The Acer Swift X 16 offers better performance for 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering tasks because of its more powerful graphics card. However, it's heavier, making it less portable than the Framework Laptop 13 (2023). The Framework is lighter and offers better portability and a significantly higher-resolution webcam. If high performance in intensive tasks is a priority and slight heftiness is acceptable, the Acer might be suitable. Conversely, for daily productivity with easy traveling, the Framework could be your go-to. Additionally, the Acer is more expensive and has a shorter battery life compared to the Framework, which might be cost-effective for routine work and longer usage away from power outlets. Both have similar build quality, with the Framework slightly leading in keyboard quality and heat management. 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 16
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
8.2/10
7.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
402.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The Acer Swift X 16 is very good for general use, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
7.0/10
6.3/10
4.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Unknown
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Acer Swift X 16 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
The Acer Swift X 16 is considered good for gaming and 3D due to its Nvidia RTX 3050 graphics card and a high screen refresh rate of 165 Hz, which can render fast-moving visuals more smoothly. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has an integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU and a standard refresh rate of 60 Hz, making it fair for gaming as it provides less graphical processing power and a less fluid visual experience.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
7.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
4.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Acer Swift X 16 is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Acer Swift X 16 stands out for engineering and design due to its powerful AMD CPU and dedicated Nvidia RTX GPU, which are preferred for intensive tasks and rendering, along with a large, high-quality screen. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers good CPU performance, but relies on integrated graphics and a smaller, yet sharp screen, making it more portable but less suited for heavy graphics work.
Content Creation
8.3/10
7.5/10
9.1/10
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 16 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
8.2/10
7.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
402.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Acer Swift X 16 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 16 likely offers a display with high resolution and ample brightness, making it visually appealing and practical for everyday tasks and professional engineering and design work, where sharp details and accurate color reproduction are critical. However, its lower refresh rate may lead to less smooth visuals in gaming and 3D applications, which rely heavily on fast and fluid motion to enhance the user experience. The Framework Laptop 13's good screen quality for general and engineering tasks suggests it also provides a solid resolution and color accuracy but, similar to the Acer, its refresh rate falls short for the high-paced action in gaming and 3D environments.
Portability
Good
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Acer Swift X 16 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,250
$1,079
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Acer Swift X 16 has a price of $1,250 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Acer Swift X 16 to be very good for software development, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
8.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Acer Swift X 16 has 8 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.
Build Quality
7.6/10
7.8/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Acer Swift X 16 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Acer Swift X 16 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
"Acer’s Swift X 16 is an excellent choice for shoppers who want a 16-inch laptop and care more for performance than attractive design or long battery life. The Swift X 16’s gorgeous OLED display, spacious keyboard, and big touchpad make it pleasant to use in basic day-to-day tasks. It also has an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics, which combine to deliver good performance in a wide variety of productivity applications and games. A few minor mistakes, like poorly-placed USB-C ports that lack DisplayPort, will turn off some shoppers, but those who can accept its shortcomings will find the Swift X 16 a versatile daily driver."
"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 16 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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