If you prioritize a lightweight and eco-friendly design for general use, the Framework Laptop is a solid choice, and you can upgrade it over time, saving you money long-term. However, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has a reputation for robust build quality, typically longer battery life, and may offer better performance for more demanding tasks like 3D applications or engineering software. Keep in mind that the ThinkPad's higher cost reflects its enterprise-grade features, which may be more than you need for everyday tasks. Consider how you plan to use the laptop most often when making your decision. 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 overall display quality
Very good speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall build quality
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.5/10
8.5/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for general use, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Framework Laptop 13, with its modular design, allows you to upgrade components like RAM and storage which means it can keep up with changing needs, but its screen quality and battery life may lag behind the Lenovo ThinkPad T14, which offers superior CPU performance and screen quality out of the box. The ThinkPad T14 is known for its durability and excellent keyboard, making it a reliable choice for intense workloads, though it may be less portable than the lightweight Framework which could be more appealing for those on the go.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
8.0/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Framework Laptop 13 offers customizable options for powerful CPUs, ample RAM, and a high-quality screen which cater to demanding engineering and design software; however, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14, with a similarly strong CPU and RAM, also boasts a renowned keyboard for comfortable typing and a durable build, though its screen and GPU might be less impressive, impacting visual tasks. Both are decently portable, but the Framework's modular design might offer a quieter operation with its unique cooling system, while ThinkPad's speakers tend to provide a clearer audio experience.
Content Creation
7.5/10
8.3/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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
8.3/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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
6.9/10
13.5in
SIZE
14.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
For general use, a laptop with a bright display, high resolution, and good panel technology offers crisp and clear visuals, making both the Framework Laptop 13 and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 suitable options for tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. When it comes to engineering and design applications, accurate color reproduction is crucial, and these laptops, with their admirable color coverage, can handle the nuanced shades needed for these professions. However, they might not meet the demands of gaming and 3D work that rely heavily on high refresh rates for smooth motion and fast-paced graphics, in which both these models may fall short.
Battery
7.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has 9 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.
Cost
$1,079
$1,241
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 costs $1,241.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) both have integrated graphics which may handle less demanding games and 3D tasks but won't match the performance of specialized gaming laptops with dedicated GPUs and higher screen refresh rates. While both have capable processors and quality screens, they prioritize features like battery life and portability over the high refresh rates and powerful GPUs needed for a top-tier gaming and 3D rendering experience.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
13.5in
SIZE
14.0in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad T14 to have 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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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."
"We like a lot about this laptop. It has many ports, with the inclusion of RJ45-Ethernet as a defining feature. WWAN is upgradable for maximum flexibility and the ThinkPad has many security functions. Working with the ThinkPad input devices is a lot of fun, and Lenovo puts in a serviceable Low Power panel. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840U delivers a great performance and does not drain the battery fast. Fan noise and temperatures are nothing special, but also far away from bad. With the user replaceable keyboard, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 has a special feature rarely present on most modern laptops."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
98,295
Recommendations made
21,298
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.