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Updated March 22, 2024·
When deciding between the Acer Predator Helios and the Framework Laptop, consider that the Acer is tailored for gaming and high-performance tasks, typically with stronger graphics capabilities and cooling systems, which may be heavier and have shorter battery life. On the other hand, the Framework is designed for easy upgrades and repairs, potentially offering longer relevance over time and a lighter, more environmentally friendly build, but it might not match the Acer in raw gaming performance. Your best choice depends on whether you prioritize future-proofing and portability (Framework) or gaming and power (Acer). 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 Predator Helios 16
- Very good for gaming and AI
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
- Very good for software development
- Very good overall build quality
- Good portability
- Best in class speakers
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.5
6.8
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is equipped with a powerful GPU and a high screen refresh rate, making it optimal for smooth and visually intense gaming experiences. While the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) supports decent gaming with an adequate GPU and screen quality, it prioritizes customization and repairability over the top-tier gaming performance you'll find in dedicated gaming machines like the Predator.
Engineering and Design
8.7
8.1
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design, though the Acer Predator Helios 16 is somewhat better.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 packs a powerful CPU, GPU, and ample RAM, which are essential for demanding tasks in engineering and design, and it also has a high-quality display for precise visual work. While the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is built with modularity and repairability in mind, offering decent performance and a high-quality keyboard, it's typically less powerful in GPU-intensive tasks but offers greater portability.
Screen Quality
8.8
8.4
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
498.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen for content creation.
For general use, laptops like the Acer Predator Helios 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) with high resolution and brightness offer clear and vivid displays that enhance everyday activities such as browsing, watching videos, and document editing. In engineering and design, accurate color representation is crucial, so screens with wide color gamuts like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB are highly valued for precision in visual tasks. However, for gaming and 3D applications where the action is fast-paced, these laptops fall short due to lower refresh rates, which can make on-screen motion less smooth compared to laptops designed specifically with high refresh rates for gaming.
Battery
6.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has 6.5 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.
Portability
Fair
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the Acer Predator Helios 16 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4
8.0
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Acer Predator Helios 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,236
$1,699
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Acer Predator Helios 16 has a price of $1,236 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
8.0
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
498.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
6.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 offers robust performance with its high-quality CPU and ample RAM, making it ideal for power-intensive tasks and providing a vivid display for an immersive experience; however, its gaming-centric design might make it heavier and reduce its portability and battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023), meanwhile, also delivers strong performance and outstanding screen quality for daily tasks, with the added benefits of modular design for easier upgrades and repairs, possibly enhancing its longevity and reducing e-waste.
Content Creation
8.2
8.1
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for content creation.
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
7.9
8.0
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
7.5/10
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 Predator Helios 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.
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How the Acer Predator Helios 16 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Acer Predator Helios 16 | Framework Laptop 16 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,236 | $1,699 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | July 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.2'' x 10.9'' x 1'' | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.73 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.15" | 14.04" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.88" | 10.63" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700HX | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 85 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 498 nits | 490 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Acer Predator Helios 16
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Dig into reviews and images
IGN
Samuel Horti | June 2023
"The Predator Helios 16 stacks up well against its closest competition in benchmark comparisons. The Acer Predator Helios 16 isn't perfect. It's bulky, its lid feels flimsy and some of its keys are just too damned small – but none of its problems are fatal, and it shines where it counts. The powerful graphics and processor combo are spot on for this price point, the fans stop it getting hot under pressure, and the display is as good as you’ll find under $2,500. It's simply one of the best laptops to play demanding games on."
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"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 Predator Helios 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.
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