If you prioritize gaming and tasks requiring dedicated graphics like 3D modeling or machine learning, you'll find the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 more suitable due to its powerful Nvidia RTX 2050 graphics card. However, it's heavier and less portable than the Framework Laptop 13. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop is more portable with its lighter weight, smaller size, and offers higher resolution and a touchscreen feature. It's a better match for general use, business applications, or on-the-go productivity, but its integrated graphics limit its performance for intensive gaming or engineering software compared to the Lenovo. 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 speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 13 (2023).
Key differences
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
120Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
329.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 for general use, engineering and design, and software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
For general use, a laptop like the Framework Laptop 13, with its decent resolution and adequate brightness, offers a clear and sharp image, making it suitable for everyday tasks like browsing and productivity applications. In the context of engineering and design, the color accuracy and wide color gamuts, such as found on the Framework Laptop, are crucial for professionals needing precise color representation for their work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, a high refresh rate is vital for smooth visuals and the Framework Laptop falls short, as its focus on resolution and color gamuts doesn't address the fast refresh rates that these activities benefit from.
Portability
Very Good
Good
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
5.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 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
$549
$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 Gaming 3 costs $549.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) with its high screen resolution, impressive brightness, and lightweight design offers great portability and screen quality for general use, alongside a moderate battery life and the unique appeal of being highly repairable and customizable.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.5/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) comes with an Intel i5-1340P Iris Xe integrated GPU and a maximum screen refresh rate of 60 Hz, features that provide just adequate performance for casual gaming and 3D tasks. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 offers a dedicated Nvidia RTX 2050 GPU and a screen refresh rate of 120 Hz, which enables it to handle gaming and 3D graphics more effectively, though neither are top-of-the-line options for intense gaming purposes.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.2/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 are both good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is suitable for engineering and design due to its high-resolution screen and the fact that it's built to be repairable and customizable, which may appeal to users who need tailored performance or repairability.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.4/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
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 Gaming 3 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
7.6/10
7.3/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 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.
Battery
7.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has 8 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
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is one of the most powerful RTX 3050 Ti laptops. If you disregard the mediocre quality of the case in terms of the material and workmanship, Lenovo has created a successful budget gaming laptop with the IdeaPad Gaming. Thanks to high TDPs and constant performance development, the Core i5-12500H and GeForce RTX 3050 Ti are able to show their full power, while in contrast, the (mostly slower) competitors deliver a better battery life. However, hardly any of the alternative laptops are able to reach the image quality of the Gaming 3. Most of the competitors are left behind in terms of the color space and brightness."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
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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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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