The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is known for its robust performance, especially in creative tasks due to its optimized software and powerful hardware, making it a solid choice if you're into video editing or graphic design; it also offers a seamless experience if you're using other Apple devices. However, if you prioritize repairability and customization, the Framework Laptop stands out because it's designed for easy upgrades and repairs. The Framework's modular design allows you to replace components like storage and RAM, potentially giving it a longer lifespan. Keep in mind, the MacBook Pro typically has a longer battery life and a higher resale value, while the Framework is more environmentally friendly due to its focus on sustainability. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023)
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 (Late 2023).
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
489.0 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's display excels in general use and engineering tasks due to its high resolution, bright panel, and wide color gamut, which ensures crisp detail and accurate color representation crucial for design work. However, its lower refresh rate impacts its effectiveness for 3D tasks where smoother motion is essential. Meanwhile, the Framework Laptop 16 also offers a very good display for general use and engineering with respectable resolution and color accuracy, but like the MacBook, it falls short for gaming and 3D because of its modest refresh rate.
Battery
17.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 17 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
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) 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 (Late 2023) 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
$1,399
$1,699
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) has a price of $1,399 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers high-quality CPU performance, ample RAM for multitasking, and a top-notch screen, all in a compact form that's easy to carry, with excellent battery life that supports prolonged use away from power sources. The Framework Laptop 16 similarly provides strong CPU and RAM capabilities, with the added appeal of customization options for storage and a focus on repairability, though it may trade off some portability and battery longevity compared to the MacBook.
Gaming and AI
6.7/10
6.8/10
4.5/10
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 Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14, with its high-quality screen and capable GPU, can handle 3D tasks efficiently but its lower refresh rate and limited game compatibility make it less ideal for gaming; whereas, the Framework Laptop 16, while also suitable for 3D due to its good GPU, offers a higher refresh rate screen, making it better for gaming, and its versatile CPU ensures smooth performance across both tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.1/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
4.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 shines in engineering and design thanks to its powerful CPU, high-quality Retina display, and dedicated GPU that ensures smooth graphics processing, but it's less portable due to its build. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 16 offers strong CPU performance, plentiful RAM for multitasking, and a superb screen which, alongside its modular design, provides a balance of portability and power, though with slightly less emphasis on GPU strength.
Content Creation
8.4/10
8.1/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (Late 2023) 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
8.2/10
8.0/10
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0 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 (Late 2023) 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 (Late 2023) 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 (Late 2023) 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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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