When considering a laptop for your needs, the Acer Aspire 3 15 is an affordable option suited for everyday tasks and basic computing; however, it may lag in demanding applications. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is a higher-end, more expensive device offering better performance, a more robust build, upgradability – making it an investment for future-proofing, and potentially longer battery life. If frequent travel or long battery life is essential for you, the lighter, more compact Aspire might appeal to you. In contrast, if your work involves engineering, 3D, machine learning, or gaming, the additional performance of the Framework Laptop will be beneficial. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Acer Aspire 3 15
The Acer Aspire 3 15 has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.6/10
8.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
244.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
9.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
6.2/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Acer Aspire 3 15 is only fair.
The Acer Aspire 3 15 generally offers a more basic computing experience with modest processing power and RAM, making it suitable for everyday tasks but less snappy with multitask or power-intensive applications, and its screen might not be as crisp or bright, but it is usually more budget-friendly and has sufficient battery life for casual use. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023), on the other hand, typically features a more powerful CPU and more RAM that can handle demanding software and multitasking more fluidly, paired with a higher-quality screen, it is better for extensive use and content creation, albeit usually at a higher price, while still offering good portability and battery performance.
Gaming and AI
5.8/10
6.8/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Acer Aspire 3 15 is poor.
For avid gamers and those engaged in 3D applications, the Acer Aspire 3 15, with its modest GPU, may not deliver the highest frame rates, and while the screen refresh rate is adequate, it may not be the smoothest for fast-paced action. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023), similarly equipped with a fair GPU, provides decent graphical performance and a reasonable refresh rate, but its overall gaming and 3D capabilities are still restricted by the same factors, albeit with possibly a slightly better CPU and screen quality contributing positively to the experience.
Engineering and Design
5.9/10
8.1/10
4.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Acer Aspire 3 15 is poor.
The Framework Laptop 16 is well-suited for engineering and design due to its higher-quality CPU, GPU, and screen, all of which contribute to better performance and visual clarity for complex tasks, whereas the Acer Aspire 3 15 has lower specs in these areas making it less ideal for demanding activities. However, the Aspire 3 is likely more portable and might offer a quieter operating experience, which are considerations if mobility and a quieter work environment are priorities.
Content Creation
7.0/10
8.1/10
4.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Acer Aspire 3 15 is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.0/10
8.0/10
4.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
6.2/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Acer Aspire 3 15 is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
6.2/10
8.4/10
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
244.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Acer Aspire 3 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
When considering the Acer Aspire 3 15, its screen quality is adequate for basic tasks due to acceptable resolution and brightness, but it may not impress with color range or crispness in visual detail. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) excels in screen quality for general use and engineering with its higher resolution and broader color coverage, ensuring sharp and accurate visuals which are essential for detailed work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short as they lack the high refresh rate needed for smooth motion rendering.
Build Quality
6.2/10
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Acer Aspire 3 15 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$330
$1,699
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Acer Aspire 3 15 has a price of $330 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
Alexander Tozzi, Ryan Lim, and Yannick Khong | March 2023
"The Acer Aspire 3 is okay for school use. It feels reasonably well-built, and it's easy to carry around. The display looks decently sharp and provides plenty of space for multitasking, but it doesn't get bright enough to combat glare. Its Intel Core i3-N305 CPU and integrated graphics can only handle simple tasks, like text processing, web browsing, and video playback, so it isn't ideal for students in more technical fields like 3D graphics. Unfortunately, the battery lasts only around six to seven hours of light use."
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Get a great deal on the Acer Aspire 3 15 or the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
About Acer
Acer is a prominent Taiwanese electronics brand which makes a wide range of laptops, with multiple product lines catering to personal use, gaming, and business use. They are renowned for having exceptional value for money, as they frequently offer good specifications at a lower price than other manufacturers.
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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