The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is a higher-priced laptop with robust performance, suitable for intensive tasks like engineering and video editing, thanks to its powerful Apple M1 Pro processor and extended battery life. It runs on macOS, which could be preferred if you're entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is more affordable, runs Windows 11 Home, and has the notable advantage of being customizable and easier to repair. It offers solid performance for general use and some engineering tasks but may not match the MacBook Pro for very demanding applications. 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 Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Excellent overall display quality
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 Pro 14 (2021).
Key differences
General Use
8.4/10
7.5/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
479.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
13.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
8.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.8/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for general use, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 excels in general use due to its superior CPU in the M1 Pro, greater RAM, and outstanding screen quality, alongside considerable battery life and a highly portable design. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 13's lower CPU capabilities, less RAM, and good yet comparatively lower screen quality make it a strong contender for general use but not at the same high performance level, though it benefits from excellent repairability and customization options.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
7.3/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) excels in engineering and design due to its powerful Apple M1 Pro processor and high-quality Mini LED screen, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers good performance for such tasks with its Intel i5 processor and IPS screen, but its lower RAM and graphics capabilities compared to the MacBook make it slightly less suited for extremely demanding work. Both laptops provide high-quality keyboards and are portable, with the MacBook having better speaker quality and the Framework Laptop offering more flexibility with upgradeable RAM and storage, though it requires concessions in battery life.
Content Creation
8.4/10
7.5/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for content creation, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
8.3/10
7.6/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is very good for software development, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
9.2/10
7.4/10
14.2in
SIZE
13.5in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a high-resolution display with bright and vibrant colors, making it excellent for general use and tasks requiring color accuracy like engineering and design, due to its wide color gamuts. However, its standard refresh rate limits its effectiveness for 3D applications, which benefit from higher refresh rates for smoother visuals. The Framework Laptop also has a high-quality display suitable for general and design tasks, but like the MacBook, it falls short for gaming and 3D because of a standard refresh rate that can't match the smoothness provided by gaming-focused laptops with faster screens.
Battery
13.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 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 Pro 14 (2021) 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
$1,905
$1,079
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has a price of $1,905 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) offers better performance for 3D tasks due to its superior GPU and higher refresh rate display compared to the Framework Laptop 13 (2023), which, while offering fair 3D and gaming performance with its integrated graphics, is limited in terms of refresh rate and may not support as many popular games given its operating system limitations.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.2in
SIZE
13.5in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) 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 Pro 14 (2021) and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
"In the Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023, the M2 Pro is slowed down. From the improved 5nm process, the new M2 Pro is a very solid upgrade. Graphics performance has increased by about 25% in tandem with a clear improvement in efficiency. The processor has also seen a performance leap of up to 20%, but this is accompanied by an increase in consumption of up to 25%. Fundamentally, Apple its maintaining its advantage over AMD and Intel, particularly in optimized applications where the results are very good in view of the comparatively low power consumption."
"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 Pro 14 (2021) 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.
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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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.