The Framework Laptop 13 is more portable and offers a better balance for everyday use with modest performance suitable for general tasks and a midrange price tag. Meanwhile, the Lenovo ThinkPad P16, being heavier and more expensive, provides superior performance for intensive tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, and engineering due to its stronger processor and dedicated GPU. The ThinkPad's higher screen resolution and color accuracy make it better for tasks requiring detail and color fidelity. However, for users requiring high mobility and good battery life at a more affordable price, the Framework may be preferable. Both laptops have multiple USB-C ports and offer Windows 11, with the ThinkPad including the Pro version. 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
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad P16
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Excellent speakers
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.5/10
8.0/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
569.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.8/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is very good for general use, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is praised for its portability and solid battery life while being equipped with a high-quality screen, making it a versatile choice for general use. The Lenovo ThinkPad P16, on the other hand, boasts powerful CPU and RAM options along with excellent screen quality, though being less portable and having a shorter battery life, it still stands out for performance-intensive tasks.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.5/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) provides modest gaming and 3D performance with its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, suitable for less demanding tasks, while the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 offers robust capabilities with its dedicated Nvidia RTX A1000 GPU, better handling intensive applications. Both laptops have the same screen refresh rate, but the ThinkPad's superior GPU and higher-resolution display advantageously support more graphically intensive gaming and 3D work.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
8.3/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 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.
Content Creation
7.5/10
8.2/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is very good for content creation, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
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
8.4/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 is very good for software development, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
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
8.2/10
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
569.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 13 has a display that offers clear visuals and is bright enough for most tasks, making it suitable for general use, whereas its resolution is high enough to provide the detail needed for engineering and design work, but its lower refresh rate makes it less ideal for gaming and 3D applications. The Lenovo ThinkPad P16, on the other hand, has superior color accuracy and range covering professional color gamuts, catering to high-end design needs, and its higher resolution enhances detail for engineering software while also maintaining good general-use qualities; however, like the Framework, its refresh rate isn't optimized for the quick-paced action seen in gaming and 3D rendering. While both laptops have strengths in display quality for general and professional use, gamers and those working with 3D content will find the screens lacking due to refresh rate limitations.
Battery
7.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 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
Poor
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
6.5 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
1.2in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
8.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 has very good build quality, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,079
$1,449
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 costs $1,449.
"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."
"It's only a few months since we gave the MSI CreatorPro X17 one of our rare 4.5-star ratings and our top mobile workstation honor, but the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 matches that achievement in a more premium overall build. Ultimately, its build quality, screen, and keyboard give our latest Editors' Choice nod to the Lenovo—it's enough of a monster on almost all fronts that it simply cannot be ignored."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Lenovo ThinkPad P16
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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