If you prioritize high-performance tasks such as 3D modeling, machine learning, or gaming, investing more in the Framework Laptop 16 would be beneficial due to its superior capabilities in handling demanding applications. However, if your needs are more aligned with everyday tasks like browsing, document editing, and media consumption, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers a more budget-friendly option with adequate performance. Keep in mind that the Framework's higher cost also reflects its better build quality and potentially longer battery life, whereas the IdeaPad's more attractive price may come with compromises in these areas. The Framework also emphasizes repairability and upgradability, which could be a consideration if you're looking for longevity and customization. If portability is a concern, the smaller and likely lighter Lenovo might be easier to carry around compared with the larger Framework. 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
Good battery life
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15"
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
6.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers superior CPU and RAM capabilities, which contribute to faster and smoother operation for various tasks, along with a higher quality screen for better viewing experience, but it tends to be less portable and more expensive due to its larger size and premium features. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" provides adequate performance for everyday tasks at a more affordable price and is easier to carry around, yet it compromises on screen sharpness and may have a shorter battery life, potentially requiring more frequent charging.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
5.8/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
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) is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" is poor.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its better GPU, provides a smoother gaming and 3D rendering experience, and its higher screen refresh rate allows for more fluid visuals. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15", while more budget-friendly, offers less graphical power and a lower screen refresh rate, which means games and 3D tasks won't look as smooth, but it still handles general use effectively.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
5.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
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 15" is poor.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its powerful CPU, ample RAM, dedicated GPU, and high-quality screen, is built to handle demanding engineering and design tasks, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" may fall short in performance due to less robust specs in these areas, making it less suitable for such intensive work. Although the IdeaPad offers better portability, its compromises on keyboard, speaker quality, and cooling might make it less ideal for prolonged engineering sessions compared to the better-equipped Framework Laptop.
Content Creation
8.1/10
6.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" is only fair.
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
6.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
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 15" is only fair.
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
5.2/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 likely boasts a high-resolution display with impressive brightness and color range, making it sharp and vibrant for general use and detailed enough for engineering and design work. However, its lower refresh rate may detract from the fluid visuals desired in gaming and 3D applications. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" may have a lower resolution, dimmer display and restricted color gamut not ideal for any of these use cases, offering a more budget-friendly option at the expense of visual fidelity and user experience across all activities.
Battery
9.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" has 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
6.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15" 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
$360
$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 15" costs $360.
"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 3 is an enduring office notebook with a powerful Ryzen APU. Lenovo's office all-rounder easily handles office and internet applications as well as modest games - the Ryzen 5 5625U APU and 16 GB of RAM make this possible. The CPU and GPU can work at consistently high clock rates. The emission values are okay, but the noise emissions should be lower under medium to full load. The relatively light notebook (approx. 1.6 kg) achieves practical battery runtimes of about 10 to 11 hours."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15"
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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