If you prioritize gaming or graphically intensive tasks, the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 with its robust graphics capabilities is a suitable choice, especially if you're looking to save money. However, for those who value customization and repairability, the Framework Laptop 16 shines, plus it offers the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly by design. The Framework is also likely to be more portable and have a lighter build compared to the sturdier gaming-focused ASUS. Bear in mind that superior gaming performance often comes at the cost of battery life, with the TUF series likely having a shorter battery life than the Framework during intense use. 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 TUF Gaming A16
Good for gaming and AI
Very good battery life
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.4/10
6.8/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 comes with a dedicated GPU that excels in gaming and 3D applications and a high screen refresh rate that makes visuals smoother, particularly important in fast-paced games. Whereas the Framework Laptop 16, although featuring a decent CPU and good screen quality, lacks a powerful dedicated GPU and the high refresh rate screen that are key for optimal gaming and 3D experiences.
Content Creation
7.6/10
8.1/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 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
7.3/10
8.0/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 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.
Screen Quality
7.5/10
8.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
294.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Framework Laptop offers superior resolution and brightness, which makes for a crisp and vivid display that’s easier on the eyes, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 still provides a satisfactory visual experience but with less clarity and luminance. When it comes to engineering and design, the Framework's ability to display a wider range of colors is crucial for accuracy and detail, making it stand out compared to the ASUS, which also handles color well but falls short of the Framework's range. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is key, both the Framework and ASUS might disappoint due to lower refresh rates, impacting the fluidity of fast-moving visuals despite their adequate resolutions and panel types.
Battery
12.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has 12 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.
Build Quality
7.2/10
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$838
$1,699
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a price of $838 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 TUF Gaming A16 is good.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16, with its robust CPU and ample RAM, is equipped for various tasks, but its gaming-oriented design may affect its portability and battery life, which could be a drawback for those frequently on the move. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023), on the other hand, offers a balance with a high-quality screen and a focus on portability without compromising on performance, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a mix of power and ease of carrying, along with longer battery life for on-the-go use.
Engineering and Design
7.7/10
8.1/10
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for engineering and design, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 offers robust CPU and GPU performance suitable for demanding engineering applications and 3D work, with a high-quality screen that benefits detailed design tasks, though it may be heavier and louder under load. The Framework Laptop 16, while offering modularity that could appeal to those prioritizing customization, also provides a high-quality screen and capable CPU and RAM for engineering software, with the added benefit of a better balance between portability and power.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.8 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and ASUS TUF Gaming A16 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The A16 makes an excellent case against more expensive laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 and the MSI Katana GF76, especially if you’re into 1080p gaming. However, although its affordable, it doesn’t skimp on performance or a robust chassis. But for me, the biggest factor that sets it apart from these options is its incredible battery life. In my time reviewing laptops, I can’t remember when I last saw a gaming laptop lasted 11 and a half hours on a single charge, which makes the A16, in my book, truly outstanding."
"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 TUF Gaming A16 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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