How to tell Acer’s new Swift Air 14 models apart

Acer calls two different screen configurations Swift Air 14 in its new Japanese line-up. It also sells a Swift Air 14 in the UK with a different type of screen. If you are shopping by the name alone, it is easy to compare specifications for a machine you won’t receive.

Acer Japan announced four Swift Air 14 and two larger Swift Lite 16 configurations on 11 November. It listed two 14-inch and both 16-inch configurations for sale in Japan that day, with the remaining two 14-inch configurations due on 27 November. Acer lists 16 GB of memory and 512 GB of storage across the six. Acer Japan’s announcement.

Match the full model code to the screen

• 11 November, Japan. The Aqua Sky Swift Air 14 versions have 1,920 × 1,200 OLED displays. Acer Japan’s store lists SFA14-72M-A56Y/B as one example, with a glossy panel and part reference NX.DSPSJ.002.
• 27 November, planned for Japan. Acer says the two Moonstone Grey Swift Air 14 versions will have 2,880 × 1,800 OLED displays at 90 Hz and include 24 months of Microsoft 365 Personal.
• 11 November, Japan. The larger Swift Lite 16 uses a 1,920 × 1,200 matte IPS display. Check the Lite’s full code separately when comparing offers.

If you spend your day facing a window, ask whether the exact panel is glossy or matte. If you want more room for two documents, compare the usable layout at your preferred text size.

Check the keyboard and charger where you buy

Acer Japan lists the SFA14-72M-A56Y/B with an 82-key Japanese keyboard and a 100 W USB-C adapter in the box. If you buy from an importer, ask for a photo of the actual keyboard and a written list of the supplied accessories. Acer Japan’s exact listing.

Acer’s UK store gives another Swift Air 14 the code SFA14-I31-721N and part reference NX.W4EEK.00D. It lists a 120 Hz matte IPS display at 1,920 × 1,200, 12 GB of memory and 512 GB of storage. The same listing says the laptop comes without a charger. Compare the exact listing when budgeting for the laptop and power supply. Acer UK’s exact listing.

Acer South Africa’s catalogue identifies a Swift Air 14 under the SFA14-I31 family. If you are shopping in Johannesburg, Lagos or Nairobi, ask the seller for the full model code and regional support terms before comparing it with a Japanese listing. Acer South Africa’s catalogue.

For an import, ask who handles returns and repairs locally, and get the answer in writing. Acer’s international travel warranty applies under conditions that include traveller eligibility and an eligible product sold and serviced in the destination. Check the exact machine with Acer or the seller. Acer’s travel warranty conditions.

What to put on the order

• Full model code, manufacturer part reference and seller’s return terms.
• Panel type, surface finish, resolution and refresh rate.
• Keyboard layout, included charger and available local service.

For the power supply and accessories, see how to check what a USB-C cable can do.

Acer Japan’s Aqua Sky Swift Air 14, the colour shown for the 11 November configurations. Press image: Acer Japan, supplied via PR TIMES. Original rendition unchanged. Manufacturer release · Editorial use terms.