When choosing between the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 and the Framework Laptop 16, consider that the Acer is typically more affordable and designed for high-performance gaming with a robust build, but it's heavier and less portable. The Framework, on the other hand, offers a premium build with the unique feature of being highly customizable and repairable, which could extend its lifespan and potentially save money in the long term. The Framework also tends to be lighter and more portable, making it a better choice for frequent travelers or for those who prefer a sleeker machine. 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 Neo 16
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 display quality
Very good overall build quality
Good portability
Good battery life
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.5/10
6.8/10
8.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
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 Neo 16 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 is equipped with a high-end GPU and a high screen refresh rate, making it well-suited for gaming and 3D applications where smooth and detailed visuals are crucial. While the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a capable CPU and good screen quality, its GPU and screen refresh rate are less powerful compared to the Predator, resulting in overall fair performance for gaming and 3D tasks.
Screen Quality
7.8/10
8.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
373.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16's display offers rich colors and sharp images, making it suitable for everyday tasks and professional design work, but its lower refresh rate isn't ideal for fast-paced gaming or 3D applications. Conversely, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) boasts outstanding color accuracy and crisp resolution for both daily use and demanding engineering software, enhancing visual projects, but like the Acer, its display isn't optimized for the high refresh rates preferred in gaming scenarios. Both laptops excel in general use and creative tasks due to their high-quality panels and color reproduction, but neither is the best fit for gaming enthusiasts seeking fluid motion and quick screen updates.
Battery
5.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 has 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
1.1in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the Acer Predator Helios Neo 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 Predator Helios Neo 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$799
$1,699
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 has a price of $799 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 Predator Helios Neo 16 is good.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16, with its robust CPU and ample RAM, ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and intense workloads, while its high-quality screen delivers vivid visuals; however, its heavier build and shorter battery life make it less ideal for on-the-go use compared to the Framework Laptop 16 (2023). The Framework, designed with portability in mind, offers a lighter frame and longer battery life alongside a quality screen and very good keyboard, making it a more suitable companion for users who frequently move around, though it may produce more operating noise and heat under heavy use.
Engineering and Design
8.3/10
8.1/10
9.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 offers a powerful CPU, generous RAM, and a high-performing GPU, making it well-suited for demanding engineering and design tasks that require intense computational power and high screen quality. The Framework Laptop 16, while also offering a solid CPU and enough RAM for most engineering tasks, emphasizes repairability and the option to upgrade components, making it less performance-focused out-of-the-box but potentially more customizable and portable for on-the-go engineering and design work.
Content Creation
7.7/10
8.1/10
9.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1200
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 Predator Helios Neo 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
7.5/10
8.0/10
9.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
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 Neo 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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 sacrifices portability and a truly budget price in the name of additional power. While remaining relatively budget-friendly, this gaming laptop packs serious processing chops, and Acer optimizes its internals to deliver respectable 1080p (or 1200p) gameplay from an RTX 4050. Its keyboard and chassis design won't win it any awards, but its display is a cut above 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 Predator Helios Neo 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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
111,495
Recommendations made
24,158
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.