The Apple MacBook Air (2020) is generally less expensive than the Framework Laptop 13 (2023). The MacBook Air is noted for its longer battery life and silent operation due to its fanless design. It excels in build quality and offers a higher portability score, making it ideal for those who prioritize lightweight devices with strong marketplace support for general use. However, the Framework Laptop stands out for its repairability and customizable hardware, with available RAM and storage slots that allow for future upgrades. It is heavier and larger but has a higher resolution screen with a unique 3:2 aspect ratio that can be beneficial for productivity tasks. For engineering and more intensive tasks, the Framework's newer processor might offer some advantages, though it often comes at a higher price point. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Apple MacBook Air (2020)
Best in class overall build quality
Excellent battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Air (2020).
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.5/10
7.4/10
13.3in
SIZE
13.5in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
395.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Air has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for content creation.
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) boasts a high-resolution Retina display with vivid colors and excellent brightness, making it ideal for general use and engineering tasks where precise color representation and clarity are critical. However, its standard refresh rate limits its efficacy for 3D applications, which benefit from higher refresh rates. Similarly, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers a high-quality display with a focus on accurate color gamuts needed for engineering and design work but falls short for gaming and 3D because of its standard refresh rate, despite having a resolution and panel type that support general use nicely.
Battery
15.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Apple MacBook Air has 15 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 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
10.0/10
7.8/10
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) has best in class build quality, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,000
$1,079
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) has a price of $1,000 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
6.3/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Apple MacBook Air (2020) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Air has a limited graphics processing unit (GPU) capability and a standard screen refresh rate, not ideal for high-end gaming or 3D rendering, and further constrained by software compatibility issues that prevent many games from running on macOS. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop offers a more robust GPU and a suitable screen refresh rate for gaming and 3D applications, and its compatibility with a wide range of software including popular games makes it a more flexible choice for these purposes.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.3/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Apple MacBook Air (2020) are both good for engineering and design.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.8/10
7.5/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both 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
7.6/10
6.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for software development.
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
Very Good
Very Good
13.3in
SIZE
13.5in
2.8 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Apple MacBook Air (2020) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple MacBook Air (2020) and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The Apple MacBook Air M2 Entry is a very good, but too expensive daily MacBook. The new MacBook Air M2 is undoubtedly once again a very good mobile companion, but we are still a little bit disappointed on a very high level, which is definitely connected with the increased price point. The new chassis is extremely slim and the front edge is no problem during typing, but the bezels are pretty wide for a modern device and in addition with the vertical space required for the notch, the new Air has larger footprint than some Windows rivals."
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Air (2020) or the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
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.
By the numbers
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Laptops evaluated
48,640
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13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
95,895
Recommendations made
20,778
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.