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The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers a unique 3:2 screen aspect ratio and high build quality, ideal for productivity tasks, with its portability slightly less than the ThinkPad. It has a higher screen resolution but less vibrant colors compared to the ThinkPad Z13. The ThinkPad Z13 comes with a touchscreen and longer battery life, making it well-suited for on-the-go usage. It's also less expensive but still provides solid performance thanks to a more powerful processor and double the RAM, making it more suitable for intensive tasks. Both laptops have similar port offerings but the ThinkPad edges out slightly with a better keyboard and build quality. 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)
- The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has no clear advantages over the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13.
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13
- Very good overall build quality
- Excellent portability
- Very good battery life
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.4
7.0
13.5in
SIZE
13.3in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
379.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 has a better screen for software development.
When choosing between the Framework Laptop 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 for general use, the quality of the screens are comparable because both offer high resolution and brightness, ensuring clear and vivid displays for everyday tasks. For engineering and design work, both laptops provide a range of colors due to their impressive color gamut coverage, critical for precise color work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, neither laptop is ideal, as they do not possess the high refresh rates that are crucial for smooth motion and fast-paced visuals in such scenarios.
Battery
7.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 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.
Build Quality
7.8
8.5
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 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
$1,000
$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 ThinkPad Z13 costs $1,000.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.5
7.8
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
379.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) with its lighter design and strong performance makes it suitable for general use, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 offers a compact form, excellent battery life, and higher performance that is also well-suited for everyday tasks. Both laptops have high-quality screens and are portable, but the Framework model has a more vibrant display and repairability advantages, whereas the ThinkPad benefits from a touchscreen and longer battery usage.
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.3
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.9/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
9.1/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 are both fair for gaming and 3D tasks because they have integrated GPUs—Intel Iris Xe and AMD Radeon 680M respectively—that handle basic gaming and 3D work decently, but may struggle with more demanding titles. Both have 60Hz screen refresh rates which provide a smooth visual experience, but aren't as high as specialized gaming laptops, and while they have high-quality IPS screens, dedicated gaming displays often offer superior screen quality and higher refresh rates for more immersive gameplay.
Engineering and Design
7.3
7.3
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for engineering and design.
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
7.8
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 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
7.7
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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.
Portability
Very Good
Excellent
13.5in
SIZE
13.3in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.5in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 to have excellent portability, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 13 (2023) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,079 | $1,000 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | 11.6'' x 7.9'' x 0.55'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.95 lbs | 2.78 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.7" | 11.59" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.01" | 7.86" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1340P | AMD Ryzen 7 6850U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.5 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 55 Wh | 51.5 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.5" | 13.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2256 x 1504 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 472 nits | 379 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | Yes | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"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."
Lenovo ThinkPad Z13
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Brian Westover | September 2022
"In the premium ultraportable space, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 competes with the best of the best, and still manages to shine. The design is an impressive departure from the bland bare-metal laptop that's become so popular in recent years, and the AMD-powered system has performance that's just as impressive. It's a stark alternative to the Intel-based majority, and it stands up well enough to the impressive Apple M2 processor."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13
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.
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