The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) excels in repairability and customization, being more portable due to its smaller screen and lighter weight, and has solid performance for general use and productivity tasks with its Intel i5 chip and integrated graphics. If you prioritize portability, lower cost, and the ability to upgrade or repair components, the Framework might suit you well. However, the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro, with a larger screen, higher resolution, more powerful Intel i7 chip, and dedicated Nvidia RTX graphics, offers significantly better performance for gaming, 3D applications, machine learning and engineering tasks; but it's heavier and less portable than the Framework. If you need a laptop for more intensive tasks and don't mind the extra weight and higher cost, the Legion 5i Pro would be the better choice. 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
Good battery life
Very good speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for gaming and AI
Very good overall display quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
8.0/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is very good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
8.4/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
8.1/10
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
368.0 nits
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 13, with its high resolution and brightness, offers a clear and vibrant display for everyday tasks and intricate engineering designs, but its modest refresh rate limits its appeal for fast-paced gaming and 3D work. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i's screen boasts similar qualities for general and specialized applications with higher color accuracy, making it excellent for color-critical engineering and design work; however, like the Framework, it falls short for gaming and 3D applications due to a less than optimal refresh rate. Both laptops will serve well for general use and professional creative work, but dedicated gamers and those involved in 3D might find the display's refresh rate to be a bottleneck for a smooth visual experience.
Battery
7.5 Hours
3.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i has 3.5 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.
Portability
Very Good
Fair
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
5.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,079
$1,000
$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 Legion Pro 5i costs $1,000.
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is appreciated for its highly customizable and repairable design with a good balance of CPU and RAM for smooth multitasking, a high-quality IPS screen, and better portability due to its light weight and small size. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro offers a more powerful CPU and double the RAM for more demanding applications, a larger high-refresh-rate screen for an enhanced viewing experience, and greater battery capacity, albeit with less portability and shorter battery life.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.6/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 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
7.6/10
7.5/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 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.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.4/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
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How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 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 midpriced Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 follows some of our favorite gaming machines, including last year's model and the higher-end Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 tested earlier this year. But pedigree doesn't count for much in the computer world, and gaming laptops require a certain level of power and graphics performance to justify their prices. The Pro 5i Gen 8 just doesn't do that, offering middling CPU and GPU performance rather than the sort of muscle that would make it a great value."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i
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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