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Updated March 21, 2024·
Choosing between the Framework Laptop and Lenovo Legion 9i requires considering usage and preferences. If portability and customization are priorities and you're budget-conscious, go for the Framework Laptop, which also offers easy-to-upgrade components. However, if you need a powerful machine for gaming, 3D applications, or intensive tasks and you're willing to invest more, the Lenovo Legion 9i with its higher-end graphics and processing capabilities would be the better choice despite being heavier and potentially having shorter battery life. 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)
- Good portability
- Good battery life
Advantages of the Lenovo Legion 9i
- Best in class for engineering and design
- Excellent for gaming and AI
- Best in class overall display quality
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8
9.2
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3200 x 2000
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 9i is excellent for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Lenovo Legion 9i excels in gaming and 3D applications due to its superior GPU, which greatly enhances graphical performance, and a higher screen refresh rate, contributing to smoother visuals during fast-paced action. While the Framework Laptop 16 offers a decent experience for less demanding gaming and 3D tasks with a good enough GPU and acceptable screen refresh rate, the Legion 9i's advantages make it a better fit for committed gamers and professionals working with intensive graphics.
Engineering and Design
8.1
9.6
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Lenovo Legion 9i is best in class for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers customizable options for the CPU, RAM, and GPU, ensuring that engineers and designers can tailor the performance to their specific needs, and it also boasts a high-quality screen, but the Lenovo Legion 9i provides top-tier processing power and superior graphics out of the box, which may better suit demanding software used in engineering and design, even though it's less portable and might have a louder operating noise. While both have quality keyboards and speakers, the Framework's emphasis on modularity and repairability might appeal to those who prioritize longevity and upgradability.
Content Creation
8.1
8.7
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3200 x 2000
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
The Lenovo Legion 9i and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for content creation, though the Lenovo Legion 9i is somewhat better.
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.
Screen Quality
8.4
9.7
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3200 x 2000
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
682.0 nits
The Lenovo Legion 9i has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its high resolution and brightness, offers a vivid display ideal for browsing and productivity tasks, while its color gamut suits professional design work well. The Lenovo Legion 9i exceeds in both areas with its top-tier brightness and resolution, and advanced color range, providing an immersive experience for both everyday activities and color-critical engineering tasks. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short due to lower refresh rates which are crucial for smooth motion rendering in fast-paced visual environments.
Battery
9.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Legion 9i has 3 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
1.0in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the Lenovo Legion 9i has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$3,420
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the Lenovo Legion 9i costs $3,420.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
8.4
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3200 x 2000
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
682.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
3.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.3/10
The Lenovo Legion 9i and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a balance of solid CPU performance and high-quality screen, while being lightweight for portability and designed for ease of repair and upgrades, but the tradeoff is a shorter battery life compared to some competitors. In contrast, the Lenovo Legion 9i provides robust CPU and RAM for demanding tasks with a quality screen and speakers favored for entertainment, but it's heavier and optimally designed for gaming or intensive work, which may affect its portability and battery longevity under heavy use.
Software Development
8.0
8.3
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3200 x 2000
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo Legion 9i and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for software development.
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.
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The Lenovo Legion 9i and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have very 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 Legion 9i compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 16 (2023) | Lenovo Legion 9i |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,699 | $3,420 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | October 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | 14.1'' x 10.9'' x 1.01'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 5.64 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.04" | 14.08" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.63" | 10.93" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | Intel i9-13980HX | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 85 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | Mini LED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 3200 x 2000 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 490 nits | 682 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.4/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
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 Legion 9i
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Matthew Buzzi | December 2023
"The Lenovo Legion 9i is meant as a top-end flagship showcase for enthusiasts, and on that, it delivers. You'll find flashier designs in this price tier—Razer’s all-metal build in a similarly sized laptop like the Blade 16, or monstrous 18-inch machines—but this is a well-thought-out laptop. The chassis is trim for a 16-inch powerhouse, the lid is unique, and bespoke liquid cooling takes performance to the next level."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo Legion 9i
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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