If you require a higher-performing device for intensive tasks and prioritize upgradeability and repairability, the Framework Laptop may justify its higher price. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with flexible features like a touchscreen and 2-in-1 form factor, and if your tasks are general productivity and media consumption, the Lenovo Flex 5 could satisfy your needs without the added cost. Keep in mind that the Framework's premium also gets you a more robust build and potentially longer lifespan due to its modular nature, while the Lenovo offers convenience and savings up front. 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 16 (2023)
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo Flex 5 16
Very good battery life
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.2/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
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 16 (2023) and Lenovo Flex 5 16 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a dedicated GPU which enables smoother gaming and 3D experiences, complemented by a high screen refresh rate for more fluid visuals; the Lenovo Flex 5 16, while still capable for gaming and 3D tasks, relies more on an integrated GPU which may not perform as well as the Framework's, and its lower screen refresh rate means less smooth imagery during fast-paced activities. Both have capable CPUs and good screen quality, but for the most demanding graphical tasks, the Framework's hardware provides an edge.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 has a high-quality CPU, ample RAM, and a powerful GPU that ensure smooth performance in demanding engineering tasks, while its exceptional screen quality enhances the design experience. In contrast, the Lenovo Flex 5 16 also offers strong performance features but emphasizes flexibility with a touch-screen and reliable portability, although it may slightly compromise on the highest tier of graphics capability and display fidelity.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.6/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 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
8.4/10
7.3/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo Flex 5 16 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 boasts a high-resolution screen with vibrant colors and brightness, suitable for various tasks and ensuring sharp text and images for everyday use. It also covers a wide color gamut, which is essential for engineering and design work where accurate color reproduction matters. However, with a lower refresh rate, it's not ideal for 3D applications and gaming, where smoother motion and quick screen updates are crucial for an immersive experience.
Battery
9.0 Hours
11.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Flex 5 16 has 11.5 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.
Build Quality
8.0/10
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$740
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the Lenovo Flex 5 16 costs $740.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 stands out for general use with its superior CPU and RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and quick application performance, combined with a high-quality screen for sharp visuals. In contrast, the Lenovo Flex 5 16 offers a balance of decent performance, but with added flexibility and portability, though this might come with trade-offs in battery life and screen quality compared to the Framework.
Software Development
8.0/10
7.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the Lenovo Flex 5 16 is good.
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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo Flex 5 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Lenovo Flex 5 16 compare to other laptops
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
"The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is a solidly equipped, 2-in-1 in the lower price segment. Performance is definitely sufficient for everyday tasks and in tests the battery proved itself to be very economical. That aside, there is a lot of standard fare on show and a search for real highlights ends in vain. The low color coverage and reflective display can be avoided by going for an optional 2.5K display but this also presumably results in poorer battery life. The cooling uses only one fan and leads to a raised temperature on one side of the device under load. Additionally, there is very loud fan noise, also under load or when gaming. On top of that, we also occasionally noticed electronic noises."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo Flex 5 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 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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