When deciding between the Framework Laptop 16 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5, consider that the Framework is designed with upgradability and repairability in mind, possibly providing better longevity and performance flexibility at a higher cost. In contrast, the IdeaPad often offers a more affordable entry point with adequate performance for everyday tasks but might lack the staying power and upgrade potential of the Framework. If your work involves demanding applications, the Framework's investment may be justified. Meanwhile, for general use without the need for cutting-edge specs or long-term upgradability, the IdeaPad can be a value-conscious choice. 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
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15"
Very good battery life
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
7.4/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
341.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a larger, high-quality screen, superior CPU and RAM options which excel in general use tasks, and its modular design allows for easy upgrades to storage and components, enhancing longevity, but it's not as portable due to its size and might have a shorter battery life compared to smaller models. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15", on the other hand, strikes a balance with decent performance, good battery life, and is easier to carry, though its screen and CPU may not match the Framework's, making it less optimal for the most demanding tasks.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.2/10
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
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16, with a higher-end GPU and a more responsive screen with a higher refresh rate, excels in gaming and 3D applications, providing smoother and visually richer experiences. While the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" also manages these tasks, its modest GPU and standard refresh rate screen mean less graphical fidelity and fluidity in demanding games and 3D environments.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
6.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
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 5 15" is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 typically offers a more powerful CPU, more RAM, and dedicated GPU options suitable for demanding engineering and design tasks, and it comes with a high-quality screen, giving it an edge in performance and visual clarity. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" while being lighter and potentially more portable, might have lower-tier components and screen quality which could affect multitasking, rendering, and detailed work but still maintains a balance for moderate use and better everyday portability.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
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 5 15" 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
7.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" 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
6.5/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
341.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16's display offers higher resolution and brightness, enhancing clarity and visibility for general tasks and detail-oriented work like engineering and design, and covers a wide range of colors for accuracy in creative projects. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5's screen, while providing adequate sharpness and illumination for everyday tasks and some professional applications, doesn't match the Framework's color range, which is crucial for precision in design work. However, both laptops' displays fall short for gaming and 3D modeling because they lack the high refresh rates needed for smooth motion and fast-paced visuals.
Battery
9.0 Hours
11.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" has 11 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.
Cost
$1,699
$771
$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 5 15" costs $771.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
7.6/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" 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 5 is convincing due to its long battery life. The device scores points especially with its large battery and long battery runtimes combined with its low consumption. The CPU and GPU perform in the test as one would expect, and in line with what was familiar from the somewhat smaller 14-inch sister model, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 14."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 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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