Acer Aspire 14 AI vs 16 AI: Copilot+ Specs Compared

Acer just refreshed its mainstream Aspire lineup with two Copilot+ PCs that are basically siblings who went to the same school but picked different backpacks: the Aspire 14 AI and the Aspire 16 AI. Both are built around Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips (up to Core Ultra 9 386H), Windows 11, and Acer’s on-device AI utilities, but the real decision comes down to size, weight, ports, and storage ceiling.

At a glance, the two models share the same “do-everything laptop” goal: thin-and-light chassis, large touchpad, and a 180-degree hinge that folds flat for sharing and collaborative work. They also share the same baseline platform perks: Intel Graphics, up to 32 GB LPDDR5X, Wi-Fi 6E, and a 1080p FHD IR camera with a privacy shutter. So yes, the core experience is similar. The differences show up when you start caring about what fits in your bag, what fits on your desk, and how many dongles you refuse to carry.

Performance and AI features: more alike than different

Both laptops can be configured up to the same processor tier, meaning your “how fast is it?” expectations should be very close across the two. The point of these machines is the modern Windows workflow with Copilot+ PC features and a set of Acer tools that aim to make daily use less annoying: AcerSense for tuning/diagnostics, Acer Intelligent Space as an AI hub, plus PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice for cleaner video calls. In other words, the AI angle is mostly about convenience and communication, not turning your laptop into a spaceship.

For creators and students, the practical benefit is consistency: enough CPU headroom for productivity, enough memory (up to 32 GB) for lots of browser tabs and apps, and fast Gen 4 SSD storage. If your workload is mostly documents, research, light creative work, and meetings, both will feel like the same class of machine. You choose the size model for lifestyle reasons first, and specs second.

Display choices: same resolution, different canvas

Both Aspire AI models use a 16:10 WUXGA panel (1920×1200) with up to 120 Hz refresh rate and 45% NTSC color coverage, and both offer touch/non-touch options plus an OLED panel option. The key difference is simply the canvas: 14-inch versus 16-inch. If you live in split-screen (docs + browser, timeline + preview, spreadsheet + chat), the 16-inch model is the one that feels instantly less cramped.

The 14-inch model is the “I want a smaller footprint” choice. It is easier to use in tighter spaces (small desks, coffee shops, airplane trays) and generally feels more portable in daily carry. The 16-inch is the “I want more screen without going full desktop replacement” choice, and the 120 Hz option is a nice bonus for smoother scrolling and casual gaming, even if these are not pitched as gaming-first machines.

Portability: weight and dimensions are the real split

This is where the two stop being twins. The Aspire 14 AI comes in at 1.25 kg (2.76 lbs) with dimensions 312.4 x 225.9 x 11.6/15.8 mm. The Aspire 16 AI is 1.52 kg (3.35 lbs) and 354.9 x 250.1 x 11.5/15.8 mm. That difference sounds small until it is in your bag every day. If you commute a lot or carry gear (chargers, notebooks, camera, anything), the 14-inch model is the easy “less regret” pick.

On the other hand, if your laptop is your main screen most of the time, the 16-inch earns its extra grams. The larger display makes long reading sessions and multi-window work feel calmer, and it is simply nicer for watching content and presenting. If you tend to work parked at one spot for hours, portability matters less than comfort.

Ports and storage: one model is more generous

Connectivity is similar, but not identical. Both include Thunderbolt 4 via two USB-C ports, HDMI 2.1, and an audio jack. The difference: Aspire 16 AI lists four USB-A ports, while Aspire 14 AI lists two USB-A ports. If you regularly juggle a mouse receiver, external drive, and a random USB accessory, the 16-inch model is less likely to make you play “unplug one thing to plug another thing.”

Storage is the other practical divider. Aspire 16 AI goes up to 2 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, while Aspire 14 AI tops out at 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. If you keep big local libraries (video, RAW photos, large project files, lots of offline games), the 16-inch config range is simply more flexible. For most students and general users, 1 TB is already roomy, but heavy local storage people will appreciate the 2 TB option.

Conclusion: if you want the most portable version of Acer’s new Aspire AI idea, the 14-inch is the cleaner daily carry. If you want the bigger screen, more USB-A, and higher max storage, the 16-inch is the more “settle in and work” machine. Acer says the Aspire 14 AI reaches North America in Q3 2026 (EMEA and Australia in Q2 2026), while the Aspire 16 AI is slated for Q2 2026 in North America and EMEA, with exact pricing varying by region.