The Framework Laptop is designed for customization and repairability, which could save you money and reduce e-waste over time. It's generally less expensive upfront than the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, and it offers the flexibility to upgrade components like memory and storage. However, the ThinkBook 13x often has a sleeker design and may offer better build quality or premium features that justify its higher price. If you prioritize longevity and environmental impact, go with the Framework. If design and out-of-the-box features are more important and you're okay with a higher price, consider the ThinkBook 13x. 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 13x
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Excellent portability
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.9/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for engineering and design, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop offers modular components like CPU and RAM that can be upgraded to keep up with demanding engineering software, and a high-resolution screen enhances the visual clarity for design tasks. Meanwhile, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while not as customizable, still delivers robust performance with its efficient CPU and quality GPU, along with a good balance of portability and a comfortable keyboard, making it a sound choice for mobile engineers and designers.
Content Creation
7.5/10
8.0/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is very good for content creation, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
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.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
8.2/10
13.5in
SIZE
13.5in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Framework Laptop's screen provides clarity and brightness suitable for everyday tasks, but the ThinkBook's very good quality panel offers higher resolution, which means crisper and more vibrant images. In the realm of engineering and design, while both have good color accuracy, the ThinkBook may have a slight edge with its ability to display a wider range of colors, making it more precise for professionals who need true-to-life color representation. However, neither laptop is ideal for 3D gaming because they both lack the high refresh rates required for smooth motion, although their resolutions and panel types are adequate for less demanding visual content.
Portability
Very Good
Excellent
13.5in
SIZE
13.5in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has excellent portability, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,079
$1,399
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13, with its modular design, allows for excellent customization of CPU, RAM, and storage to tailor performance to your needs, and it has a high-quality screen while maintaining portability; however, its battery life is shorter than some competitors. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x offers a balance of good CPU performance, sufficient RAM for everyday tasks, and a high-quality screen in a very portable package, with better battery life but less flexibility in customization compared to the Framework.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13, while offering modular components for tailored upgrades, may have limitations in its integrated graphics that lead to only satisfactory gaming and 3D performance, whereas the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, also with integrated graphics, provides a similar level of performance but can't push beyond due to its focus on portability and business use, not high-refresh-rate screens or top-tier GPUs that are crucial for more demanding gaming or 3D tasks. Both machines, while competent in their CPU and screen quality, are better suited for general productivity than gaming or intensive 3D work.
Software Development
7.6/10
7.9/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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 13x 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.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.6/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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 13x 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."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
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.
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