The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers high portability, a more vibrant and sharper display with better color coverage, and is modular, allowing for easier upgrades and repairs. It is suited for general use, engineering applications, and offers a decent battery life, but it is priced higher than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14". The IdeaPad is more budget-friendly, has a good battery life, and is generally adequate for everyday tasks, but its performance in engineering, 3D rendering, and machine learning, as well as its display characteristics, are not as robust as the Framework's. Neither are ideal for intensive gaming or heavy graphical tasks. 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)
Good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Very good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14"
Very good battery life
Key differences
General Use
7.5/10
6.9/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
313.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.2/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) with an Intel i5-1340P processor, ample screen brightness, and excellent color coverage offers better performance and screen quality for general use compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" which has an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor and lower screen color scores. The Framework's design is also more portable and repairable, but it has a shorter battery life when compared to the longer battery life of the Lenovo, which may be a more practical choice for those who prioritize usage time over portability and screen fidelity.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
6.1/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 13, with its higher screen quality, which includes better resolution and color coverage, along with an Intel processor and GPU tailored to heavier tasks, is more equipped for engineering and design applications than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, which has a less powerful AMD processor and GPU, and a lower screen resolution and color accuracy, making it less ideal for such demanding tasks. Additionally, the upgradability and higher build quality of the Framework Laptop add to its suitability for professional work, whereas the IdeaPad 3, with its slightly better battery life and portability score, falls short in the areas most critical for engineering and design use.
Software Development
7.6/10
7.1/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" 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
6.4/10
13.5in
SIZE
14.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
313.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 13 offers a crisp, bright display with high resolution that enhances the viewing experience for general computing and detailed engineering tasks, though its moderate refresh rate isn't ideal for fast-paced gaming or 3D rendering. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3, with its satisfactory resolution and brightness, provides a decent screen for everyday tasks and non-professional design work but lacks the advanced color range professionals need and the higher refresh rate gamers seek. Both laptops may not satisfy users looking for the vibrancy required in professional design or the fluidity needed in gaming and 3D applications.
Battery
7.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has 10 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
Very Good
13.5in
SIZE
14.0in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
3.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" both have very good portability, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
6.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,079
$390
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" costs $390.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are labeled fair for gaming and 3D primarily due to their integrated GPUs, the Intel Iris Xe and AMD Vega 7 respectively, which offer modest graphics performance but lag behind dedicated gaming GPUs. Both have a 60Hz screen refresh rate, considered the baseline for smooth visuals, but may not be as responsive as higher refresh rate displays sought by avid gamers; moreover, while they have decent CPUs and display qualities, they are not specialized for high-end gaming or professional 3D work.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.1/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" 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.
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How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" 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."
"The low-priced IdeaPad 3 14 delivers on core functionality. Lenovo's IdeaPad 3 14 meets all the basic requirements for an inexpensive office laptop. The matte IPS display is bright enough, the performance is high for the class, and the input devices are rock solid. In addition, the mostly quiet operation including the useful performance modes, cool surface temperatures, easy maintainability as well as expandable working and mass storage all contribute to the IdeaPad 3 14's value proposition."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14"
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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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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