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- Best overall: Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M 15.6-inch Core i5-1335U 16GB 512GB SSD
- Best budget: Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6-inch Core i5-1235U 8GB 512GB SSD
- Best premium: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB
- Best for a portable Surface: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch Ryzen 5 4680U 8GB 256GB SSD
- Acer Aspire 5 configurations prioritize practical features, familiar ports and flexible value for everyday work.
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 configurations offer a sharper premium feel, a quality display and a compact design.
- Compare processor, memory, storage and screen size before choosing between the Acer and Microsoft laptops.
- Acer Swift Go 14, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 and ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED add newer alternatives to the shortlist.
The Acer Aspire 5 is the better fit for practical value, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is the better fit for a premium, portable Windows laptop. For Black Friday 2026, compare specific configurations rather than relying on model names alone: processors, memory, storage and display size vary across both families.
I’m Marcus Reed, and we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make this guide useful whether you want a basic home laptop or a more polished daily carry. My pick for most people is the Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M with 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD: that configuration balances everyday capability and storage without paying for features every buyer needs. The alternatives below include two Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 sizes and newer Acer, Lenovo and ASUS options.
How We Picked
- We prioritized configurations with at least 8GB of memory and a solid-state drive, since both affect everyday responsiveness and multitasking.
- We compared screen size, resolution and panel type to distinguish portable laptops from better choices for extended viewing.
- We considered processor class and core count as indicators of suitability for office work, browsing, video calls and heavier creative tasks.
- We reviewed published specifications, customer reviews and owner feedback, while noting that configurations can differ by retailer.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Processor | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M 15.6-inch Core i5-1335U 16GB 512GB SSD | Everyday value | 10-core Core i5-1335U | 16GB | 512GB SSD |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch Ryzen 5 4680U 8GB 256GB SSD | Portable Surface | 6-core Ryzen 5 4680U | 8GB | 256GB SSD |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 15-inch Ryzen 7 4980U 16GB 512GB SSD | Large-screen productivity | 8-core Ryzen 7 4980U | 16GB | 512GB SSD |
| Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6-inch Core i5-1235U 8GB 512GB SSD | Basic large-screen use | 10-core Core i5-1235U | 8GB | 512GB SSD |
| Acer Swift Go 14 SFG14-72 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB OLED | OLED portability | 16-core Core Ultra 7 155H | 16GB | 1TB SSD |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 14-inch Ryzen 7 8845HS 16GB 1TB OLED | Balanced work and media | 8-core Ryzen 7 8845HS | 16GB | 1TB SSD |
| ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB | Premium portability | 16-core Core Ultra 7 155H | 16GB | 1TB SSD |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M 15.6-inch Core i5-1335U 16GB 512GB SSD
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M 15.6-inch Core i5-1335U 16GB 512GB SSD is the best everyday-value laptop for students and home users, with a 10-core Intel Core i5 processor. The 16GB memory and 512GB SSD provide a balanced setup for common work and study.
Best for: Everyday school, home and office use
- Display
- 15.6-inch Full HD
- Processor
- 10-core Intel Core i5-1335U
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- 16GB memory suits everyday multitasking
- Large Full HD screen for documents and video
- 512GB SSD gives useful local storage
- Larger body is less convenient for frequent travel
- Display is not an OLED panel
Is the Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M 15.6-inch Core i5-1335U 16GB 512GB SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M 15.6-inch Core i5-1335U 16GB 512GB SSD is a sensible Black Friday 2026 choice for school, home and office tasks. The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M 15.6-inch Core i5-1335U 16GB 512GB SSD's 16GB memory, 512GB SSD and 15.6-inch Full HD screen make a versatile everyday package.
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#2
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch Ryzen 5 4680U 8GB 256GB SSD
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch Ryzen 5 4680U 8GB 256GB SSD is the best compact premium pick for commuters who value a lightweight build, with a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 processor. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch Ryzen 5 4680U 8GB 256GB SSD's smaller screen and storage suit focused everyday tasks.
Best for: Portable work and everyday browsing
- Display
- 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen
- Processor
- 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 4680U
- Memory
- 8GB
- Storage
- 256GB SSD
- Compact touchscreen design
- Comfortable high-resolution display
- Premium chassis and keyboard feel
- 8GB memory limits demanding multitasking
- 256GB storage fills faster than larger SSDs
Is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch Ryzen 5 4680U 8GB 256GB SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch Ryzen 5 4680U 8GB 256GB SSD fits buyers who want a compact Windows laptop for browsing, documents and video calls. Choose a higher-memory configuration for heavier multitasking or long-term flexibility.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 15-inch Ryzen 7 4980U 16GB 512GB SSD
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 15-inch Ryzen 7 4980U 16GB 512GB SSD is the best large-screen Surface Laptop 4 for multitaskers, with an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 processor. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 15-inch Ryzen 7 4980U 16GB 512GB SSD's 16GB memory and 512GB SSD provide more headroom than the compact entry configuration.
Best for: Large-screen productivity and multitasking
- Display
- 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen
- Processor
- 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 4980U
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Large touchscreen suits split-screen work
- 16GB memory supports heavier multitasking
- 512GB SSD offers practical capacity
- Less compact than the 13.5-inch model
- Older platform than current laptop alternatives
Is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 15-inch Ryzen 7 4980U 16GB 512GB SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 15-inch Ryzen 7 4980U 16GB 512GB SSD is a strong choice for buyers who want a large touchscreen and 16GB memory in a premium Windows laptop. Compare its configuration carefully with newer alternatives before deciding.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6-inch Core i5-1235U 8GB 512GB SSD
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6-inch Core i5-1235U 8GB 512GB SSD is the best basic large-screen option for budget-minded users, with a 10-core Intel Core i5 processor. The Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6-inch Core i5-1235U 8GB 512GB SSD's 512GB SSD gives everyday files and applications room to grow.
Best for: Basic productivity on a large screen
- Display
- 15.6-inch Full HD
- Processor
- 10-core Intel Core i5-1235U
- Memory
- 8GB
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Full-size screen for documents and streaming
- 512GB SSD offers room for common files
- Useful port selection for everyday accessories
- 8GB memory is limiting for heavier workloads
- Configuration is less suitable for demanding creative apps
Is the Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6-inch Core i5-1235U 8GB 512GB SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6-inch Core i5-1235U 8GB 512GB SSD suits basic productivity, browsing and streaming on a roomy display. The 8GB memory is the main trade-off, so compare it with 16GB Aspire 5 configurations.
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#5
Acer Swift Go 14 SFG14-72 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB OLED
The Acer Swift Go 14 SFG14-72 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB OLED is the best screen-focused portable pick for students and professionals, with a 14-inch OLED display. The Acer Swift Go 14 SFG14-72 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB OLED's 16GB memory and 1TB SSD make it a capable step up from basic Aspire configurations.
Best for: Portable work, media and vivid visuals
- Display
- 14-inch 2.8K OLED
- Processor
- 16-core Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- High-resolution OLED screen with rich contrast
- 1TB SSD provides generous capacity
- Portable 14-inch format
- OLED is not essential for basic office work
- High-resolution display uses more power than basic panels
Is the Acer Swift Go 14 SFG14-72 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB OLED worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Acer Swift Go 14 SFG14-72 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB OLED is a worthwhile upgrade for buyers who want a vivid 14-inch OLED screen, 16GB memory and generous storage. Basic users can save by choosing a simpler Aspire configuration.
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#6
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 14-inch Ryzen 7 8845HS 16GB 1TB OLED
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 14-inch Ryzen 7 8845HS 16GB 1TB OLED is the best balanced alternative for buyers seeking a modern, versatile laptop, with an 8-core Ryzen 7 processor. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 14-inch Ryzen 7 8845HS 16GB 1TB OLED's 1TB SSD and OLED display strengthen its appeal for work and entertainment.
Best for: Balanced work and entertainment
- Display
- 14-inch OLED
- Processor
- 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- OLED panel adds contrast for films and photos
- 16GB memory supports multitasking
- 1TB SSD provides room for a large library
- Exact screen resolution varies by configuration
- Slim build is not aimed at gaming workloads
Is the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 14-inch Ryzen 7 8845HS 16GB 1TB OLED worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 14-inch Ryzen 7 8845HS 16GB 1TB OLED is a compelling choice for buyers who want a vivid screen, substantial storage and a capable processor. Verify the display and memory details on the specific listing.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB is the best premium portable alternative for frequent travelers, with a 14-inch OLED display. The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB's 16GB memory and 1TB SSD pair a polished screen with practical capacity.
Best for: Premium portable productivity
- Display
- 14-inch 3K OLED
- Processor
- 16-core Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Memory
- 16GB
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- High-resolution OLED display
- 1TB SSD for apps and files
- Compact 14-inch travel-friendly form
- Premium features exceed basic-user needs
- OLED screen is more reflective than some matte panels
Is the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405 Core Ultra 7 155H 16GB 1TB suits travelers and professionals who value a compact 14-inch OLED laptop with generous storage. Basic document work does not require its premium display.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Acer Aspire 5 or Microsoft Surface Laptop 4?
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M suits buyers who want a 15.6-inch screen, 16GB memory and useful connectivity. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 offers a premium design and touchscreen; its 13.5-inch configuration is more portable but has 8GB memory. Compare specific configurations before choosing.
Is the Acer Aspire 5 a good Black Friday 2026 laptop?
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M with 16GB memory and a 512GB SSD handles everyday work, study, video calls and streaming. Check the listing for the exact processor, screen and ports. Buyers seeking OLED or lighter travel options should compare the Acer Swift Go 14 and ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED.
Is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 still worth considering?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 15-inch Ryzen 7 4980U with 16GB memory suits buyers who want a large touchscreen and premium construction. The 13.5-inch Ryzen 5 version is more portable, but its 8GB memory and 256GB SSD limit multitasking and storage. Compare the complete configuration with the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 and ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED, which offer OLED screens and 1TB storage in the listed configurations.
What specs matter most when comparing these laptops?
Start with 16GB memory, a 512GB SSD and a screen size suited to your routine. Memory supports multitasking; storage holds apps and files. Match processor capability to your workload, and check display type, battery, ports and keyboard in the product listing.
Which alternatives beat the Acer-versus-Surface shortlist?
The Acer Swift Go 14, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 and ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED each have a featured configuration with a 14-inch OLED screen, 16GB memory and 1TB storage. Choose among them by design and intended use; basic school and office tasks do not require OLED or 1TB storage.
Buying Guide
Choose memory for your workload
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M has 16GB memory; compare that with 8GB configurations if you multitask.
Match screen size to how you use a laptop
The 15.6-inch Acer Aspire 5 gives more viewing space than the 13.5-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 4. A 14-inch model balances portability and screen area.
Check storage before selecting a listing
A 512GB SSD suits many users. The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED offers 1TB in the listed configuration. Confirm capacity before buying.
Compare the complete model configuration
The Acer Aspire 5 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 vary by processor, memory and screen. Check the full model name and specifications.
Prioritize useful features over premium extras
Choose OLED for vivid media and contrast; everyday tasks do not require it. Focus on features that fit your routine.
FAQ
Acer Aspire 5 2024 vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 Black Friday: which should I buy?
The Acer Aspire 5 is the better choice for practical value and a larger screen, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is the better fit for a premium portable touchscreen. Compare the exact memory and storage configuration before choosing; a 16GB model is preferable for heavier multitasking.
Is Acer Aspire 5 good for students?
Yes. The Acer Aspire 5 A515-58M with 16GB memory and a 512GB SSD suits common student needs such as research, documents, video calls and streaming. Its 15.6-inch Full HD screen is useful for coursework, though a smaller model is easier to carry around campus.
Is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 good for work?
Yes. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is suited to writing, office applications, video calls and browsing, with 13.5-inch and 15-inch screen options. Select a configuration with 16GB memory for frequent multitasking, and confirm the storage capacity matches your files and applications.
Which laptop has the better screen, Acer Aspire 5 or Surface Laptop 4?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 offers a high-resolution PixelSense touchscreen, while the Acer Aspire 5 configurations listed here use a 15.6-inch Full HD screen. For OLED contrast and vivid color, compare either laptop with the Acer Swift Go 14 or ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED.
What is the best alternative to Acer Aspire 5 and Surface Laptop 4?
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 14-inch Ryzen 7 8845HS 16GB 1TB OLED is a strong balanced alternative, with an OLED screen and 1TB SSD. Choose the Acer Swift Go 14 for a portable Acer OLED option or the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED for a premium compact design.