When deciding between the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Gigabyte Aero 16, consider that the Framework offers ease in upgrading and repairing, which could extend its lifespan and suit those who value sustainability. The Gigabyte Aero 16, likely more affordable, may also provide powerful performance suitable for creative professionals, but this could come at a cost to battery life and might be heavier, affecting portability. If budget is a concern and you need a machine for demanding tasks like 3D work or gaming, the Aero could be a good fit; however, for a future-proof and customizable option, the Framework may be worth the extra expense. 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 software development
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Gigabyte Aero 16
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
7.8/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.7/10
The Gigabyte Aero 16 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers moderate gaming and 3D performance due to its decent graphics processing unit and average screen refresh rate, but it isn't designed primarily for that purpose; on the other hand, the Gigabyte Aero 16 excels in those areas with its superior GPU and higher screen refresh rate, catering more towards professionals and enthusiasts in gaming and 3D-intensive tasks. While both have capable processors and good display quality, the Aero's emphasis on gaming-grade specifications gives it an edge in visual smoothness and graphic detail rendering, making it a better choice for high-end gaming and 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.6/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Gigabyte Aero 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design, though the Gigabyte Aero 16 is somewhat better.
The Gigabyte Aero 16 typically offers a more powerful CPU, GPU, and higher RAM configurations, which makes it well-suited for demanding engineering tasks and ensures smoother performance with design applications; its screen is also known for vivid colors and sharp details, essential for design work. The Framework Laptop 16, while offering decent performance for engineering and design, places a greater emphasis on portability and modularity, but may not match the Aero 16 in raw computing power or screen fidelity.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
8.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
368.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Gigabyte Aero 16 for gaming and AI, and software development, while the Gigabyte Aero 16 has a better screen for general use, and engineering and design.
For general use, the Framework Laptop 16's screen stands out due to its clear resolution and ample brightness, ensuring comfortable viewing for everyday tasks like browsing and document editing. In engineering and design, the Gigabyte Aero 16 takes the lead with superior color accuracy and a wider color gamut, which is crucial for professionals who require precise color representation for their work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short as they lack high refresh rates, which are essential for smooth motion and a responsive gaming experience.
Battery
9.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Gigabyte Aero 16 has 7 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
$1,699
$1,260
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the Gigabyte Aero 16 costs $1,260.
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Gigabyte Aero 16 are both very good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a unique balance with an upgradable CPU and RAM, ensuring it can handle day-to-day tasks smoothly; its screen is crisp and it boasts a strong battery life, enhancing its portability. Meanwhile, the Gigabyte Aero 16 delivers powerful performance suitable for demanding applications, alongside a high-quality display, but this comes with a tradeoff in battery life and a premium on weight, making it less portable than the Framework.
Content Creation
8.1/10
8.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
The Gigabyte Aero 16 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
8.0/10
7.9/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the Gigabyte Aero 16 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
5.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Gigabyte Aero 16 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
7.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the Gigabyte Aero 16 has 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 Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Gigabyte Aero 16 compare to other laptops
"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."
"The Gigabyte Aero 16 is a workstation laptop for light gaming. It's design is still muted, with a silver chassis alongside a black keyboard and trackpad that provides some contrast. The Gigabyte Aero’s full-size chiclet-style keyboard is enjoyable to type on thanks to its snappy feel and responsiveness. The 4K+ AMOLED display is good, but it could be better. It doesn’t handle true black very well and suffers from strong reflections and glare. The Gigabyte Aero excels at productivity performance and can keep up with other gaming laptops in 1080p. But it has very few ports and its refresh rate leaves a bit to be desired."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Gigabyte Aero 16
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 Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
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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