If you prioritize high performance for demanding tasks and appreciate the ability to customize and repair your device, the Framework Laptop is likely a superior choice, albeit at a higher cost. However, if your main concerns are everyday tasks, budget-friendliness, and you don't mind less power and customization, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 should suffice and save you money. The Framework offers longer battery life and better portability due to its lightweight design, important if you're frequently on the move, whereas the IdeaPad may be more suited for stationary use with access to power. 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 IdeaPad 3 14"
Very good portability
Very good battery life
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
6.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
313.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.2/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 stands out for general use due to its higher-quality CPU and RAM, as well as a superior screen, which together provide smoother and faster performance for a variety of tasks along with a more vibrant display. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" offers more modest performance suitable for less demanding tasks and its portability and battery life are adequate for on-the-go use, but it may fall short in handling more intensive applications and prolonged use without charging.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
9.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its dedicated graphics card and high refresh rate screen, excels in gaming and 3D applications, offering smoother visuals and better performance. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" may provide less impressive gaming experience due to its likely integrated graphics and standard refresh rate screen, but it can still handle casual gaming and basic 3D tasks at a more affordable price.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
6.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a higher-end CPU, more RAM, and a superior GPU, which alongside a higher quality screen makes it well-suited for the demands of engineering and design tasks that require processing power and detailed visuals. While the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is lighter and more portable with a satisfactory keyboard and lower operating noise, its less powerful components and screen make it less ideal for intensive engineering work but still capable for lighter tasks.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" 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.
Software Development
8.0/10
7.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" 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.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
6.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
313.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize an excellent visual experience for productivity and media consumption, the Framework Laptop's higher resolution and brightness will be key for sharp text and vibrant colors. In engineering and design, its wide color gamut ensures more accurate color representation, essential for precision work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where fast motion is common, the lower refresh rate of the Framework Laptop may lead to less fluid motion compared to laptops with higher refresh rates.
Portability
Good
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has very good portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
6.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$390
$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 IdeaPad 3 14" costs $390.
"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 low-priced IdeaPad 3 14 delivers on core functionality. Lenovo's IdeaPad 3 14 meets all the basic requirements for an inexpensive office laptop. The matte IPS display is bright enough, the performance is high for the class, and the input devices are rock solid. In addition, the mostly quiet operation including the useful performance modes, cool surface temperatures, easy maintainability as well as expandable working and mass storage all contribute to the IdeaPad 3 14's value proposition."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14"
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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