows 11 Home, and if you prefer or require Windows 10, the Gateway 15.6" still has that operating system. The Gateway is slightly heavier and has somewhat less display brightness compared to the Acer, which could matter if you often work in brightly lit spaces. Regarding portability, both devices are similar, but the Acer is slightly lighter and thinner, making it a bit easier to carry around. If battery life is crucial for you, the Acer has a known battery capacity that should provide a reliable usage time, whereas this information is not specified for the Gateway. The Gateway could offer a slightly better value for specific applications due to it having a better base review score, but that comes with the tradeoff of a heavier weight and less clarity on battery life. 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 Aspire 5 15
- Good for software development
- Good keyboard
Advantages of the Gateway 15.6"
- The Gateway 15.6" has no clear advantages over the Acer Aspire 5 15.
Key differences
Software Development
7.3
6.7
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The Acer Aspire 5 15 is good for software development, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
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.
Screen Quality
6.2
6.1
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
275.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
The Acer Aspire 5 15 has a better screen than the Gateway 15.6" for software development, and content creation.
The Acer Aspire 5 15 and the Gateway 15.6" have screens that are adequate for everyday tasks due to their respective resolutions and brightness levels, but they might not stand out for their panel technology. For engineering and design, both laptops have displays that lack the wide color gamuts necessary for precision in color work, which can be critical in these fields. When it comes to gaming and 3D applications, the lower refresh rates on these laptops mean less fluid motion and responsiveness, making them less suitable for these high-intensity visual needs.
Battery
7.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Acer Aspire 5 15 has 7 hours of battery life. The Gateway 15.6" has 8 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.
Build Quality
6.5
5.1
The Acer Aspire 5 15 has only fair build quality, while the Gateway 15.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$450
$500
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
The Acer Aspire 5 15 has a price of $450 and the Gateway 15.6" costs $500.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.5
7.0
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
275.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
7.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Acer Aspire 5 15 and Gateway 15.6" are both good for general use.
The Acer Aspire 5 15 and the Gateway 15.6" are equally suited for general use because both offer sufficient main processor power, ample RAM for multitasking, and quality IPS screens with the same resolution. However, the Acer Aspire 5 is lighter and potentially more portable with a longer estimated battery life, while the Gateway has an older operating system and might not fare as well in portability due to its slightly heavier weight.
Gaming and AI
6.1
6.0
2.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Acer Aspire 5 15 and Gateway 15.6" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Acer Aspire 5 15 and the Gateway 15.6" are both only fair for gaming and 3D because while they have the same GPU, which is very important for gaming performance, their screen refresh rates max out at 60Hz, not ideal for fast-paced games which benefit from higher refresh rates. The Acer's CPU is slightly newer, and its screen is a bit brighter, affecting screen quality; however, these differences are relatively minor compared to the GPU and refresh rate, which more heavily determine gaming performance.
Engineering and Design
6.6
6.2
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
2.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Acer Aspire 5 15 and Gateway 15.6" are both only fair for engineering and design.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.3
7.0
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Acer Aspire 5 15 and Gateway 15.6" 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
3.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.8 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Acer Aspire 5 15 and Gateway 15.6" both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Acer Aspire 5 15 and the Gateway 15.6" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Aspire 5 15 | Gateway 15.6" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$450 | $500 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | August 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.2'' x 9.4'' x 0.7'' | 14.8'' x 9.5'' x 0.77'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.97 lbs | 4.8 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.21" | 14.75" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.4" | 9.5" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1335U | Intel i5-1135G7 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 50 Wh | Unknown | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 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 | 275 nits | 250 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Acer Aspire 5 15
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Sascha Mölck | November 2022
"The Acer Aspire 5 15 is a good value office laptop with reasonable battery life. The combination of slim exterior, relatively low weight (approx. 1.7 kg) and 8 hour real-life battery runtime makes the Acer Aspire a truly mobile laptop. The modest Tiger Lake processor supports this area and simultaneously ensures an affordable price point. The Aspire produces little noise and stays cool. The screen (FHD, IPS) might not win any prizes but is entirely appropriate for the price."
Gateway 15.6"
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Francisco Lahoz | July 2022
"Some concessions have to be made when shopping for a budget laptop. Walmart's Gateway Ultra Slim laptops succeeds on the affordability front and delivers serviceable specs and good battery life, though it's hard to claim it's the best (or even particularly good) at any particular aspect. Its build quality, especially the touchpad, is mediocre, and its performance is decent but doesn't lead the way. The Gateway does undercut the cost of some competitors and offers ample storage with good connectivity, so it's not to be ignored."
Get a great deal on the Acer Aspire 5 15 or the Gateway 15.6"
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 Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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