When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 and the LG Gram 16, consider that the Framework offers more power for resource-heavy tasks like gaming or engineering work, along with easier upgradeability. However, the LG Gram 16 excels in portability and battery life, making it ideal for travel and general use, and it's more budget-friendly. If your priorities are performance and future-proofing, invest in the Framework. If you prioritize a lighter laptop with longer battery life for everyday tasks and want to save money, go with the LG Gram. 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 display quality
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the LG Gram 16
Very good portability
Excellent battery life
Key differences
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the LG Gram 16 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its high-performance CPU, ample RAM, and capable GPU, excels in handling demanding engineering software and benefits from a high-quality screen for design precision; whereas, the LG Gram 16, while also equipped for such tasks, emphasizes portability and quiet operation, making it ideal for engineers and designers who prioritize mobility and a distraction-free working environment. Both models have quality keyboards and speakers, but their differences lie in the balance between raw power and ease of handling on-the-go.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
7.3/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
347.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the LG Gram 16 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
When selecting a laptop, the Framework Laptop 16, known for its excellent screen, offers sharpness and clarity with vibrant colors, making it ideal for daily activities and professional design work that demands precise color reproduction. The LG Gram 16's screen also provides good image quality and accurate colors, which suits everyday use and design tasks well. However, both laptops fall short for gaming and 3D applications as their screens don't refresh as quickly, which is critical for the fast-paced visuals in games and high frame rate 3D rendering.
Battery
9.0 Hours
15.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The LG Gram 16 has 15 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
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The LG Gram 16 has very good portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the LG Gram 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
$1,450
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the LG Gram 16 costs $1,450.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the LG Gram 16 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its robust CPU and ample RAM, delivers smooth performance and a high-quality screen ideal for a versatile range of tasks, though it trades off some battery life and portability due to its power. On the other hand, the LG Gram 16 offers exceptional portability and longer battery life, making it easy to take on the go, yet it brings less powerful components which still handle everyday tasks well but might struggle with more demanding applications. Both have good enough storage, keyboards, speakers, and manage heat and noise effectively.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.4/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
10.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and LG Gram 16 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its better GPU and higher screen refresh rate, offers smoother visuals and improved gaming and 3D performance, making it suitable for users with higher graphics requirements. Meanwhile, the LG Gram 16, while it may not match the Framework in graphics power, compensates with a strong CPU and high screen quality, providing a balanced experience for casual gaming and multimedia use, wrapped in a lightweight design.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for content creation, while the LG Gram 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.
Software Development
8.0/10
7.9/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the LG Gram 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.
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How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the LG Gram 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 LG Gram 16 is a lightweight device with stability issues. The LG Gram 16Z90Q with a Core i7-1260P is made with portability in mind and places less of a focus on users with high demands on performance. The compact and light chassis is particularly practical when you are on the go. The device is not only comfortably small and lightweight, it also boasts a great battery life. When connected to mains, on the other hand, the 16-inch device is rather disappointing. The standard cooling mode causes extreme volatility in terms of CPU, SSD and iGPU performance. The meager stability of the chassis may also put off some potential buyers."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the LG Gram 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 LG
LG is a South Korean conglomerate company. While LG is mainly known for various products outside of technology, LG also develops laptops. Within the laptop industry, they are known for their thin-and-light Gram series, as well as their value-oriented Ultra series. LG laptops offer very thin and light laptops with phenomenal battery life, 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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