When considering the Framework Laptop 16 versus the Lenovo ThinkPad T14, the Framework offers the advantage of being highly customizable and upgradeable, which could prolong its lifespan and adapt to changing needs, but at a higher initial cost. The ThinkPad T14 typically offers robust build quality and good keyboard ergonomics, making it ideal for business users who prioritize durability and typing comfort. If portability and battery life are crucial for you, the ThinkPad might be preferable as it's generally lighter and more compact. However, if you plan to do performance-heavy tasks like video editing or gaming, the Framework's larger screen and potentially superior specs could serve you better. 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 display quality
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
Very good portability
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
8.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use, though the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its excellent screen quality and modular design, allows for easy upgrades and repairs, which makes it a solid choice for general use, whereas the Lenovo ThinkPad T14, known for its durable build and comfortable keyboard, offers reliability with good performance for a variety of tasks. The Framework focuses on portability with a balance of performance and battery life, while the ThinkPad emphasizes a robust build and consistent performance with efficient heat management, catering to users who value a mix of mobility and long-term usage.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
6.9/10
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has a better screen for content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 likely has a high-resolution display with vibrant colors and ample brightness, making it excellent for everyday activities and detailed engineering work. However, its refresh rate isn't high enough to meet the fast-paced visuals demanded by gaming and 3D applications. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14, while it offers suitable resolution and decent color accuracy for most tasks and engineering design, falls behind in gaming and 3D scenarios for the same reason – it doesn't support the high refresh rates needed for smooth motion.
Portability
Good
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has very good portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$1,241
$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 ThinkPad T14 costs $1,241.
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a dedicated GPU and a higher screen refresh rate which are crucial for smoother gaming and 3D rendering, making it preferable for those activities despite a higher price point. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14, while having a capable CPU and good screen quality, lacks a high-end dedicated GPU and the refresh rate ideal for gaming, positioning it as a more budget-conscious option that can handle moderate gaming and 3D tasks in a business-oriented package.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a high-resolution screen and a powerful combination of CPU, RAM, and GPU, making it ideal for demanding tasks like 3D modeling and simulation; its modular design also allows for upgrades, which can be significant for engineering and design longevity. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14, while offering robust build quality and a comfortable keyboard conducive to long coding or design sessions, may have slightly less visual real estate and power but gains an edge in portability for engineers on the move.
Content Creation
8.1/10
8.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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.
Battery
9.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has 9 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.
Build Quality
8.0/10
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 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."
"We like a lot about this laptop. It has many ports, with the inclusion of RJ45-Ethernet as a defining feature. WWAN is upgradable for maximum flexibility and the ThinkPad has many security functions. Working with the ThinkPad input devices is a lot of fun, and Lenovo puts in a serviceable Low Power panel. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840U delivers a great performance and does not drain the battery fast. Fan noise and temperatures are nothing special, but also far away from bad. With the user replaceable keyboard, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 has a special feature rarely present on most modern laptops."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
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.