Acer has built a solid reputation for offering gaming laptops that pack great performance at an affordable price. The Nitro series is known for giving gamers access to reliable hardware without pushing them into high-end price territory, and the Nitro V 16 is no exception.
With its larger display and powerful internals, it’s designed for those who want a bigger screen experience without sacrificing performance or burning through their budget. The Nitro V 16 is all about delivering the essentials: smooth gameplay, a sharp display, and the ability to handle modern games with ease.
But how well does it compete with other budget-friendly gaming laptops on the market? Let’s take a closer look at what this machine brings to the table and whether it hits the sweet spot for budget-conscious gamers.
Pros
- Affordable price for a gaming laptop with solid specs
- 16-inch display with a 165Hz refresh rate
- Good selection of ports
Cons
- Plastic build quality
- Battery life is average at best
Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7
- Graphics: Nvidia RTX 4060 8GB
- Memory: 16GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 16-inch, 165Hz refresh rate, 2560 x 1600 resolution
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Keyboard: RGB backlit
- Ports: HDMI 2.1, USB 2.0, USB 4, 2x USB 3.2 Type-A, USB-C, RJ45 Ethernet, headphone jack
- Battery: 57Wh battery, up to 5 hours of battery life
- Weight: 2.5kg
- Price: Available for $1197 from Officeworks as part of their Black Friday sale
Design and Build Quality
Acer has stuck to a tried-and-true formula when it comes to the design of the Nitro V 16. It’s big and bold, with a chassis that balances practicality and a gamer-friendly aesthetic. The build quality is sturdy, although primarily plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap. Acer has opted for a mix of red and black accents, which has become a signature look for the Nitro lineup.
The laptop might not scream “premium” like higher-end models, but it feels durable enough to withstand daily use. One of the standout features is the 16-inch display, which gives the laptop a larger footprint but also makes gaming and media consumption more immersive. While the display bezels are a little thicker than some competitors, the overall design maintains a balance between functionality and gamer style.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Acer Nitro V 16 offers more than enough power for most gamers. The combination of the AMD Ryzen 7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4050 allows it to handle modern games at respectable settings, though it might not push ultra-high graphics like premium models. Games run smoothly, and the GPU ensures you get decent frame rates even in more demanding titles. It’s also capable of handling non-gaming tasks like video editing or streaming without a hitch.
Thanks to 16GB of RAM, multitasking is smooth, allowing users to switch between gaming, browsing, or running multiple applications without slowing down. The 1TB SSD not only provides ample storage for games and files but also brings faster boot times and quicker loading screens, which is a major advantage for gamers.
For budget-conscious gamers looking for solid all-around performance, the Nitro V 16 is a reliable choice. It doesn’t aim to compete with ultra-premium machines but instead focuses on delivering solid gaming performance without the hefty price tag.
Display
The Nitro V 16 features a 16-inch display with a 165Hz refresh rate and 2560 x 1600 resolution, making it perfect for gamers looking for smooth visuals and immersive gameplay. The high refresh rate ensures that fast-paced games look fluid, reducing motion blur and providing a better overall gaming experience. While the colours are vibrant, they may not be as sharp or accurate as those found in premium gaming laptops with higher-end displays.
The 16:10 aspect ratio is a great addition to productivity, offering more vertical space for work tasks or browsing. This makes the laptop versatile, whether you’re deep into a gaming session or simply multitasking across several windows. The display is sharp and crisp, and while it’s not at the level of more expensive machines, it certainly holds its own for both gamers and professionals alike.
Battery Life
Like many gaming laptops, the Nitro V 16 isn’t built to be a battery champ. With a 57Wh battery, you can expect around 4 to 5 hours of mixed usage, which includes tasks like browsing, media streaming, and light work. However, once you start gaming, the battery life will drop significantly, which is common in gaming laptops due to the power drawn from the GPU and CPU.
While you can stretch the battery life with less intensive tasks, gaming on battery power is not recommended if you want to maintain smooth performance. Thankfully, the Nitro V 16 charges relatively quickly, so you won’t be tethered to an outlet for too long. For long gaming sessions, however, it’s best to keep the charger handy as the battery won’t last through extended gameplay without it.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The Acer Nitro V 16 features a full-size RGB backlit keyboard that enhances the gaming experience by allowing you to customize the lighting to your preferences. The key travel is decent, offering a satisfying tactile feel without being too soft or too firm. Whether you’re gaming or typing for extended periods, the keyboard remains comfortable, though it’s not quite as premium as the keyboards found on higher-end gaming laptops.
The dedicated number pad is a handy addition for gamers and professionals alike, making it easier to input numbers during work or games. The trackpad is large and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures like scrolling and pinch-to-zoom with ease. It’s smooth and works well for day-to-day tasks, though, as with most gaming laptops, you’ll likely prefer using an external mouse during gameplay for greater precision.
Pros
- Affordable pricing for a gaming laptop with solid specs.
- 16-inch display with a 165Hz refresh rate.
- AMD Ryzen 7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4050 provide strong performance.
- RGB backlit keyboard adds customization options.
- Good selection of ports for gaming peripherals and external devices.
- Lightweight for its size, making it somewhat portable.
Cons
- Plastic build quality doesn’t feel as premium as some competitors.
- Battery life is average at best, with around 4 to 5 hours of mixed-use.
- No Thunderbolt support, limiting compatibility.
Final Verdict
The Acer Nitro V 16 is a fantastic option for gamers on a budget who don’t want to compromise too much on performance. With its AMD Ryzen 7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, it handles most modern games with ease and offers a smooth gaming experience thanks to the 165Hz display. While it doesn’t feature the premium build of higher-end gaming laptops, it does provide a reliable and well-rounded package, especially for those looking for solid performance without breaking the bank.
However, like many budget gaming laptops, the Nitro V 16 does have its limitations. The battery life is middling, and the build quality, though sturdy, lacks the premium feel of more expensive options. But if you can look past these minor shortcomings, you’ll find a capable and affordable gaming machine that gets the essentials right.
