The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is designed for customization and repairability, with better performance in general use and suitable for engineering applications, but at a midrange price and it is more expensive. It is less optimal for 3D and machine learning tasks, yet offers good overall build quality and sports an environmentally friendly, modular design. Conversely, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s provides a better price-to-storage ratio, having more storage and RAM which is crucial for intensive tasks, a newer main processor, and comes at a lower midrange price. The ThinkBook has a touchscreen and is lighter, which enhances its portability but offers similar battery life to the Framework's. For users needing a balance of power, affordability, and a touchscreen, the ThinkBook 13s is the better option, whereas the Framework excels in sustainability and customization. Both are not ideal for intensive gaming despite having the same integrated graphics. 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 Lenovo ThinkBook 13s
Excellent portability
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.4/10
7.2/10
13.5in
SIZE
13.3in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
336.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s for general use, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s has a better screen for software development.
For general use, both the Framework Laptop and the Lenovo ThinkBook offer screens with adequate resolution and brightness, making text and images clear and easy to view under various lighting conditions. In tasks like engineering and design, where color accuracy is critical, the screens provide substantial coverage of color gamuts, rendering visuals with precision for detailed work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is paramount, both laptops may fall short as their screens do not have high refresh rates, leading to less fluid movement and possible stutter in fast-paced scenarios.
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 ThinkBook 13s costs $1,000.
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers a solid balance for general use with its competent Intel i5 processor, ample 8GB of RAM, and a high-resolution IPS screen that provides sharp image quality and good color reproduction, all while maintaining portability thanks to its lightweight design and reasonable battery life. In comparison, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s enhances the general-use experience with a more powerful Intel i7 processor, double the RAM for smoother multitasking, a touchscreen with a slightly higher pixel density and slightly better color coverage, along with a marginally longer battery life, making it a strong contender for those who require a bit more performance and usability features despite it being very slightly heavier.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.4/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkBook 13s both offer fair 3D and gaming experiences as they are equipped with Intel Iris Xe graphics, suitable for entry-level gaming, but not for high-end video games that require more powerful dedicated GPUs. Furthermore, both laptops have a screen refresh rate of 60Hz, which is adequate for everyday use and casual gaming but may not provide the smoothest experience for fast-paced games or professional 3D rendering.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.5/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers a solid foundation for engineering and design with its Intel i5 processor, Iris Xe graphics, and a high-resolution 3:2 aspect ratio screen, which is beneficial for productivity tasks; however, with less RAM and non-touchscreen functionality, it falls slightly behind the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s, which boasts more memory, a slightly more powerful i7 processor, touch-enabled higher resolution screen in a 16:10 aspect ratio, all of which are advantages for intensive engineering and design workloads. While both are highly portable and have similar screen sizes, the Framework prioritizes repairability and customization, whereas the ThinkBook edges ahead in raw performance, making it especially suitable for more demanding engineering applications.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.8/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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
7.7/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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.
Battery
7.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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
13.3in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.5in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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
7.6/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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 Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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 best thing about the ThinkBook 13S is that it’s a good deal. Business buyers looking for ThinkPad-level performance and software without ThinkPad pricing will probably find the ThinkBook a solid option. While nothing about it is really spectacular, it’s certainly unusual to see the ThinkBook’s screen resolution at a sub-$1,000 price, and its performance will be more than adequate for most office tasks. The generous port selection, 16:10 aspect ratio, physical webcam shutter, and clear audio are certainly icing on the cake."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s
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.
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
98,295
Recommendations made
21,298
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.