If you prioritize customization and repairability, the Framework Laptop may be worth the extra cost, as it allows for easy upgrades and parts replacements. However, if you're looking for a laptop with stronger gaming capabilities, the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i, with its dedicated graphics, could serve you better. The Framework will typically offer better sustainability and longevity due to its modular design, but the Legion Slim 5i's performance in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming or 3D rendering will be superior. Consider how much you value future-proofing versus immediate performance for your specific needs when making your choice. 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 overall build quality
Good portability
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i
Very good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
8.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.4/10
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 Slim 5i is very good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16, while versatile and repairable, has a more modest GPU and screen refresh rate which may not handle demanding games and 3D tasks as smoothly, whereas the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i boasts a higher-tier GPU and faster screen refresh rate, providing better performance and fluidity for gaming and 3D applications. Although both have capable CPUs and good screen quality, the superior GPU and refresh rate of the Legion Slim 5i make it a more optimal choice for those specific uses.
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
343.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 16's screen offers clear visuals and is bright enough for everyday tasks, and its high resolution enhances fine detail for engineering work, with color accuracy that benefits design applications. However, its refresh rate is lower, making it less suitable for gaming where smoother motion is key. In contrast, the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i provides similar benefits for general and engineering use, but its slightly lesser color gamut range might make it less optimal for professional design tasks, and like the Framework, its screen doesn't excel in high-refresh-rate gaming environments.
Battery
9.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Legion Slim 5i has 7 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
5.2 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i 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 Slim 5i has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$1,055
$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 Slim 5i costs $1,055.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 stands out for its exceptional screen quality, high-performing CPU, ample RAM, and prioritizes portability and battery life, catering well to varied general use scenarios and mobility needs. While the Lenovo Legion Slim 5i offers solid CPU and RAM capabilities, suitable for general use, it tends to be heavier with a more gaming-oriented build, which slightly compromises portability but typically provides better heat management for sustained performance.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5i and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5i, designed with a higher-end GPU and robust CPU, excels in demanding engineering applications and 3D design, and the higher RAM supports multitasking efficiently; however, its portability is compromised compared to the Framework Laptop 16. The Framework Laptop 16, while still capable with a quality screen and decent GPU, typically prioritizes modularity and repairability, which might slightly detract from raw performance but offers a quieter operation and a more customizable experience.
Content Creation
8.1/10
8.0/10
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
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Lenovo Legion Slim 5i are both very good for content creation.
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
7.8/10
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
8.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the Lenovo Legion Slim 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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Lenovo Legion Slim 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."
"The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 acknowledges that a gaming laptop doesn’t have to be as thick as possible and can still ensure adequate cooling when the muscles need flexing. To this end, in the Slim 5 Gen 8, it finds a neat balance of refined, trimmed-down design that still lets its internals cruise (even above their max power ratings). Lenovo then added in some high-end build quality with an altogether excellent keyboard that’s useful for both work and play."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo Legion Slim 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.
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.