OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

Acer Aspire Switch 12 S 4K (8GB + 256GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,230RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:12.5 inchesChipset:Intel Core m3-6Y30

Acer Aspire Switch 12 S 4K (8GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 2 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

35%

6.7

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.7

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 52% of tablets
6.1

Value for money

Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

4.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 99%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components

22%

7.1

Performance

20%

6.6

Display

16%

6.4

Camera

14%

5.8

Battery

12%

7.2

Connectivity

8%

8.3

Software

5%

5.2

Design

3%

5.7

Audio

â–²Better than 62%
6.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models

6.7

Mark 7.3 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.7

Average grade

20%

5.8

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 60%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,230
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Acer Aspire Switch 12 S 4K (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components:

22%

7.1

Performance

20%

6.6

Display

16%

6.4

Camera

14%

5.8

Battery

12%

7.2

Connectivity

8%

8.3

Software

5%

5.2

Design

3%

5.7

Audio

6.7
Reviews score
6.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

4.0

Price

6.1
RAM capacity
8 GB
Market range: <1 GB – >8 GB
This tablet has 8 GB of RAM, which is more than 72.1% of tablets and equal to 17.9% of tablets.
Process node
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 14 nm process, which is smaller than 44.6% of tablets and equal to 8.5% of tablets.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 256 GB of internal storage, which is more than 76.4% of tablets and equal to 15.8% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
Intel Core m3-6Y30
This tablet runs on Intel Core m3-6Y30, which is more advanced than 50.1% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
3840×2160
This tablet has a 3840×2160 screen, which is sharper than 99.9% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
353 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 353 ppi, which is higher than 98.5% of tablets.
Display glass type
Corning Gorilla Glass 4
This tablet protects its screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 4, which is more durable than 91.4% of tablets and the same as 2.4% of tablets.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
N/A
Front camera megapixels
2 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 2 MP resolution, which is lower than 53.8% of tablets and equal to 25.5% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.4
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.4, which is narrower than 70% of tablets and equal to 17.5% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet has 1xx optical zoom, which is stronger than 18.2% of tablets and equal to 80.9% of tablets.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,550 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 4,550 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 77.9% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Charging speed
45 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 45 W, which is faster than 83.8% of tablets and equal to 6.7% of tablets.
Battery life
8 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 8 hours, which is shorter than that of 72.2% of tablets and equal to that of 11.9% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
yes
This tablet supports fast charging. 43.2% of tablets offer this.
Show more
LTE support
no
This tablet does not have built-in LTE. 42.9% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
no
This tablet does not have built-in GPS. 82.9% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
Operating system
Windows
This tablet uses the Windows operating system, which is less advanced than the one used by 84.2%.
Update support duration
long
This tablet offers long update support, which is longer than the support period of 80% of tablets and equal to that of 20% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet supports direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not support app tracking protection. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
Show more
IP rating
?
Weight
800 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 800 g, which is heavier than 94.8% of tablets and equal to 0.2% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
yes
This tablet supports a backlit keyboard. 90.4% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
Number of microphones
3
Market range: <1 – >3
This tablet has a microphone array of 3, which is more than 87.8% of tablets and equal to 5.3% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.8% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer this.
Show more

Acer Aspire Switch 12 S 4K (8GB + 256GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • Sharper display
    This tablet has a sharper screen than the average tablet (3840×2160 vs 1920×1200).
    3,840×2,160 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 4x more internal storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    256 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2.4 inches larger screen
    This tablet has a larger screen than the average tablet (12.5 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    12.5 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • 2.5x faster charging
    This tablet charges faster than the average tablet (45 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    45 W vs 18 W
  • 59.7% sharper screen detail
    This tablet has sharper screen detail than the average tablet (353 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    353 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This tablet has more RAM than the average tablet (8 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 4 GB
  • Supports Thunderbolt
    This tablet supports Thunderbolt, the average tablet does not. 2.3% of tablets support Thunderbolt.
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Intel Core m3-6Y30 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Intel Core m3-6Y30 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 4x more internal storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    256 GB vs 64 GB
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This tablet has more RAM than the average tablet (8 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 4 GB
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Intel Core m3-6Y30 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Intel Core m3-6Y30 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • Faster storage type
    This tablet uses SATA storage, while the average tablet uses eMMC. Storage technology still varies widely across tablets.
    SATA vs eMMC
  • 2x more memory bandwidth
    This tablet has more memory bandwidth than the average tablet (29.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    29.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • Supports multithreading
    This tablet supports multithreading, while the average tablet does not. 9.9% of tablets support multithreading.
  • 20 more GPU execution units
    This tablet has more GPU execution units than the average tablet (24 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    24 vs 4
  • 30.8% faster GPU clock
    This tablet runs its GPU faster than the average tablet (850 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet runs its GPU at 650 MHz.
    850 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • Sharper display
    This tablet has a sharper screen than the average tablet (3840×2160 vs 1920×1200).
    3,840×2,160 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 2.4 inches larger screen
    This tablet has a larger screen than the average tablet (12.5 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    12.5 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • 59.7% sharper screen detail
    This tablet has sharper screen detail than the average tablet (353 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    353 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • More durable glass
    This tablet has more durable glass than the average tablet (Corning Gorilla Glass 4 vs Corning Gorilla Glass). The average tablet uses Corning Gorilla Glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 4 vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 30 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (430 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    430 nits vs 400 nits
  • 2.5x faster charging
    This tablet charges faster than the average tablet (45 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    45 W vs 18 W
  • Monitors battery health
    This tablet monitors battery health, while the average tablet does not. 36.7% of tablets monitor battery health.
  • Supports Thunderbolt
    This tablet supports Thunderbolt, the average tablet does not. 2.3% of tablets support Thunderbolt.
  • Supports DisplayPort over USB-C
    This tablet supports DisplayPort over USB-C, the average tablet does not. 21.3% of tablets support DisplayPort over USB-C.
  • Supports HDMI output
    This tablet supports HDMI output, while the average tablet does not. 49.8% of tablets offer this.
    micro-HDMI port
  • Longer update support
    This tablet offers longer update support than the average tablet (long vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    long vs medium
  • Supports dynamic themes
    This tablet supports dynamic themes, while the average tablet does not. 29.5% of tablets offer this.
  • Includes backlit keyboard
    This tablet has a backlit keyboard, the average tablet does not. 9.6% of tablets offer a backlit keyboard.
  • 2 more microphones
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (3 vs 1). The average tablet's microphone count is 1.
    3 vs 1
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • 3 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    2 MP vs 5 MP
  • Less advanced operating system
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (Windows vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    Windows vs Android
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    This tablet offers shorter battery life than the average tablet (8 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    8 hours vs 10 hours
  • 63.3% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (800 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    800 g vs 490 g
  • 31.1% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (4,550 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    4,550 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • No GPS
    This tablet does not include GPS, while the average tablet does. 82.9% of tablets include GPS.
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not support manual white balance, while the average tablet does. 51.5% of tablets support manual white balance.
  • 4.73x more expensive
    Acer Aspire Switch 12 S 4K (8GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£1,230 vs £260).
    £1,230 vs £260
  • 24.7% worse value for money
    Acer Aspire Switch 12 S 4K (8GB + 256GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (6.06 vs 7.6).
    6.06 vs 7.55
  • 4.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models

    6.7

    Mark 7.3 is below the typical mark 7.8 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    5.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.7 vs 7.0
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not support big.LITTLE architecture, while the average tablet does. 51.7% of tablets support big.LITTLE architecture.
  • 28% lower multi-core score
    This tablet has a lower multi-core score than the average tablet (1,361 points vs 1,891 points). The average tablet scores 1,891 points in multi-core tests.
    1,361 points vs 1,891 points
  • 266 MHz slower RAM speed
    This tablet has a lower RAM speed than the average tablet (1,600 MHz vs 1,866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1,866 MHz.
    1,600 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • 3 years older
    This tablet was released earlier than the average tablet (2016 vs 2019). The average tablet was released in 2019.
    February 2016
    2016 vs 2019
  • 50% slower touch response
    This tablet samples touch more slowly than the average tablet (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average tablet samples touch at 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 1 nits dimmer screen
    This tablet is dimmer than the average tablet (400 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    400 nits vs 401 nits
  • 3 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    2 MP vs 5 MP
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not support manual white balance, while the average tablet does. 51.5% of tablets support manual white balance.
  • No burst mode
    This tablet does not support burst mode, the average tablet does. 60.6% of tablets support burst mode.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This tablet has a narrower main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's main camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    This tablet offers shorter battery life than the average tablet (8 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    8 hours vs 10 hours
  • 31.1% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (4,550 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    4,550 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • No GPS
    This tablet does not include GPS, while the average tablet does. 82.9% of tablets include GPS.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet has an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • Less advanced operating system
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (Windows vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    Windows vs Android
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 53% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • 63.3% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (800 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    800 g vs 490 g
  • 138.1 mm wider
    This tablet is wider than the average tablet (313.4 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    313.4 mm vs 175.3 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
TechVideoEN
≈ estimated
03/02/2016
Hands-on look · design, hinge and ports
Verdict
Acer Aspire Switch 12 S 4K is a slim, well-built convertible with a nice hinge and useful ports, clearly worth a look.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Acer Aspire Switch 12 S 4K (8GB + 256GB)

  • Stunning 4K display with high pixel density and vibrant colors
  • Premium anodized aluminum build and sturdy design
  • Versatile 'Snap Hinge Gold' allowing multiple usage modes (tablet, laptop, tent, etc.)
  • Wide range of modern connectivity including Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
  • Excellent, comfortable backlit keyboard with deep travel
  • Fanless, silent operation using Intel Core m processors
  • Unique features like the Intel RealSense 3D camera on the rear

What customers don't like about Acer Aspire Switch 12 S 4K (8GB + 256GB)

  • Disappointing battery life, especially when powered by the 4K panel
  • High retail price compared to more powerful competitors
  • Performance is limited to basic productivity; struggles with heavy multitasking or gaming
  • Screen is prone to glare and reflections due to the glossy finish
  • Heavier and bulkier than standard high-end tablets
  • Significant amount of pre-installed bloatware

Verdict

The Acer Aspire Switch 12 S is a premium 12.5-inch detachable 2-in-1 tablet that features a high-end 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS touchscreen display with Zero Air Gap technology and Gorilla Glass 4 protection. This specific configuration is powered by an Intel Core m5-6Y54 or m7-6Y75 processor from the Skylake family, paired with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. Notable characteristics include its fanless design for silent operation, the 'Snap Hinge Gold' magnetic docking mechanism that allows for multiple usage modes, an Intel RealSense 3D camera on the rear, and a versatile port selection featuring Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), micro-HDMI, and two USB 3.0 ports on the backlit keyboard dock. Main pros are its stunning high-resolution display, sturdy aluminium build quality, and future-proof connectivity. However, cons include relatively modest performance under heavy multitasking due to the Core M processor, a slightly heavy tablet weight of approximately 800 grams, and average battery life that may struggle to last a full workday.

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