If you need a high-performance device for gaming or intensive tasks, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 offers robust capability, but at the expense of portability and battery life. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is a versatile, repairable, and upgradeable choice, aimed at those who prioritize sustainability and customization. It provides good performance for general and engineering use, in a lighter, sleeker form factor with better portability. Choose the Framework for a balanced, future-proof machine, or the Lenovo for gaming and demanding applications, acknowledging the higher cost for portability and repairability in the former. 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 build quality
Good portability
Good battery life
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo Legion Pro 5
Very good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
8.4/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5, with a more powerful GPU and a higher screen refresh rate, excels in gaming and 3D performance, providing smoother visuals and better handling of graphically demanding tasks. While the Framework Laptop 16 has a respectable GPU and screen quality that are adequate for gaming and 3D work, it falls short of the Legion Pro 5's capabilities, which are crucial for the most immersive and responsive experience.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
8.0/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
340.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize a clear and vibrant display for tasks like browsing and watching videos, both the Framework Laptop 16 and the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 offer excellent resolution and brightness which enhances the visual experience. For engineering and design professionals, both laptops present wide color coverage that ensures accurate color representation crucial for detailed work. However, serious gamers and 3D designers may find the lower refresh rates on these models to be less than ideal for the smooth visuals required in fast-paced games and 3D rendering applications.
Battery
9.0 Hours
3.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 has 3.5 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.
Portability
Good
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
5.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
7.4/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$1,170
$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 Legion Pro 5 costs $1,170.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 is well-suited for general use due to its convenience in portability and a compelling screen, bolstered by sufficient CPU and RAM, balancing performance needs with better battery life. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 offers a robust CPU and ample RAM for more demanding tasks but trades off some portability and battery life due to its gaming-oriented design, which may not be necessary for everyday activities.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.3/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5, with a more powerful CPU, GPU, and additional RAM, delivers superior performance for demanding engineering applications and multitasking, which can be crucial for complex design work. While the Framework Laptop 16 boasts a high-quality screen and upgradeable components, its portability and quieter operation make it a more flexible option for on-the-go use without sacrificing much in terms of processing capabilities.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.3/10
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 Legion Pro 5 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
7.6/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 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."
"It doesn't quite match its Legion Pro 7i sibling as an Editors' Choice winner, but Lenovo's AMD-powered Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 is a stylish, well-built gaming laptop with solid performance at both 1080p and its sharper native resolution. It's cheaper than some comparably equipped machines and better than some similarly priced ones. That's a recipe for success, even without its frequent availability of discounts or sales. A brighter screen and longer battery life would be nice, but even as is the Legion Pro 5 earns a solid recommendation."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo Legion Pro 5
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
98,295
Recommendations made
21,298
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.