When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 and the Gateway 15.6", consider that the Framework, while more expensive, likely offers better performance, upgradeability, and a superior build quality that may justify its cost if you need it for demanding tasks like 3D work or intensive engineering. The Gateway, on the other hand, should serve well for general use at a more budget-friendly price, but may fall short on heavy tasks and might not be as durable or future-proof. Look for a balance between your performance needs and your budget constraints. 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 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
Advantages of the Gateway 15.6"
The Gateway 15.6" has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
7.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Gateway 15.6" is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 boasts a better CPU and more RAM, enhancing its performance for demanding applications and multitasking, along with a higher-quality screen that provides sharper images and better color accuracy, all while maintaining a focus on portability and solid battery life. The Gateway 15.6" offers adequate power for everyday tasks at a more accessible price point but compromises slightly on screen quality and battery life, although it remains a competent option for general purposes, with satisfactory storage, keyboard, speakers, and effective heat and noise management.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Gateway 15.6" are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its emphasis on modularity and being user-upgradeable, offers a solid GPU and a high screen refresh rate, striking a balance between decent performance for gaming and 3D tasks and the flexibility to improve components over time. In contrast, the Gateway 15.6" provides capable graphics and adequate refresh rates at a more affordable price point, but it might not match the Framework in terms of screen quality or long-term customizability.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
6.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 with its high-performance CPU, ample RAM, and superior GPU is better suited for demanding engineering and design tasks, also offering a higher screen quality for detailed work. In contrast, the Gateway 15.6" provides a fair level of performance that can handle basic engineering and design tasks but may not be as smooth or visually precise, although it is more portable and may have a quieter operating noise.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Gateway 15.6" 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
8.0/10
6.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
5.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
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
8.4/10
6.1/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
250.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Gateway 15.6" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16's superior screen resolution and brightness make it a solid choice for everyday tasks and visually demanding engineering and design work, where detail and vivid displays are crucial. Its wider range of colors caters well to professionals who need accurate color representation for tasks like photo editing or graphic design. However, its lower refresh rate compared to specialized gaming laptops means it's less suitable for fast-paced gaming or intensive 3D applications where fluid motion is key.
Build Quality
8.0/10
5.1/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Gateway 15.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$380
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the Gateway 15.6" costs $380.
"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."
"Some concessions have to be made when shopping for a budget laptop. Walmart's Gateway Ultra Slim laptops succeeds on the affordability front and delivers serviceable specs and good battery life, though it's hard to claim it's the best (or even particularly good) at any particular aspect. Its build quality, especially the touchpad, is mediocre, and its performance is decent but doesn't lead the way. The Gateway does undercut the cost of some competitors and offers ample storage with good connectivity, so it's not to be ignored."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Gateway 15.6"
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.
About Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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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