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Updated March 22, 2024·
The Framework Laptop 13 is more budget-friendly and easier to carry, suitable for everyday tasks and casual use, while the Framework Laptop 16 offers a larger screen and is likely better suited for performance-heavy tasks like video editing or graphics work, though it will be heavier and may have shorter battery life. If portability and saving money are your priorities, go with the 13-inch model, but if screen size and more demanding applications are important to you, the 16-inch model is a better choice despite its higher cost. 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 Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
- Very good portability
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Best in class speakers
Key differences
General Use
7.5
8.0
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Framework Laptop 13 offers a balance of portability and sufficient performance for everyday tasks due to its smaller size, decent processing power, and good screen quality, albeit with a tradeoff in battery life compared to larger models. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 16 provides a larger, higher-quality display and typically improved battery life, complemented by a more powerful CPU and extra RAM, making it a better fit for more demanding general use, but it is less portable.
Engineering and Design
7.3
8.1
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Framework Laptop 13, with its compact size and high-quality CPU, RAM, and GPU, offers power for engineering tasks in a more portable form factor, suitable for on-the-go professionals who prioritize mobility and screen quality. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 16 boasts a larger screen and even more powerful components, making it ideal for demanding engineering and design applications where a larger workspace and top-tier performance take precedence over portability.
Content Creation
7.5
8.1
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) 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.
Screen Quality
7.4
8.4
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
490.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the Framework Laptop 13 and 16 stand out with high-resolution displays and impressive brightness, making text and images crisp and easy on the eyes for everyday tasks. In engineering and design, professionals can appreciate the wide color gamuts of these laptops, ensuring accurate color representation for detailed work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the lower refresh rates on these models can lead to less fluid motion and responsiveness, detracting from the experience even though the panel type and resolution are adequate.
Battery
7.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 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
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,079
$1,699
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) costs $1,699.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.8
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13, while portable and customizable, comes with integrated graphics which limits its ability to handle demanding games and 3D applications compared to laptops with dedicated GPUs; the screen's standard refresh rate isn't ideal for fast-paced gaming. The larger Framework Laptop 16 offers improved performance with a better CPU and a higher quality display, but still shares the same shortfall in gaming due to its lack of a dedicated high-performance GPU and a standard refresh rate screen.
Software Development
7.6
8.0
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be 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.
Build Quality
7.8
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good 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.
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How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 13 (2023) | Framework Laptop 16 (2023) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,079 | $1,699 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | July 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.95 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.7" | 14.04" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.01" | 10.63" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1340P | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 55 Wh | 85 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.5" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2256 x 1504 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 472 nits | 490 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 9.6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"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."
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"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 Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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.
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