I have found very good explanation what is the difference between
$this->partial('script.phtml', ['article' => 'value'])
and
$this->render('script.phtml')
and it is still valid for Zend Framework 3, here it is
The life of a Manager
I have found very good explanation what is the difference between
$this->partial('script.phtml', ['article' => 'value'])
and
$this->render('script.phtml')
and it is still valid for Zend Framework 3, here it is