When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 and the Lenovo Legion Slim 7, consider that the Framework offers a unique advantage with modularity, allowing you to upgrade components more easily over time, which could potentially extend its lifespan. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Slim 7, while possibly less future-proof, is focused more on gaming and high-performance tasks with its dedicated graphics card, offering better visuals for demanding applications. If portability and the ability to customize and repair your laptop are priorities, the Framework is a compelling choice; however, if you're looking for a laptop with more gaming or high-performance capabilities right out of the box, the Lenovo Legion Slim 7 may better suit your needs, even if it means a slightly higher initial cost. 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 overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16"
Very good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
8.2/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16" is very good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16" is equipped with a higher-end GPU and a screen with a faster refresh rate, making it better suited for gaming and 3D applications where fluid visuals and graphic performance are crucial. While the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) offers decent performance and screen quality, its GPU and refresh rate are not as optimized for high-end gaming and 3D tasks as the Lenovo's.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.6/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16" and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design, though the Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16" is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16 is a solid choice for engineering and design tasks due to its high-quality CPU and adequate GPU, bolstered by substantial RAM and a crisp screen, yet the Lenovo Legion Slim 7 stands out with a superior GPU and similar CPU, providing enhanced performance for graphics-intensive applications. While the Framework offers a unique modular design for easier upgrades and repairs, enhancing its longevity, the Legion Slim 7 counters with a sleek build that, despite being slim, can result in louder operating noise under heavy loads.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
8.7/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
502.0 nits
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 16 and Lenovo Legion Slim 7 both have screens with high resolution and brightness, making images crisp and easy to see, which is key for general use. Their screens cover a wide range of colors, essential for professionals in engineering and design who require accurate color representation for their work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where motion clarity is critical, their screens fall short as they lack high refresh rates, which can lead to less fluid motion and responsiveness during fast-paced activities.
Battery
9.0 Hours
7.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Legion Slim 7 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.
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16" and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a balance between powerful CPU and RAM for smooth multi-tasking and high screen quality for vivid visuals, while remaining light for easier carrying and having a long battery life for extended use without constant charging. In contrast, the Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16" boasts similar high-level CPU performance and ample RAM catering to demanding applications, but with a focus on screen quality and performance for more graphics-intensive tasks, though it compromises slightly on battery life and portability for those added capabilities.
Content Creation
8.1/10
8.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16" and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) 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
8.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16" 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.4 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16" and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
7.6/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16" has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$1,680
$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 7 16" costs $1,680.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16" 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 7 is a slim Legion notebook that is just as excellent with Nvidia & Intel. However, the Legion Slim 7i slightly sullied by lacklustre battery life. You get a slim aluminium chassis, great input devices, decent port selection, fast high-quality WQXGA display and great performance. Supporting Thunderbolt 4 is one advantage of the Intel/Nvidia model tested in this review. Moreover, this variant has slightly higher CPU performance as well as better GPU performance in certain applications (e.g. CUDA-based apps). The Lenovo Legion S7i is thin, premium and performant – but less efficient than its AMD counterpart."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16"
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.