If you're looking for high performance and support for intensive tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, or gaming, and you value the ability to upgrade components over time, the Framework Laptop is a strong choice despite its higher cost. However, if your focus is on everyday tasks, like web browsing and office applications, and you prefer a larger screen without a need for high-end specs at a more affordable price, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 may suit your needs well, though it typically won't match the Framework's performance or build quality. Keep in mind, the Framework's portability and repairability features also contribute to its higher price. 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 17"
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 17" has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
7.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
307.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.1/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 17" is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a balance of a high-quality CPU and RAM, combined with excellent screen quality and battery life, which ensures smooth performance for daily tasks and multimedia, but it may be less portable due to its size. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 17" provides a decent CPU and RAM for routine activities and a larger screen, though it sacrifices some portability and battery life, which could make it less suitable for on-the-go use.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.1/10
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 17" are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16 stands out with a higher screen refresh rate and a more powerful GPU, making it better suited for smoother gaming and 3D rendering, at a higher cost. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 17" offers a larger screen with good quality, but with a less robust GPU and lower refresh rate, it provides a less optimal experience for gaming and 3D tasks, though it may come at a more budget-friendly price.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
6.6/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
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 17" is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) excels in engineering and design tasks due to its higher-end CPU, ample RAM, a more capable GPU, and a superior screen quality, which are crucial for complex software and precise visuals. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 17" may lag behind in performance and display clarity, but still offers a comfortable keyboard and quieter operation, although it's heavier and thus less portable for frequent movement.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
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 17" 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
7.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.8/10
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 17" 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
6.7/10
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
307.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 17" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 has a high-resolution display and high brightness, ensuring sharp images and easy readability under various lighting conditions, which is crucial for both general use and engineering design where detail and color precision matter. Its expansive color gamut meets professional design standards, offering vibrant and accurate color representation for tasks requiring high color fidelity. However, its lower refresh rate makes it less suitable for 3D applications and gaming, where smoother motion and rapid screen updates are essential for an optimal experience.
Build Quality
8.0/10
6.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 17" 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
$784
$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 17" costs $784.
"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 17" defies expectations. Indeed, it is just a minor upgrade over last year. However, this doesn’t make the laptop any less terrific. It’s got a great performance, courtesy of the Ryzen 5x25U processors. In addition, you get a pretty good battery life. Perhaps, the 2-hour decrease in video playback, compared to last year is not great, but still, 10 hours of Web browsing and 7 hours of video playback is okay for 17-inch notebooks."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 17"
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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