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The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 12, 2024·
If you prioritize upgradeability and repairability, the Framework Laptop may be preferable, as it's designed with modularity in mind, allowing you to replace and upgrade components easily. However, the Surface Laptop 5 often has a sleeker design and may offer a more high-quality build, which some users prefer for portability and a premium feel. The Surface may also have better battery life but be less flexible in terms of upgrades or repairs. If you value having the latest hardware and keeping your device longer by upgrading it, Framework is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize design and potentially better battery life, and don't mind buying a new laptop when it becomes outdated or needs repair, the Surface Laptop 5 could be the better choice. 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 keyboard
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
- Excellent portability
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.4
7.2
13.5in
SIZE
13.5in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" for general use, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 13 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" both have displays with high resolution and brightness, which makes for clear and vivid visuals that are excellent for everyday tasks from browsing to watching videos. For engineering and design professionals, these laptops' screens cover a wide range of colors, which is critical for accuracy in visual projects that require true-to-life color representation. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the lower refresh rates on these laptops may lead to less smooth motion and slower response times compared to laptops designed specifically for those purposes.
Cost
$1,079
$1,200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" costs $1,200.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.5
7.4
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a solid CPU and RAM suitable for general use, and its outstanding repairability and customization options may appeal to users who prioritize longevity and eco-friendliness. Both have high-quality screens and similar battery life, making them good for daily tasks, while the Surface's slightly better portability might be appreciated by those on the go.
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.1
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" have integrated graphics chips which offer moderate gaming and 3D performance, not suitable for high-end games or professional 3D work. They both have similar display qualities with standard refresh rates, but the Framework's screen is brighter, which can enhance visibility in various lighting conditions, while the Surface Laptop 5 offers a touch screen for users who prefer interactive usage.
Engineering and Design
7.3
7.1
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is customizable with a higher screen brightness and repairability, which is beneficial for engineering and design, yet it has less RAM and storage compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" which offers a touchscreen, more RAM, and storage, making it also suitable for these tasks but less serviceable. Both laptops have similar CPUs and GPUs, providing comparable computing power for demanding applications, and excellent screen quality with high resolution and color accuracy, essential for design work.
Content Creation
7.5
7.4
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 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
7.2
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 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.
Battery
7.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has 7.5 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
Excellent
13.5in
SIZE
13.5in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.5in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 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
7.8
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 13 (2023) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,079 | $1,200 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | October 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | 12.1'' x 8.8'' x 0.57'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.95 lbs | 2.86 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.7" | 12.1" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.01" | 8.8" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1340P | Intel i7-1255U | |
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 | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 55 Wh | 47.4 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.5" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2256 x 1504 | 2256 x 1504 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 472 nits | 400 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.8/10 | 9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
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."
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
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Dig into reviews and images
CNET
Lori Grunin | October 2022
"The Surface Laptop 5 remains afloat as a solid machine. It's just not one that stands out in any particular way. Just like the last one. The biggest upgrade were some new components, but they perform in the same range as other laptops with them, and frequently at the bottom of that range. I suspect Microsoft's settings are very conservative to help keep cooling and battery life within reason in the older chassis design."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 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 Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
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