Acer has announced the Swift Air 16 (SFA16-61M), a thin-and-light laptop built for mobile work. It pairs AMD’s new Ryzen AI 300 Series chips with Copilot+ features in Windows 11, packs a 16-inch display, and still keeps the weight around 1 kg depending on configuration. EMEA sales begin in November from USD 999, with regional pricing to vary.
Design and portability
Acer built the Swift Air 16 in a magnesium-aluminium chassis to keep weight down without making it feel flimsy.
- Weight: from 0.99 kg (IPS model) or 1.1 kg (AMOLED model)
- Size: 358.9 x 239.7 mm footprint; 15.9–16.5 mm thick
- Colours: Light Silver, Fresh Blue, Steel Grey, White
- Materials: magnesium-aluminium alloy
The IPS version dips under 1 kg, which is rare for a 16-inch laptop. If you want deeper blacks and punchier colour, the AMOLED option adds about 110 g. Both share the same 16:10 body, so bags and sleeves are a non-issue. If you work between home, office and airport gates, the weight and thin profile will matter more than fancy hinges you’ll never use.
For reference on current UAE models, see our guide to Acer’s UAE back-to-school Laptops
AMD Ryzen AI 300 and Copilot+ features
Inside, the laptop runs up to an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 with integrated Radeon graphics. Unlike gaming laptops like Acer’s latest Helios 18P, this one is built for local AI tasks and day-to-day work.
- CPU options: Ryzen AI 7 350, AI 5 340, AI 5 330
- NPU: on-chip AI acceleration for Windows features
- Graphics: Radeon 860M/840M/820M (integrated)
- Memory/storage: up to 32 GB LPDDR5 and 1 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
As a Copilot+ PC, you get Windows features such as Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview) and improved Search. The pitch is simple: faster responses, useful on-device AI, and better battery efficiency when you’re off the charger. For those of us stuck on video calls, integrated Radeon graphics helps with encoding and background effects without spinning up fans every five minutes.
Display choices: AMOLED vs IPS
You pick between colour-rich AMOLED or a power-friendly IPS panel, both at 16:10.
- AMOLED: 16-inch, 2880×1800, 120 Hz, 400 nits, 100% DCI-P3
- IPS: 16-inch, 1920×1200, 60 Hz
- Webcam: 2 MP FHD IR with privacy shutter, Windows Hello
For creators, the AMOLED option’s DCI-P3 coverage and 120 Hz refresh will look good for timelines and scrubbing through footage. If you mainly work in docs, dashboards and browser tabs, the IPS option keeps cost and weight down while still giving you the extra vertical space of 16:10. Either way, the IR camera supports secure sign-in, and the physical shutter means you don’t need tape over your lens.
Ports, wireless and battery
No dongle drama here. You get modern ports and current-gen wireless.
- Two full-function USB-C, one USB-A, HDMI 1.4 with HDCP, audio jack
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 or later
- Battery: 50 Wh, quoted up to 13 hours (video playback)
- Audio: dual speakers and dual mics
Acer quotes up to 13 hours from a 50 Wh pack, tested with video playback. Real-world use in the UAE will vary with screen choice and the usual suspects like browser tabs and brightness. The two USB-C ports are full-function, so charging and display output are covered. If you need exact regional specs or support, Acer’s site is the place to start. (www.acer.com)
Availability in the UAE
Acer says EMEA availability starts in November 2025 from USD 999. For a Dubai shopper, that’s roughly AED 3,670 before VAT and retailer margins. Final UAE pricing, bundles and retailer listings will follow from Acer’s local partners. If you’re comparing lightweight 16-inch options across brands, keep an eye on memory configuration and SSD size, which often change by market.
Check our Best Back to School 2025 laptop deals in the UAE for ongoing offers. And if you’re looking at competitors, our ASUS Back-to-School UAE 2025 deals cover what ASUS is offering in the same market.
What is the starting price of the Acer Swift Air 16?
Acer lists a starting price of USD 999 for EMEA. Local UAE pricing will vary by configuration and channel.
When will the Swift Air 16 be available in the UAE?
EMEA sales begin in November 2025. Acer Middle East will confirm UAE retail timing; check regional listings closer to launch.
What are the key differences between the AMOLED and IPS versions?
The AMOLED model offers higher resolution (2880×1800), 120 Hz refresh and full DCI-P3 colour at 400 nits, but weighs about 1.1 kg. The IPS model runs at 1920×1200 and 60 Hz, and comes in lighter at 0.99 kg.
