Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P-R7VH) Review: Your Next Budget Laptop?

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH rolls onto the scene promising solid everyday performance without emptying your wallet. With a Full HD screen and a modern AMD Ryzen chip, it’s vying for the title of best budget laptop. But in a crowded market, does it do enough to stand out? We take a closer look.
Our Verdict
For students, home users, or anyone needing a dependable laptop for daily tasks on a tight budget, the Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH is a strong contender. It nails the basics with a good screen, capable performance for the price, and speedy storage. However, be mindful of its limited storage capacity and the initial restrictions of Windows 11 S Mode.
Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P-R7VH) Specs
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Price (at time of review) | Check Amazon (link below) |
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS |
CPU | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core (up to 4.1 GHz) |
Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics (Integrated) |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB NVMe SSD |
OS | Windows 11 Home in S Mode |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth |
Ports | 1x USB Type-C (data, display, charging), 2x USB Type-A, HDMI |
Weight | Approx. 3.92 lbs (1.78 kg) |
Color | Silver |
Reasons to Buy
- Sharp Full HD IPS display is great for the price
- Snappy performance for everyday tasks
- Fast boot and app loading with NVMe SSD
- Modern Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
- Lightweight enough for easy portability
Reasons to Avoid
- 128GB storage will feel cramped for many
- Windows 11 S Mode can be limiting (but switchable)
- RAM is not user-upgradable
- Build quality is standard for a budget device
Design and Display: Better Than You Might Expect
The Aspire 3 won’t win any design awards with its straightforward silver chassis, but it’s functional and slim enough for a 15.6-inch machine. At under 4 pounds, it’s not an ultrabook, but it won’t break your back carrying it around campus or to a coffee shop.
The real star for a laptop in this price bracket is its 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display. Colors are reasonably vibrant, and viewing angles are good, making it a pleasant experience for watching videos or working on documents – a definite step up from the washed-out TN panels often found on budget laptops.
Performance: Handles the Daily Grind with Ease
Powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U quad-core processor and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Aspire 3 is well-equipped for the daily digital grind. Expect smooth sailing when juggling multiple browser tabs, working in Office apps, streaming content, or engaging in light photo editing. The Ryzen 3 7320U is a modern chip that balances responsiveness with power efficiency, which should translate to decent battery life for off-the-charger use.
The integrated AMD Radeon Graphics are fine for everyday visuals and even some very light gaming, but don’t expect to run demanding titles. For its intended use, the graphics are perfectly adequate.
Storage and Connectivity: Fast, But Plan Accordingly
Acer made a smart choice including a 128GB NVMe SSD. This makes a huge difference in perceived speed, with quick boot times and snappy application launches. However, 128GB is on the smaller side. Once Windows and essential apps are installed, you won’t have a ton of space left for large media files. Cloud storage or an external drive will likely be necessary for many users.
Connectivity is up-to-date with Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless speeds (assuming you have a compatible router) and a versatile USB Type-C port that supports data, display output, and charging. You also get standard USB-A ports and HDMI for external displays.
Software: Windows 11 in S Mode
The Aspire 3 ships with Windows 11 Home in S Mode. This version is streamlined for security and performance by only allowing apps from the Microsoft Store and using Microsoft Edge as the default browser. While this can be good for less tech-savvy users or for maintaining a clean system, many will want to install apps like Google Chrome or specialized software. Thankfully, switching out of S Mode to the full version of Windows 11 Home is free and straightforward, though it’s a one-way trip.
Who Should Buy the Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH?
This laptop is a great fit if you’re:
- A student needing a reliable machine for research, writing, and online classes.
- A home user looking for an affordable laptop for web browsing, email, and media consumption.
- A professional on a budget who needs a basic work machine for office apps and communication.
- Someone in need of a secondary laptop that covers the essentials without a hefty price tag.
If you’re a gamer, a creative professional needing serious horsepower for video editing or 3D work, or someone who hoards large files locally, you’ll want to look at more powerful (and pricier) options.
Final Thoughts: A Smart Buy on a Budget
The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH delivers impressive value. It makes smart compromises, prioritizing a good display and responsive performance for everyday tasks where it counts most for its target audience. While the 128GB SSD is a key limitation to be aware of, the overall package is compelling for the price.
If you need a no-fuss laptop that gets the job done without breaking the bank, this Acer Aspire 3 deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Ready to check it out?
See Price on AmazonNote: Prices and availability are subject to change. This review is based on the specifications and information available at the time of writing.