When choosing between the Acer Swift Edge 16 and the Framework Laptop 16, consider that the Acer is generally less expensive, which could make it attractive if budget is a primary concern. However, the Framework Laptop offers a unique selling point with its modular design, allowing you to upgrade components like memory, storage, and ports over time; this could save money and reduce waste in the long run if you're a user who values longevity and customizability. The Acer Swift, on the other hand, may have limited upgrade options but could offer a slimmer, more portable design for day-to-day use. Performance levels vary with specific configurations, so for tasks like gaming or intensive applications, ensure that the selected model meets the required specifications. Battery life is also a crucial factor; depending on the model, one may last longer on a single charge, aiding mobility and convenience. 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 Swift Edge 16
Very good portability
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
Very good for general use
Very good for software development
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
8.8/10
8.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
3200 x 2000
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
383.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Acer Swift Edge 16 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for general use, and engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen for gaming and AI, and content creation.
The Acer Swift Edge 16 likely offers a high-resolution display and brightness, making it sharp and easy to view for everyday tasks and professional design work, while also providing wide color gamuts that ensure colors are accurately represented, crucial for engineering and design applications. The Framework Laptop 16 offers similar benefits, but perhaps with slightly less color accuracy or brightness, hence providing very good but not top-tier quality for the same tasks. However, both laptops may have lower refresh rates, which lessens their appeal for gaming and 3D work where fluid motion and quick screen updates are essential.
Battery
7.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Acer Swift Edge 16 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.
Portability
Very Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2.7 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Acer Swift Edge 16 has very good portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.2/10
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Acer Swift Edge 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$820
$1,699
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Acer Swift Edge 16 has a price of $820 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 Swift Edge 16 is good.
The Acer Swift Edge 16 offers a balance of performance and portability with its decent CPU and RAM, an impressive screen, and good battery life, but the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) stands out with its superior CPU and RAM, enhancing performance for more demanding tasks, along with a high-quality screen and build that can be customized, although it may be slightly less portable and have a shorter battery life. The Framework Laptop's modular design also allows for easier upgrades and repairs, potentially offering a longer lifespan and better value over time.
Gaming and AI
6.7/10
6.8/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
3200 x 2000
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Acer Swift Edge 16 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Acer Swift Edge 16, with its modest GPU and standard screen refresh rate, provides a satisfactory gaming and 3D experience that won't excel in high-demand scenarios. Meanwhile, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) also houses a GPU that handles games and 3D tasks decently, and its refresh rate, along with a competent CPU and good screen quality, balances performance and visuals for everyday gaming and 3D use.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.1/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Acer Swift Edge 16 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Acer Swift Edge 16 offers solid CPU and GPU performance, ample RAM for demanding tasks, and a high-quality screen essential for detailed engineering and design work. The Framework Laptop 16, while also equipped with a robust CPU, generous RAM, and a commendable screen, stands out for its exceptional keyboard quality and repair-friendly design, enhancing the user experience and long-term usability.
Content Creation
8.1/10
8.1/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3200 x 2000
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Acer Swift Edge 16 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
7.9/10
8.0/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3200 x 2000
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
6.7/10
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 Swift Edge 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 Swift Edge 16 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The Acer Swift Edge 16 is a solid super thin-and-light that pairs a large, gorgeous 16-inch display with portable design that rivals the weight of LG’s superlight Gram 16. Remarkably, Acer achieves this at a lower price point without sacrificing performance. Boring design and disappointing battery life hold the laptop back from stardom, but its rivals frequently suffer in these areas, too. That makes the Swift Edge 16 an alluring value pick."
"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 Swift Edge 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
131,295
Recommendations made
28,448
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.