If you're budget-conscious and primarily need a laptop for everyday tasks such as browsing the internet, working on documents, and streaming video, the LG Ultra 16 will likely suffice at a lower cost. However, if you require a more robust system for purposes such as 3D modeling, machine learning, gaming, or computing-intensive engineering tasks, and you value the ability to customize or upgrade components, the Framework Laptop 16 might justify the extra expense through superior performance and adaptability. Keep in mind that better performance often means shorter battery life, and while the Framework offers more power, it may also be heavier and less portable than the LG Ultra. 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 Ultra 16
Excellent battery life
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.2/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
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 Ultra 16 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its upgradable GPU, offers good gaming and 3D performance, and can be tailored over time for better results, while the LG Ultra 16’s decent GPU and screen refresh rate provide a fair gaming experience out of the box. Both laptops' CPUs and screen quality contribute positively to the overall experience, although they are less critical than the GPU and screen refresh rate for gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the LG Ultra 16 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 provides a balance of a strong CPU, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU, making it suitable for demanding engineering tasks, along with a high-quality screen for precise design work. Meanwhile, the LG Ultra 16 is also equipped for these purposes but prioritizes portability and lower operating noise, which may appeal to users who need to work on the go and in quiet environments.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
6.2/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
270.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the LG Ultra 16 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 excels in screen quality for general use and engineering due to its high resolution, brightness, and broad color gamut coverage, ensuring sharp, vivid, and accurate displays. However, it falls short for gaming and 3D because it lacks a high refresh rate, which is crucial for smooth motion rendering. Conversely, the LG Ultra 16 offers only fair screen quality across the board; while adequate for daily tasks, it neither impresses with exceptional color representation for professional design work nor provides the fluid gameplay experience that high refresh rates bring.
Battery
9.0 Hours
17.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The LG Ultra 16 has 17 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
3.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The LG Ultra 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability, though the LG Ultra 16 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
6.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the LG Ultra 16 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$1,000
$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 Ultra 16 costs $1,000.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the LG Ultra 16 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 excels with a high-quality CPU and RAM, ensuring smooth performance for demanding applications, and its superior screen adds to a premium visual experience, but it is less portable and has a shorter battery life compared to more travel-friendly options. In contrast, the LG Ultra 16, while still providing a decent CPU and ample RAM for everyday tasks, offers a balance between moderate screen quality, better portability, and longer battery life, making it suitable for on-the-go use without constant access to power.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
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 Ultra 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
7.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.7/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the LG Ultra 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 Ultra 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."
"Unlike the gram, the Ultra PC isn't designed to be as lightweight as possible. The 16-inch laptop is a whole 400 g (0.88 lb) heavier than its 16-inch gram counterpart partly because its chassis is not made of magnesium. Other than that, the Ultra PC seems like a copy of the gram – but with longer battery life, lower noise levels, and a clean, delicate look."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the LG Ultra 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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