If you're looking for a laptop that's more affordable and still suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, the Acer Aspire 5 could be the right choice. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop is designed for those who prioritize upgradeability and repairability, and it may offer better performance for more demanding applications such as 3D modeling, machine learning, or gaming. It also tends to have a higher build quality. However, the Framework's higher cost might not be justifiable if you don't need its advanced capabilities or care about its modular design. Keep in mind that both battery life and portability can vary; typically, more powerful laptops have shorter battery lives and can be heavier, so if you need something that's easy to carry around with longer battery life, the Acer might serve you well. Remember to consider whether the laptop's screen size, keyboard comfort, and available ports match your preferences and requirements. 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 5 15
The Acer Aspire 5 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
7.5/10
8.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
275.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
7.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Acer Aspire 5 15 is good.
The Acer Aspire 5 15 offers a balance of performance and affordability for everyday tasks with decent CPU speed, ample RAM, and a good screen, making it a solid choice for casual users who prioritize cost-effectiveness and sufficient power for general activities. The Framework Laptop 16 stands out with its sharper screen, superior portability, and longer battery life, alongside more powerful CPU and RAM capabilities, catering well to users needing higher performance for more demanding applications, but it comes at a higher price point.
Gaming and AI
6.1/10
6.8/10
2.4/10
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
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Acer Aspire 5 15 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Acer Aspire 5 15 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have adequate GPUs for casual gaming and 3D applications, along with screens that have decent refresh rates for smoother visuals. However, the Aspire's potentially less powerful CPU and lower screen quality compared to the Framework might not provide as seamless an experience for more demanding tasks or high-detail visuals.
Engineering and Design
6.6/10
8.1/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Acer Aspire 5 15 is only fair.
The Acer Aspire 5 15, with its robust CPU and ample RAM, handles engineering and design software efficiently, while the high-quality GPU and screen enhance visuals for detailed work. The Framework Laptop 16, although similar in processing power and memory, may offer a better screen and more upgradable options, making it a strong contender for long-term use by professionals who also value keyboard and build quality, despite being less portable than lighter laptops.
Content Creation
7.3/10
8.1/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Acer Aspire 5 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
7.3/10
8.0/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Acer Aspire 5 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
275.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Acer Aspire 5 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Acer Aspire 5 15’s screen might be suitable for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming, thanks to its decent resolution and brightness, but it lacks the color accuracy crucial for engineering and design, where precise color representation is key. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) offers enhanced screen resolution and brightness, delivering a more vivid and sharp viewing experience ideal for both general use and professional design work where color gamuts are critical. However, both laptops fall short in gaming and 3D applications due to their lower refresh rates, which can't deliver the smooth visuals avid gamers and 3D designers look for.
Battery
7.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Acer Aspire 5 15 has 7 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Build Quality
6.5/10
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Acer Aspire 5 15 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$480
$1,699
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Acer Aspire 5 15 has a price of $480 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
"The Acer Aspire 5 15 is a good value office laptop with reasonable battery life. The combination of slim exterior, relatively low weight (approx. 1.7 kg) and 8 hour real-life battery runtime makes the Acer Aspire a truly mobile laptop. The modest Tiger Lake processor supports this area and simultaneously ensures an affordable price point. The Aspire produces little noise and stays cool. The screen (FHD, IPS) might not win any prizes but is entirely appropriate for the price."
"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 5 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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
109,395
Recommendations made
23,703
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.