The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers a unique aspect ratio and higher resolution display, making it more suitable for productivity tasks that benefit from vertical screen real estate. It comes at a higher price but offers better upgradability with more USB-C ports and available storage and RAM slots, a key consideration if you plan to improve your laptop over time. The LG Ultra 13, on the other hand, is more affordable, lighter in weight which enhances its portability, and comes with double the RAM, which is beneficial for multitasking and demanding applications. Both are not explicitly designed for intensive gaming and have limitations in this area. 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 for engineering and design
Good overall display quality
Very good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the LG Ultra 13
Excellent portability
Very good battery life
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
6.6/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.7/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for engineering and design, while the LG Ultra 13 is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a processor with higher end graphics, a higher-resolution display, and better repairability features, making it well-suited for engineering and design tasks where CPU, RAM, GPU, and screen quality are very important.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
6.9/10
13.5in
SIZE
13.3in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the LG Ultra 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Framework Laptop 13 and the LG Ultra 13 have displays with resolution and brightness levels that provide clear and vivid images, making activities like browsing and video streaming enjoyable. In engineering and design, both laptops offer wide color gamuts ensuring that colors are accurately represented for tasks such as photo editing or CAD work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, their lower refresh rates may lead to less smooth visuals compared to displays designed specifically for these purposes, which can be a drawback for fast-paced gaming or intensive 3D modeling.
Battery
7.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The LG Ultra 13 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.
Cost
$1,079
$529
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the LG Ultra 13 costs $529.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and LG Ultra 13 are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) boasts a high-resolution screen, robust build quality, and the ability to upgrade RAM and storage, enhancing its suitability for a variety of common tasks, but you may find its battery life shorter compared to the LG Ultra 13. On the other hand, the LG Ultra 13 offers abundant RAM out of the box, a solid CPU for everyday tasks, and longer battery life, yet it's not as customizable as the Framework laptop and has a lower resolution display.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.1/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and LG Ultra 13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the LG Ultra 13 both have integrated graphics, which are not as powerful as dedicated GPUs for gaming and 3D applications, and their standard 60Hz screen refresh rates are less than ideal for fast-paced games that benefit from higher refresh rates. Despite having superior screen resolution and slightly bigger screen size, the Framework's GPU is on par with the LG, whose slightly older AMD CPU also includes integrated graphics suitable for light gaming and basic 3D tasks; both are fair for gaming and 3D within these constraints.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.2/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.7/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and LG Ultra 13 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
7.2/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and LG Ultra 13 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
2.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers LG Ultra 13 to have excellent portability, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.4/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and LG Ultra 13 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 LG Ultra 13 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 13.3-inch LG Gram is a fine fit if you need to travel as light as possible for as long as possible without spending a fortune to do it. It might not be particularly sturdy or have an eye-catching design and its webcam is less than ideal, but with its sharp touch display, comfortable backlit keyboard, responsive touchpad and a fingerprint reader for extra security, the Gram makes a respectible everyday laptop for business or school work."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the LG Ultra 13
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 LG
LG is a South Korean conglomerate company. While LG is mainly known for various products outside of technology, LG also develops laptops. Within the laptop industry, they are known for their thin-and-light Gram series, as well as their value-oriented Ultra series. LG laptops offer very thin and light laptops with phenomenal battery life, 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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