If you prioritize a laptop that's easy to repair and upgrade, the Framework Laptop might be a superior choice due to its modular design, yet it comes at a higher cost. On the contrary, if you're looking for something more cost-effective and still powerful enough for everyday tasks and some light professional work, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro can offer a good balance of performance and value. Keep in mind that if you need more intense processing power for demanding software or games, the Framework Laptop might handle those needs better, but will impact your budget more significantly. 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 Slim 7i Pro
Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
7.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
395.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.7/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 is equipped with a high-quality CPU and ample RAM, making it highly responsive for general use, while its screen provides vivid visuals; however, its standout modularity may slightly impact portability compared to the sleeker Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro, which also offers a reliable CPU and sufficient RAM for everyday tasks, balanced with better battery life for on-the-go users. The IdeaPad's advantages are enhanced by its lightweight design and good keyboard, making it a favorable option for those prioritizing mobility and comfort during extended use.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.1/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
90Hz
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 Slim 7i Pro are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16's modular design allows for GPU upgrades, enhancing gaming and 3D performance, and its high screen refresh rate delivers smooth visuals. Conversely, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro, while it offers decent performance with its CPU, is limited by its non-upgradeable, less powerful GPU and lower screen refresh rate, making it less ideal for fast-paced gaming and 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 excels in engineering and design tasks due to its high-resolution screen and powerful CPU, GPU, and expandable RAM, accommodating intensive software demands. While the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro offers good performance for similar tasks, its portability and quality keyboard may appeal to those frequently on the move, despite a tradeoff in expandability and ultimate power.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro 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
5.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro 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
7.7/10
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
90Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
395.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, both the Framework Laptop 16 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro have displays with high resolution and sufficient brightness, making text clear and colors vibrant, which is essential for activities like browsing and watching videos. Their color accuracy and range, covering broad color gamuts, benefit engineering and design tasks where precise color representation and attention to detail are crucial. However, their lower refresh rates do not align with the needs of 3D applications and gaming that rely on fast and smooth visual transitions requiring higher refresh rates for optimal performance.
Portability
Good
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro has very good portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$799
$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 7i Pro costs $799.
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro has 8.5 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.
Build Quality
8.0/10
7.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro 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 Slim 7i Pro 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 main selling point of the IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro versus a regular IdeaPad Slim 7 is its faster Core H-series CPU. In reality, the Core i7-11370H is only marginally faster than the U-series Core i7-1165G7 to the point where most users are not likely to notice the benefits. The slight performance uptick comes at the cost of slightly higher power consumption as well meaning owners will have to deal with potentially warmer temperatures or louder fans to compensate. Unless if you happen to be a power user, then the regular non-Pro model will be more than enough. Once you go 90 Hz, you can't go back."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro
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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