If you need a laptop for heavy gaming or demanding tasks, and you don't mind spending more, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) offers robust performance and better build quality. However, for casual gaming and general use, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 gives you satisfactory performance at a lower cost but may not be as well-built or have the same level of performance as the Framework. The Framework is also designed to be upgradeable and repairable, which can be a plus if you're looking for longevity and eco-friendliness. The Lenovo, on the other hand, will likely be less future-proof but easier on your wallet upfront. 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 Gaming 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
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
329.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 is designed for seamless general use, offering superior CPU and RAM for quick and efficient multitasking, a high-quality screen for clear visuals, and is built with portability in mind, making it easy to carry around, whereas the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 provides adequate performance for everyday tasks, with a focus on gaming capabilities which might make it a bit heavier and less comfortable to transport. Both laptops have their merits regarding battery life, with the Framework pulling ahead slightly, assuring you can work longer on a single charge.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 with its high-quality screen and powerful CPU, RAM, and GPU ensures smooth handling of engineering and design tasks, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3, although typically heavier and louder, also offers strong performance with quality components for similar uses, often at a more budget-friendly price. Both have ample resources for intensive tasks, yet the Framework's emphasis on portability and upgradeability contrasts with the IdeaPad's exceptional gaming capabilities, which may affect its portability and operating noise.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
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 Gaming 3 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
7.9/10
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 Gaming 3 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
7.2/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
329.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 boasts a high-resolution display with strong brightness and diverse panel types, making it excellent for activities like browsing, streaming, or office work. Its suitability for engineering and design is enhanced by its expansive color gamuts, ensuring accurate color reproduction for tasks like photo editing or CAD software. However, for gaming and 3D rendering, its lower refresh rate compared to specialized gaming laptops hinders its ability to display fast-paced visuals smoothly, which is crucial for an immersive experience in those applications.
Build Quality
8.0/10
7.2/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$549
$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 Gaming 3 costs $549.
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its configurable options, allows you to choose a GPU that can handle gaming and 3D tasks, and its high-quality screen with a good refresh rate enhances visual fluidity for such applications. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 by default offers a competent GPU for gaming and a decent refresh rate, too, but the screen quality and CPU, while satisfactory, may not match higher-spec configurations of the Framework Laptop for particularly demanding tasks.
Battery
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has 8 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
5.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 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 Gaming 3 is one of the most powerful RTX 3050 Ti laptops. If you disregard the mediocre quality of the case in terms of the material and workmanship, Lenovo has created a successful budget gaming laptop with the IdeaPad Gaming. Thanks to high TDPs and constant performance development, the Core i5-12500H and GeForce RTX 3050 Ti are able to show their full power, while in contrast, the (mostly slower) competitors deliver a better battery life. However, hardly any of the alternative laptops are able to reach the image quality of the Gaming 3. Most of the competitors are left behind in terms of the color space and brightness."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
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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