The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) generally costs more and offers a higher resolution screen, more available RAM and storage slots, and a backlit keyboard. It's suited for those who prioritize upgradability and repairability, with a slightly larger screen and better build quality. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is more affordable and more portable with a longer battery life, a touchscreen, and a smaller, lower-resolution screen. It's more suitable for those looking for a compact laptop for general use, and its lower price reflects its modest performance capabilities. Consider the Framework if you need better performance and customizability, or the Surface Laptop Go 2 if portability and price are your main concerns. 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 keyboard
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
Excellent portability
Key differences
General Use
7.5/10
7.0/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both good for general use, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) delivers better performance due to its superior CPU and brighter, higher resolution screen, along with a larger battery and double the storage, making it adept for more demanding tasks and general use; however, it is slightly heavier which impacts portability compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, which offers a compact form factor and longer battery life with a decent CPU and good build quality, but less storage and a less impressive screen, aligning it more with lightweight usage and portability.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
6.5/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is better suited for engineering and design tasks because it has a higher resolution IPS screen and a powerful processor that supports intensive tasks, while also offering expandable RAM and storage options. Conversely, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, while more portable and with good build quality, has a less capable processor and lower resolution screen, making it less suitable for demanding engineering and design applications.
Software Development
7.6/10
7.0/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both good for software development, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is somewhat better.
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
12.4in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, both the Framework Laptop 13 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 offer screens with adequate resolution, brightness, and panel type, ensuring clear and vibrant images for daily tasks such as browsing the web or watching videos. With respectable color coverage on both laptops, which is critical for accuracy in visual design and engineering applications, professionals in these fields would find the displays suitable for their work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where fluid motion is key, the lower refresh rates on these laptops may not provide the smooth visual experience preferred in those activities, making them less ideal for that particular use.
Cost
$1,079
$565
$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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 costs $565.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are considered fair for gaming and 3D tasks because they are equipped with similar integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics and have a 60Hz screen refresh rate that can handle moderate gaming needs but may not deliver the smoothest experience for fast-paced games or intense 3D applications. While both have decent processors that support routine tasks, their GPUs and screen refresh rates are not ideal for high-performance gaming that demands more powerful discrete graphics and higher screen refresh rates.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.1/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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.
Battery
7.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has 8 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
12.4in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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
7.8/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 review is a compact companion with old hardware. The Surface Laptop Go 2 shows some weaknesses. Microsoft didn't really develop the second generation of the Surface Laptop Go 2 any further but has only equipped it with a slightly more powerful Core i5 processor. However, the performance still remains at a fairly low level overall, but for many users, it definitely should still be sufficient for everyday tasks."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
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.
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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