The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is more expensive but is lighter and more portable with a higher resolution and more color-accurate display, plus it features more upgradeable components. The LG Ultra 16 has a larger screen, longer battery life, and comes at a lower price with double the storage and RAM compared to the Framework, but is heavier and not as portable. For intensive tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, or engineering, the LG's larger RAM may be beneficial, while the Framework offers a more portable option with a focus on upgradeability and display 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)
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Very good portability
Very good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the LG Ultra 16
Excellent battery life
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.4/10
6.2/10
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
270.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the LG Ultra 16 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 13 has a high-resolution display and bright panel, providing clear and vibrant visuals for everyday tasks and detailed work needed in engineering and design, while its color space coverage ensures accurate color representation. However, its lower refresh rate limits its appeal for gaming and 3D applications, which benefit from smoother motion. Contrarily, the LG Ultra 16's moderate resolution and brightness make it sufficient though not exceptional for general use and engineering tasks, and like the Framework, its lower refresh rate doesn't cater well to the fast-paced visuals required in gaming and 3D environments.
Battery
7.5 Hours
17.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The LG Ultra 16 has 17 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
Good
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
3.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the LG Ultra 16 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
6.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality, while the LG Ultra 16 has only fair 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 LG Ultra 16 costs $1,000.
The LG Ultra 16 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.2/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
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
10.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and LG Ultra 16 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has an Intel Iris Xe GPU and a standard 60Hz IPS screen, while the LG Ultra 16 offers an AMD Vega 8 GPU and a 60Hz IPS screen as well; both systems provide similar fair performance levels for gaming and 3D applications with neither excelling in high-refresh gaming due to the 60Hz screen limit. Although both have integrated graphics that are reasonably capable, they don't match discrete GPUs found in higher-end gaming laptops, and their screens don't offer the high refresh rates preferred for fast-paced gaming.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.0/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and LG Ultra 16 are both good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 13 is well-suited for engineering and design due to its high-resolution screen and the fact that it's designed to be repairable and highly customizable, which can be crucial for such users who may require specific hardware configurations.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.7/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The LG Ultra 16 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
7.5/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.7/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and LG Ultra 16 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.
Give feedback
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How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the LG Ultra 16 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."
"Unlike the gram, the Ultra PC isn't designed to be as lightweight as possible. The 16-inch laptop is a whole 400 g (0.88 lb) heavier than its 16-inch gram counterpart partly because its chassis is not made of magnesium. Other than that, the Ultra PC seems like a copy of the gram – but with longer battery life, lower noise levels, and a clean, delicate look."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the LG Ultra 16
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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