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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 21, 2024·
If you're looking for a laptop primarily for everyday tasks like browsing, watching videos, and light productivity, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 offers a budget-friendly option with decent performance. However, if your work involves graphic design, video editing, or software development, investing in the Framework Laptop 16 could be worthwhile for its higher performance and better display. The Framework also stands out for its repairability and upgradability, meaning it could last longer and adapt to future needs. On the downside, it's heavier and less portable than the IdeaPad, and the higher price could be a significant factor in your decision. 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 Slim 3
- Very good battery life
Key differences
General Use
8.0
7.0
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
281.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.9/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a top-tier CPU and ample RAM, delivering faster performance and smooth multitasking alongside a high-quality screen, all of which justify its higher price and appeal to those who prioritize performance and display quality. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, while more affordable and portable with reasonable battery life, provides adequate performance for everyday tasks but may fall short for more demanding applications, with modest screen quality and less impressive hardware overall.
Gaming and AI
6.8
5.9
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) is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is poor.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its more powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate, offers smoother visuals and better gaming performance, but it tends to be pricier. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, while more affordable, has a less capable GPU and lower refresh rate which may not be as suitable for demanding games and 3D applications, but still performs adequately for casual use.
Engineering and Design
8.1
6.1
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.6/10
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 Slim 3 is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 with its higher-end CPU, more RAM, and dedicated GPU, along with a superior screen, offers powerful performance and visual clarity needed for demanding engineering and design tasks, but this may affect its portability due to increased weight. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, while more portable and with a decent keyboard and quieter operation, has less powerful hardware which makes it less suitable for intensive workloads despite being easier to carry around.
Content Creation
8.1
7.2
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.6/10
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 Slim 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
7.1
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.6/10
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 Slim 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
6.4
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
281.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 has a high-resolution display which makes it sharp for general tasks and detailed engineering work, while its brightness ensures visibility in various lighting conditions; meanwhile, its broad color gamut support translates into more accurate colors critical for design work. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3's moderate resolution and brightness provide adequacy for everyday and professional use but might not deliver the crispness for precision work. For gaming and 3D, neither laptop excels as their refresh rates are lower, affecting the smoothness in fast-paced visuals crucial in these areas.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability, though the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0
6.5
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 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
$400
$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 Slim 3 costs $400.
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Key similarities
Battery
9.0 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has 10 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.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 16 (2023) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,699 | $400 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | March 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | 14.2'' x 9.3'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 3.52 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.04" | 14.15" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.63" | 9.25" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | AMD Ryzen 3 7330U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 85 Wh | 47 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 490 nits | 281 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"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 IdeaPad Slim 3
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Dig into reviews and images
Rtings
Olivier Martin, Ryan Lim, and John Peroramas | May 2023
"The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is decent for use as a workstation. Its Intel CPU and integrated graphics can only handle light productivity tasks, not demanding workloads like video editing or 3D graphics. You also can't do any color-critical work because the available displays have a narrow color gamut. It has a good port selection, but its USB-C lacks Thunderbolt 4 support. On the upside, it has a comfortable keyboard and doesn't get hot or loud under load."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 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.
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