The ASUS Zenbook 13, typically less expensive and with an AMD Ryzen processor, excels in scenarios requiring strong battery life and vibrant screen colors, being well-suited for general use and media consumption. However, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) provides a more recent processor, the Intel i5, and potentially more versatility with a wider range of ports and a better webcam. The Framework is heavier and has a shorter battery life, but it has a higher resolution and a more pixel-dense display, which could be advantageous for productivity and certain engineering applications that benefit from a crisp, high-resolution display. The ASUS is more portable and has a better heat management, while the Framework offers a modular design for easier upgrades and repairs, as well as a superior keyboard quality. If cost is a major factor and you need a device mostly for general use with occasional media editing, the ASUS could be favorable. On the other hand, if you are looking for a laptop that can handle a variety of engineering tasks and prioritize longevity and repairability, the Framework might better suit your needs. 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 ASUS Zenbook 13
Excellent portability
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Very good speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.8/10
7.4/10
13.3in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
378.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
472.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook 13 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, and engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen for content creation.
The ASUS Zenbook 13's screen offers high resolution and brightness, making it sharp and vibrant for tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video playback, which is essential for general use. For engineering and design, it covers a wider range of colors, meeting the precise demands of professionals who require accuracy for tasks like photo editing and CAD work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, its screen's lower refresh rate may not provide as smooth an experience as dedicated gaming laptops, which can hinder fast-paced visuals and gameplay.
Battery
9.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook 13 has 9 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.
Cost
$890
$1,079
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The ASUS Zenbook 13 has a price of $890 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) costs $1,079.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and ASUS Zenbook 13 are both good for general use.
The ASUS Zenbook 13, with a high-resolution OLED display and a powerful AMD CPU, offers an impressive screen quality and performance suitable for general use, while being lightweight enough to carry around easily, paired with a long battery life.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
6.3/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.3/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and ASUS Zenbook 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook 13 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U integrated Vega 8 GPU and has a 60Hz OLED display, which provides fair quality for gaming and 3D tasks within the limitations of its integrated graphics and standard refresh rate. In comparison, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) similarly offers fair gaming and 3D performance with its Intel i5-1340P Iris Xe integrated graphics and a 60Hz IPS display, along with a higher resolution and slightly better screen quality, yet it also shares the constraint of an integrated GPU not optimized for high-demand gaming.
Engineering and Design
7.1/10
7.3/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and ASUS Zenbook 13 are both good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 13 is rated higher for engineering and design use due to its newer processor, Intel i5-1340P with Iris Xe graphics, which outperforms the ASUS Zenbook 13's AMD Ryzen 7 5700U with Vega 8 graphics, providing better computation and visual performance essential for such tasks. Additionally, the Framework offers a higher resolution and color-accurate screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is beneficial for design work, whereas the ASUS has an OLED screen which excels in contrast but with a standard resolution and a 16:9 ratio more common for media consumption.
Content Creation
7.6/10
7.5/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook 13 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
7.3/10
7.6/10
5.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and ASUS Zenbook 13 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
Excellent
Very Good
13.3in
SIZE
13.5in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.6in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS Zenbook 13 to have excellent portability, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4/10
7.8/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and ASUS Zenbook 13 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the ASUS Zenbook 13 and the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) compare to other laptops
"The Asus ZenBook 13 is a compact 13-inch laptop with a fast Ryzen 7 5800U and OLED display. The subnotebook is also light and the modern design is convincing. The selection of high-quality materials make the device not only light, but also very stable. In addition, the visuals and haptics of the device offers a high-quality impression. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800U is a very good fit for the ZenBook 13, ensuring a high performance in the test. However, in terms of the 3D performance, we also notice that the Vega architecture is beginning to hit its limits."
"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 ASUS Zenbook 13 or the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
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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