The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is a high-performance laptop mainly designed for gaming and intensive tasks, featuring robust graphics and processing power ideal for 3D rendering, machine learning, and AAA gaming but it is heavier and typically has shorter battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) prioritizes modularity and repairability, offering decent performance for everyday tasks and light engineering work, with better portability and longer battery life, but it may not handle intensive tasks as well. Consider your primary needs: if gaming or heavy tasks are a priority, go with ASUS; for general use, portability, and the ability to upgrade components, choose Framework. 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 ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16
Very good for gaming and AI
Excellent overall display quality
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
Very good for general use
Very good for software development
Good battery life
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.5/10
6.8/10
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
6.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 offers a powerful GPU and high screen refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and 3D work, while the Framework Laptop 16, with a fair GPU and lower refresh rate, provides satisfactory performance but may not handle intensive tasks as smoothly. The Zephyrus also benefits from a robust CPU and high-quality screen, further enhancing its gaming prowess, whereas the Framework's modest CPU and screen quality are ample for general use but less suited for demanding graphics-heavy applications.
Engineering and Design
8.8/10
8.1/10
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design, though the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is somewhat better.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 offers high performance with a strong CPU, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU, making it ideal for demanding tasks like 3D modeling and rendering, while its high-quality screen enhances the visual experience; however, it may be less portable and could have more operating noise due to its powerful components. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 16 balances substantial performance with a more modular design, enabling future upgrades, and boasts a high-quality keyboard and speakers, but its GPU might be less capable for the most intensive graphics work.
Screen Quality
9.0/10
8.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
627.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen for content creation.
For general use, a laptop's screen quality hinges on clarity and comfort, so high resolution and brightness in the ASUS and Framework ensure crisp images and good visibility in various lighting conditions. For engineering and design tasks, color accuracy is crucial for precise work; both laptops offer wide color gamuts, ensuring a more accurate and vibrant display of colors. However, when it comes to gaming and 3D applications where the action is fast-paced, a higher refresh rate is preferred to reduce motion blur and provide smoother visuals, which these laptops lack, making them less ideal for this purpose.
Battery
4.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has 4.5 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.
Cost
$2,059
$1,699
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has a price of $2,059 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 ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is good.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16, with its powerful CPU and ample RAM, excels in demanding tasks while offering high screen quality for vivid visuals, but it compromises on portability and battery life due to its gaming-oriented design. The Framework Laptop 16, while still providing strong performance and a high-quality display, is designed with modularity in mind which makes it easier to repair and upgrade, and it maintains better battery life and portability, making it suited for those who prioritize a balance between performance and daily carry convenience.
Content Creation
8.2/10
8.1/10
9.5/10
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 ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 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
7.7/10
8.0/10
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
6.5/10
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 ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
8.0/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have very 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 ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is not yet as optimised as its predecessor. Compared to the previous gen, performance and efficiency have improved significantly. What's more, the wonderful, Mini-LED Nebula display is a contender for the main highlight and almost manages to put the CPU and GPU in the shade. We already found its predecessor to be a well-rounded and well-optimised gaming machine. Generally, but not unequivocally, that also applies to the new Asus M16. Similar to most of the current, new laptops, we are dealing with a double generational leap in terms of the CPU and GPU. However, this change doesn't always run smoothly."
"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 ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 or the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
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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