The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is a more expensive, portable and customizable option with good build quality and screen resolution, making it suitable for general use, but with average battery life and general performance. For more intense tasks like 3D, machine learning, and gaming, the less expensive Gigabyte A5 offers a more powerful processor and graphics card, more RAM, a higher refresh rate screen, and better performance scores, but it's less portable due to its larger size and weight. Choose the Framework for portability and regular tasks or the Gigabyte A5 for more demanding applications and a bit of extra screen size. 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
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Gigabyte A5
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
7.1/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.3/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Gigabyte A5 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) comes with an Intel Iris Xe GPU and a standard screen refresh rate of 60Hz, which provides fair capability for gaming and 3D applications; in contrast, the Gigabyte A5 features a more powerful Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU and a higher screen refresh rate of 144Hz, making it a better choice for demanding gaming and 3D tasks.
Software Development
7.6/10
7.0/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Gigabyte A5 are both good for software development, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is somewhat better.
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.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
7.2/10
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
281.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Gigabyte A5 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation, while the Gigabyte A5 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
For general use, both the Framework Laptop 13 and the Gigabyte A5 offer displays with adequate resolution, bright panels, and solid screen types that make reading text and viewing multimedia content a pleasant experience. For engineering and design work, these laptops' screens render colors accurately within professional color gamuts, which is crucial for tasks that require color precision. However, for gaming and 3D applications where fast motion is common, the lack of a high refresh rate on these screens may result in less fluid visuals, making them less optimal for such immersive, high-speed activities.
Portability
Very Good
Good
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Gigabyte A5 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.2/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Gigabyte A5 both have good build quality, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,079
$830
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the Gigabyte A5 costs $830.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Gigabyte A5 are both good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.3/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.0/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.3/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Gigabyte A5 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023), with its Intel i5-1340P and Iris Xe integrated GPU, boasts excellent portability, a high-resolution screen, and good speakers, making it suitable for on-the-go engineering design work with moderate graphical demand. The Gigabyte A5, featuring the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H and Nvidia RTX 3060, provides a more robust CPU and dedicated GPU performance, with a larger screen, but compromises slightly on portability and speaker quality, catering more to stationary use with intensive graphical requirements.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.3/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.0/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Gigabyte A5 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.
Battery
7.5 Hours
6.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Gigabyte A5 has 6.5 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.
Give feedback
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How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Gigabyte A5 compare to other laptops
"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."
"Ignoring price, the Gigabyte A5 has a hard time against the similarly fast competition. Besides the loud noise in 3D mode (performance mode), the high temperature development of the components should be mentioned on the downside. Despite the relatively thick case, the laptop gets very warm and loud under load, which does not exactly speak for the cooling system. The plastic surfaces look rather cheap and also tend to rattle. In most other disciplines - be it the input devices, the screen, the connectivity or the battery runtime - the Gigabyte laptop does not stand out from the crowd, neither positively nor negatively. However, those who primarily pay attention to the price-performance ratio will get a pretty good offer with the Gigabyte A5."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Gigabyte A5
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.
About Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
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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