Microsoft Surface Go 2 vs Acer Aspire Spin 14 (ASP14-52MTN)
The Acer Aspire Spin 14 is the better laptop on paper: it is much faster, has more memory and has more storage. Pick the Microsoft Surface Go 2 only if it matters to you that it is lighter and is more compact.
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Key differences
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Performance
Acer Aspire Spin 14 wins
The Acer Aspire Spin 14's Intel Core Ultra 5 115U is quicker: it stays smooth with lots of apps open, while the Microsoft Surface Go 2's Intel Core m3-8100Y is built for browsing and documents.
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Gaming
Evenly matched
Neither is made for modern games.
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Display
Microsoft Surface Go 2 wins
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 has the better screen: 10.5" Full HD against 14" Full HD 250 nits.
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Battery life
Acer Aspire Spin 14 wins
The Acer Aspire Spin 14 should last longer: up to 18 hours against up to 10 hours.
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Connectivity
Acer Aspire Spin 14 wins
The Acer Aspire Spin 14 is better connected. Only it has Thunderbolt/USB4, HDMI and USB-A.
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Portability
Microsoft Surface Go 2 wins
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is easier to carry at 0.79 kg, against 1.5 kg.
Other differences
- Memory Acer Aspire Spin 14 wins
The Acer Aspire Spin 14 has 16 GB of memory against 8 GB. That's the difference between coping and staying quick with lots of tabs and apps open.
- Storage Acer Aspire Spin 14 wins
The Acer Aspire Spin 14 has four times the storage: 512 GB against 128 GB.
- Screen size Depends on you
The Acer Aspire Spin 14 has the bigger screen (14" against 10.5"), while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is more compact.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Microsoft Surface Go 2 if…
- You'll carry it every day: at 0.789 kg it's easy to take everywhere.
- You want something compact for small bags and train tables: it has a 10.5-inch screen.
- You plug things in: it has an SD card reader (for camera cards).
Choose the Acer Aspire Spin 14 if…
- You want a snappier laptop for everyday work: its Intel Core Ultra 5 115U is the faster processor.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 16 GB of memory gives it more room than 8 GB.
- You store lots of photos, videos or games: it has 512 GB of storage.
- You want more room to work: its 14-inch screen fits two windows side by side.
Full spec comparison
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 leads on battery and weight, while the Acer Aspire Spin 14 leads on performance.
Green cells with a ✓ mark the better spec in that row. Tick "Show differences only" to hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The Acer Aspire Spin 14 is ahead on performance.
It is much faster, has more memory and has more storage, and the Microsoft Surface Go 2 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Acer Aspire Spin 14 (ASP14-52MTN) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core m3-8100Y | Intel Core Ultra 5 115U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 615 | Intel Graphics |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | — | LPDDR5X-6400 |
| Maximum memory | — | 16 GB |
| Memory upgrades | — | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 128 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | — | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 |
| Storage slots | — | 1 |
Screen
On the screen, it comes down to what you need.
The Acer Aspire Spin 14 has the bigger screen (14" against 10.5"), while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is more compact. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is more compact, while the Acer Aspire Spin 14 has a bigger screen.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Acer Aspire Spin 14 (ASP14-52MTN) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 10.5" | 14" |
| Resolution | Full HD+ (1920 x 1280) | Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 16:10 |
| Panel | LCD | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Brightness | — | 250 nits |
| Colour range | — | 45% NTSC |
| HDR | None | — |
| Finish | — | Matte |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is lighter and is slimmer, while the Acer Aspire Spin 14 charges over USB-C.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Acer Aspire Spin 14 (ASP14-52MTN) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 10 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery capacity | — | 53 Wh |
| Charger | 24 W | 65 W |
| Charges via | Surface Connect | USB-C |
| Weight | 0.789 kg | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 245 x 175 x 8.3 mm | 318.5 x 225.5 x 13.4-21.1 mm |
| Materials | Magnesium | — |
| Hinge | — | 360-degree convertible |
| Colour | Platinum | Iron |
| Colours available | Platinum | Iron |
Ports and wireless
The Acer Aspire Spin 14 is ahead on ports and wireless.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 has an SD card reader, while the Acer Aspire Spin 14 has Thunderbolt or USB4, HDMI and USB-A and has Wi-Fi 6E.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Acer Aspire Spin 14 (ASP14-52MTN) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB-C (charging), 1x Surface Connect (charging), 1x 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1x microSDXC (UHS-I), 1x Surface Type Cover port | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB4 Gen 2x2, 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI (version not published), 1x 3.5 mm audio |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | None | Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Gen 2x2 |
| Card reader | microSDXC (UHS-I) | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Acer Aspire Spin 14 (ASP14-52MTN) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p + IR | 1080p |
| Webcam privacy | None | — |
| Backlit keyboard | No | No |
| Keyboard | — | AcerSense key, Caps Lock indicator, microphone mute indicator |
| Login | Face | Fingerprint |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | — | Microsoft Precision Touchpad certified |
| Speakers | 2 W stereo speakers, Dolby Audio | 2 speakers |
| Microphones | Dual Studio Mics | built-in microphone |
| Pen | Supported (sold separately) | Included |
| Security | Firmware TPM, Windows Hello face sign-in | Kensington lock slot, BIOS passwords (user, supervisor, SSD) |
Software and model
Both run Windows.
So the same apps work on both, and they get the same kind of updates.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Acer Aspire Spin 14 (ASP14-52MTN) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home |
| Update promise | None | — |
| Model number | — | NX.J3LEK.003 |
| Released | 2020 | — |