If you value portability and a higher-resolution screen for general use, the Framework Laptop 13 could be an excellent choice given its lighter weight and smaller dimensions. However, if you are looking for higher performance in gaming, 3D rendering, or machine learning, the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 with its more powerful processor and dedicated graphics card might be the better option despite being heavier and thicker. Both laptops are similarly priced, so the decision primarily hinges on your usage priorities. 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 Legion Slim 5
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
7.7/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.4/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 is 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
8.0/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.3/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.4/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 outperforms the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) in terms of engineering and design due to its higher RAM, more powerful AMD Ryzen CPU paired with a dedicated Nvidia GPU, and larger screen with higher refresh rate, which are crucial for such tasks. However, the Framework Laptop's advantage lies in its exceptional portability and modular design, offering easier repairs and upgrades.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
7.2/10
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 for general use, and engineering and design, while the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
When considering general use, both the Framework Laptop 13 and the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 have screens that offer clear visuals and are bright enough for comfortable everyday tasks and media consumption. For engineering and design applications, their screens provide a wide range of colors, but they may lack the full spectrum professionals need for the most color-critical work. However, for gaming and 3D rendering, both laptops fall short because they don't have the high refresh rates required for smooth motion, although their resolutions and panel types are satisfactory for moderate gaming and 3D tasks.
Portability
Very Good
Fair
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
5.2 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 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 Slim 5 costs $1,000.
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) with its lightweight design, superior portability, and repairable structure excels in general use; though offering modest performance with its mid-range processor and sufficient RAM for basic tasks, its higher resolution screen provides crisp visuals.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.5/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.3/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 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
7.4/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.3/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo Legion Slim 5 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
7.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 has 7 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.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.4/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo Legion Slim 5 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 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 Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 acknowledges that a gaming laptop doesn’t have to be as thick as possible and can still ensure adequate cooling when the muscles need flexing. To this end, in the Slim 5 Gen 8, it finds a neat balance of refined, trimmed-down design that still lets its internals cruise (even above their max power ratings). Lenovo then added in some high-end build quality with an altogether excellent keyboard that’s useful for both work and play."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Lenovo Legion Slim 5
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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