If you prioritize customizability and repairability, the Framework Laptop allows for easier upgrades and part replacements, which can prolong its lifespan. However, the Lenovo Slim 7 may offer comparable performance for everyday tasks at a lower price. For intensive tasks like 3D rendering or engineering software, investing in the Framework might be worthwhile for its potentially superior hardware. The Lenovo, on the other hand, might appeal more for its balance of performance and value, which could be adequate for general use and some more demanding applications. Consider the Lenovo for better value or the Framework for long-term flexibility and possibly higher performance in demanding tasks. 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 build quality
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo Slim 7 16
The Lenovo Slim 7 16 has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Key differences
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.2/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo Slim 7 16 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 is designed with upgradability and customization in mind, so you can select components like a high-end CPU, ample RAM, and a quality GPU to tailor the machine for demanding engineering work, while its screen offers crisp visuals; its modularity, however, makes it slightly less portable. The Lenovo Slim 7 16, on the other hand, offers a fine balance of performance with its capable processing hardware and vibrant screen, all within a sleek form factor that enhances portability, but customization is limited compared to the Framework Laptop.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.6/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
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 Slim 7 16 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.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
8.3/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo Slim 7 16 for software development, and content creation.
Both the Framework Laptop 16 and the Lenovo Slim 7 16 have displays with high resolution and brightness, making them excellent for everyday tasks like browsing and watching videos. For engineering and design work, these laptops offer wide color gamuts, ensuring accurate colors and detailed visuals crucial for precision tasks. However, for gaming and 3D applications, their screens fall short as they lack high refresh rates, which are essential for smooth motion and fast-paced visuals.
Cost
$1,699
$591
$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 Slim 7 16 costs $591.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the Lenovo Slim 7 16 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 is known for its high-quality CPU and RAM, contributing to great overall performance and screen quality, which benefits users who demand smooth multitasking and crisp visuals for various tasks; however, its portability and battery life might be less appealing compared to lighter laptops. On the other hand, the Lenovo Slim 7 16 offers a balance of good performance, reasonable screen quality, and better portability due to its lighter design, albeit with a slight compromise in the ultimate power provided by the CPU and RAM, making it more suitable for users who prioritize ease of carrying their laptop and longer usage times away from power outlets.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.6/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Lenovo Slim 7 16 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its modest GPU capabilities, can handle gaming and 3D tasks but may not deliver the smoothest experience in high-intensity scenarios, whereas the Lenovo Slim 7 16, also equipped with a comparable GPU, provides a similar level of performance for such tasks. Both laptops have screens with decent quality and satisfactory refresh rates, but neither is designed for the most demanding games and 3D applications where top-of-the-line GPUs and higher refresh rates are crucial.
Software Development
8.0/10
7.6/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the Lenovo Slim 7 16 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.
Battery
9.0 Hours
9.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Slim 7 16 has 9.5 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
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Lenovo 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
7.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the Lenovo Slim 7 16 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 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."
"At $1,011, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Pro is a real bargain among full-sized laptops, with a handsome 16-inch, 16:10 aspect ratio touch screen, a speedy CPU, a comfortable keyboard, ample memory, and a roomy solid-state drive. It's not a blazing gaming rig or mobile workstation, but it doesn't pretend to be. Its biggest negative is that it may be hard to find—during our review, it sold out and was marked "Temporarily Unavailable" on Lenovo's site."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo 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.
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