When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i, consider the Framework if you prioritize repairability and customization, as it's designed for easy upgrades and maintenance. The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i typically offers a more refined design and may have superior display quality, which is great for media consumption and creative work. If battery life is crucial, the Lenovo might have an edge, but the Framework's modular design allows for swapping out batteries. The choice also hinges on performance needs for tasks like 3D modeling or intensive multitasking, where you should compare the specific processors and graphics capabilities offered by each model. Additionally, the Framework's ethos supports sustainability, so if that's important to you, it may influence your decision. 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)
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i
Good for gaming and AI
Best in class overall display quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
7.6/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i offers a more powerful GPU which significantly enhances gaming and 3D performance, while also having a higher screen refresh rate that provides smoother visuals during fast-paced action. Although the Framework Laptop 16 provides modular upgradability and decent screen quality, its GPU and refresh rate are not as optimized for high-end gaming and demanding 3D applications compared to the Lenovo.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.9/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design, though the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i is somewhat better.
The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i offers superior CPU, RAM, and GPU options, which translate to faster processing and smoother multitasking for engineering and design work, enhanced by its excellent screen quality. While the Framework Laptop 16 provides customization and repairability which may appeal to some users, its performance components, although solid, may fall short compared to the Lenovo, plus it’s less portable, which could be a factor for users often on the move.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
9.6/10
16.0in
SIZE
14.5in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
618.0 nits
The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i excels with its high-resolution display and exceptional brightness, making for crisp visuals and easy reading in various lighting conditions, whereas the Framework Laptop 16 offers similar benefits but may not be as bright. When it comes to engineering and design, the Lenovo stands out with wider color gamuts, providing richer and more accurate colors essential for professional creative work, whereas the Framework's color reproduction is very good but may not cover as much of the color spectrum. For gaming and 3D tasks, however, both laptops have screens with lower refresh rates, which can lead to less fluid motion and slower response times compared to displays optimized for gaming, where high refresh rates are critical.
Battery
9.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i has 6 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.
Cost
$1,699
$1,500
$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 Pro 9i costs $1,500.
The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a balance between high performance with its capable CPU and RAM and a focus on sustainability through modularity and repairability, which can appeal to those who prioritize both power and environmental concerns. On the other hand, the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i is known for its slim design, making it more portable, along with a high-quality screen for sharp visuals and potentially longer battery life, appealing to users who need a powerful, premium laptop for on-the-go use.
Content Creation
8.1/10
8.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i 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
8.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3072 x 1920
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo Slim Pro 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.5in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Lenovo Slim Pro 9i 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 Slim Pro 9i 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 Slim Pro 9i is an impressive laptop with a brilliant Mini-LED display, a powerful 100-watt version of Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics, and excellent connectivity. Having run the Cinebench benchmark again, we were impressed with the CPU performance. That makes the Slim Pro 9i is an easy recommendation, especially for those who care about GPU and CPU performance. It’s also a fantastic choice if you frequently view HDR movies and games on your laptop."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo Slim Pro 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.
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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