If you're primarily focused on gaming or graphics-heavy tasks, the Acer Nitro 16 usually offers strong performance at a lower cost but may be bulkier and have a shorter battery life. The Framework Laptop 16, while pricier, is designed to be upgradeable and repairable, making it a more environmentally friendly and potentially longer-lasting option. It's also typically more portable and offers better battery longevity, making it suited for those who value flexibility and frequent travel. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Acer Nitro 16
Very good for gaming and AI
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
Very good for general use
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall build quality
Good portability
Best in class speakers
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.0/10
6.8/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Acer Nitro 16 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Acer Nitro 16 typically comes with a dedicated high-performing GPU and a high screen refresh rate essential for smooth gaming and 3D rendering experiences, while the Framework Laptop 16 has a more modest GPU and lower refresh rate, making it less optimized for these tasks despite its adequate CPU and screen quality. However, the Framework Laptop 16 is designed for easy upgrades and repairs, potentially extending its lifespan if component improvements are needed later on.
Screen Quality
8.3/10
8.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
494.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Acer Nitro 16 for content creation, and software development.
When considering general use, both the Acer Nitro 16 and Framework Laptop 16 shine because of their high-resolution displays and bright screens, which deliver crisp and clear visuals essential for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming. For engineering and design, the excellent coverage of color gamuts such as DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB on these laptops ensures that professionals can see accurate colors and gradients, which is crucial for tasks like photo editing and CAD work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the lower refresh rates on both laptops may result in less smooth visuals, compared to gaming-centric laptops that focus on higher refresh rates for more fluid motion and responsiveness in fast-paced environments.
Portability
Fair
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
5.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
1.1in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the Acer Nitro 16 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4/10
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Acer Nitro 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,050
$1,699
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Acer Nitro 16 has a price of $1,050 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the Acer Nitro 16 is good.
The Acer Nitro 16, with its capable CPU and ample RAM, offers a solid foundation for everyday tasks and respectable screen quality for a satisfactory visual experience, but it’s heavier and has shorter battery life, making it less ideal for frequent travel. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) provides a balance of high-quality CPU performance and screen clarity in a more portable form with longer battery life, ensuring comfort and productivity for users on the go, although it may come at a higher price point.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
8.1/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Acer Nitro 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Acer Nitro 16 typically has robust CPU, ample RAM, and a high-quality GPU, which are crucial for demanding engineering software, paired with a screen that accurately displays fine details and colors necessary for precise design work. While the Framework Laptop 16 also offers good performance with a solid CPU, RAM, and GPU for engineering tasks, it further appeals to those prioritizing a customizable and repairable design, with additional benefits like easier portability and a higher quality keyboard, but it may have slightly less powerful graphics capabilities compared to the Acer Nitro 16.
Content Creation
7.8/10
8.1/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for content creation, while the Acer Nitro 16 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
7.7/10
8.0/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the Acer Nitro 16 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.
Battery
9.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Acer Nitro 16 has 9 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.
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How the Acer Nitro 16 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
"Video editing, rendering and, of course, gaming represent the Nitro 16's core competencies with a Ryzen 7 7735HS and GeForce RTX 4070 providing the necessary power. Both chips run at consistently high clock speeds. A fast PCIe 4 SSD (1 TB) provides the required storage space and ensures short loading times. With the Nitro 16 AN16-41, Acer has a well-specced, mid-range gaming laptop in its portfolio."
"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 Nitro 16 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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