When deciding between the Acer Swift X 2023 and the Framework Laptop 13 2023, consider your primary uses. The Acer Swift X offers better performance for 3D applications, engineering, and gaming thanks to its more powerful graphics card. However, the Framework Laptop boasts upgradability with available RAM and storage slots, potentially extending its lifespan. It's also more portable due to its lighter weight. Although both cater to general use well, if long battery life and portability are important to you, the Framework is the more suitable option, whereas for performance-heavy tasks like gaming and design, the Acer Swift X would be better. Both laptops are priced similarly, so your decision should hinge on the aforementioned usage preferences. 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 X (2023)
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good battery life
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has no clear advantages over the Acer Swift X (2023).
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.9/10
6.3/10
5.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Acer Swift X (2023) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Acer Swift X (2023) is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
8.0/10
7.3/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
5.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Acer Swift X (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
8.0/10
7.5/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Acer Swift X (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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.
Screen Quality
8.0/10
7.4/10
14.5in
SIZE
13.5in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
390.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Acer Swift X has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Acer Swift X offers a brighter and higher resolution display which enhances the viewing experience for general use and detail-oriented tasks like engineering and design, while also covering a wider color range that professionals require for precise color work. However, its screen does not have a high refresh rate, making it less suitable for gaming and 3D applications, where smooth motion is crucial. The Framework Laptop, while offering a decent resolution and color coverage for everyday use and design work, similarly falls short in providing the high refresh rate gamers and 3D designers need for optimal performance.
Battery
10.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Acer Swift X has 10 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 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
Very Good
14.5in
SIZE
13.5in
3.3 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Acer Swift X (2023) both have very good portability, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
The Acer Swift X (2023) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Acer Swift X (2023) provides robust performance with a powerful CPU and dedicated GPU suitable for demanding tasks, accompanied by ample RAM, a high-resolution screen, and a longer battery life, making it a good choice for general use that may involve some heavier workloads.
Software Development
7.9/10
7.6/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Acer Swift X (2023) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for software development.
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.
Build Quality
7.6/10
7.8/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Acer Swift X (2023) both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,100
$1,079
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The Acer Swift X (2023) has a price of $1,100 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Acer Swift X (2023) and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The Swift X is an Acer for entry-level gaming. With the entry-level graphics chip, our Acer not only beats every single current AMD and Intel iGPU, but also Intel's dGPU Iris Xe Max. However, despite being a GDDR6 version, the GTX does not match the expectations set by its own counterparts from our database. This may be a result of the single fan, which only produces moderate noise levels under load. The performance level of the thin and light 1.4 kg (~3.09 lbs) 14-inch laptop is impressive nonetheless."
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Get a great deal on the Acer Swift X (2023) or the Framework Laptop 13 (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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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
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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.