If deciding between the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i, consider that the Framework might offer better performance and build quality, with the unique feature of being easily upgradable and repairable, thus potentially lasting longer. The IdeaPad, meanwhile, may provide better value for everyday tasks and can be less costly upfront, but it might not keep up with demanding applications as well as the Framework would. The IdeaPad may also be lighter and offer longer battery life, making it more convenient for carrying around, while the high-end features of the Framework could come with a heavier body and increased power consumption. 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 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 Pro 5i
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
7.4/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16, while offering solid performance and an excellent screen, is outmatched by the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i, which boasts a more powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate, enhancing gaming and 3D experiences. Although both have competent CPUs and good screen quality, the superior graphics capabilities of the IdeaPad Pro 5i make it the preferable option for those pursuits.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
7.8/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
409.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 excels in screen quality for general use and engineering due to its high-resolution display and brightness, enhancing clarity and visuals, alongside a broad color gamut, crucial for color-sensitive tasks. The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i, while offering a slightly less broad color gamut, still delivers a clear and bright display suitable for general activities and detailed engineering designs. However, both laptops fall short for gaming and 3D applications as their refresh rates aren’t as high as dedicated gaming laptops, which can limit motion smoothness and response time during fast-paced scenarios.
Battery
9.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i has 6 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
$950
$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 Pro 5i costs $950.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 shines for general use with a high-quality screen and a robust CPU and RAM configuration that ensures smooth multitasking and media consumption, though its portability and battery life may be less impressive due to its larger size. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i provides decent performance for everyday tasks with sufficient CPU and RAM, and it might offer better portability and longer battery life, but its screen quality might not match the Framework, impacting the visual experience.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its modular design, provides solid performance for engineering tasks, however, the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i often surpasses it with superior CPU, RAM, and GPU specs, ensuring smoother execution of resource-intensive applications and better screen quality for detailed design work. While the Framework offers a degree of portability and customization, the IdeaPad Pro 5i typically brings a more robust keyboard and quieter operation, which may be more favorable for prolonged engineering sessions.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 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
7.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.3 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 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 Pro 5i 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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How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 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."
"Lenovo’s IdeaPad Pro 5i represents an impressive opening salvo for Meteor Lake in the ultraportable space against familiar foes from AMD and Apple. Not only does the Core Ultra 5 125H processor provide good performance across the board, but battery life remains a strong point against the Acer Swift Edge 16 with its AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor. It can’t quite match the endurance of the 15-inch MacBook Pro, but the gap is shrinking."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i
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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