When deciding between the MacBook Pro 14 and the Framework Laptop 16, consider that the MacBook Pro offers an ecosystem that seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices coupled with high build quality, but with less repairability and upgradeability. The Framework, on the other hand, excels in customizability and is designed to be easily repairable and upgradeable, which can be cost-effective in the long run. However, the MacBook Pro's performance is generally better suited for professionals in video editing and design, while the Framework Laptop is a good fit for those who value sustainability and hardware flexibility. 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)
Excellent overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Very good portability
Excellent battery life
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021).
Key differences
Screen Quality
9.2/10
8.4/10
14.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a high-resolution display with exceptional brightness and strong representation of both DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB color gamuts, making it excellent for design work and general use that benefits from color accuracy and detail. The Framework Laptop, while providing a high-resolution screen and good brightness, may not cover the color gamuts as extensively as the MacBook, yet still offers a high-quality visual experience for general use and professional design tasks. However, neither laptop is ideal for 3D applications or gaming due to screens with lower refresh rates, which are less smooth for fast-paced visuals compared to laptops designed specifically for gaming or 3D rendering.
Battery
13.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 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.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has very good portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
8.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has best in class build quality, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,905
$1,699
$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 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a high-quality CPU, ample RAM, and an exceptional screen which together deliver smooth performance for multitasking and media consumption, along with its portability and long battery life making it ideal for users on the go. Meanwhile, the Framework Laptop 16, also with a robust CPU and plenty of RAM, emphasizes screen quality and repairability, with decent portability and battery life, plus the added flexibility of customizable storage and the convenience of a modular design for those who value upgradability and sustainability.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.8/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14's dedicated GPU and high-quality screen contribute to its decent performance for 3D tasks, but its lower screen refresh rate and the limitation that many popular games are not compatible with macOS make it less ideal for gaming. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 16's combination of a competent GPU, higher refresh rate screen, and a CPU that's suitable for most tasks provide a balanced experience for both gaming and 3D work, especially given its compatibility with a wider range of games.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
8.1/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a robust CPU, high-quality GPU, ample RAM, and a sharp screen which are essential for demanding engineering and design tasks, but it's less portable due to its weight and design. The Framework Laptop 16 also comes with powerful CPU and GPU options, generous RAM, and an excellent screen, and stands out for its modular design that can be easily upgraded or repaired, enhancing its long-term value and slightly improving portability.
Content Creation
8.4/10
8.1/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) 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
8.3/10
8.0/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very 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.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and the Framework Laptop 16 (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."
"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."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the Framework Laptop 16 (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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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