The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) provides a larger screen and potentially more power for demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering, making it suitable for professionals seeking a high-performance machine with a robust build and a well-integrated operating system. However, it comes with a higher price tag, and as an older model, it may not have the latest hardware updates. Conversely, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers customization and repairability, with a modular design that allows you to upgrade components easily. This laptop is likely to be more portable due to its smaller size and may have newer technology, but these features could come at an additional cost compared to the older MacBook Pro. If budget is a primary concern and you're looking for a larger display and possibly stronger performance, the MacBook Pro could be a better selection. If you prefer a more future-proof device that you can personalize and upgrade over time, the Framework Laptop may be the way to go. 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 16 (Late 2019)
Very good for content creation
Best in class overall build quality
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Very good portability
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.8/10
7.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
477.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 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 16-inch offers a high-resolution display with bright and vivid imagery essential for everyday activities, plus its wide color gamuts ensure accurate colors crucial for engineering and design tasks. However, its standard refresh rate limits its appeal for 3D applications where smoother motion provided by higher refresh rates is key. The Framework Laptop, while providing ample resolution and brightness for routine usage and decent color reproduction for professional work, falls short for gaming and 3D due to similar refresh rate limitations.
Battery
12.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has 12 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.
Portability
Good
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
4.3 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
7.8/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) 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
$540
$1,079
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) has a price of $540 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) provides ample performance for general use with a robust CPU, plenty of RAM, and a high-quality, large screen which enhances multitasking and media consumption, but this also affects its portability and battery life compared to lighter alternatives. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers a balance of good performance with the latest CPU and sufficient RAM for everyday tasks, excellent portability due to its lighter weight, and a quality screen, while also incorporating unique features such as repairability and customization at the cost of shorter battery life and smaller storage.
Gaming and AI
6.4/10
6.3/10
4.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) is fair for 3D applications due to its dedicated AMD Radeon Pro GPU and good screen quality, but its Mac OS may not support many popular games. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers fair performance for gaming and 3D with its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, but it's limited by a somewhat less powerful GPU and standard refresh rate screen, which might not deliver the smoothest gaming experience, yet it supports a wider range of games due to running Windows.
Engineering and Design
7.5/10
7.3/10
4.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
4.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) excels in engineering and design use due to its powerful Intel i7 processor, dedicated AMD GPU, and high-quality 16-inch display, which is larger and offers better color accuracy than the Framework Laptop 13 (2023). While the Framework Laptop has a newer Intel i5 processor with integrated Iris Xe graphics, its smaller, yet sharp 13.5-inch display and modularity for upgrades make it a compelling choice, especially for those who value portability and customization alongside capable performance.
Content Creation
8.0/10
7.5/10
4.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) to be 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
7.9/10
7.6/10
4.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
3072 x 1920
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) 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.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2019) and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The Apple MacBook Pro 16 2023: M2 Max challenges GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. The new MacBook Pro 16 2023 with the M2 Max SoC is the most powerful laptop Apple has on sale right now. While we do not get the expected performance and efficiency improvements from completely new 3 nm chips, which we expected ahead of the launch, the 2023 model is still a solid update. The CPU of the M2 Max can be up to 20 % faster than the old model and we also see an advantage of 25-30 % for the GPU with 38 cores. However, both components also consume more power, so the efficiency did not change that much under maximum load."
"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 16 (Late 2019) 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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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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Laptops Expert
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