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Updated March 22, 2024·
When advising on laptops, it's important to consider how you'll use it. The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) offers high performance suited for demanding tasks like engineering and gaming, and allows for customization and repairs, but it comes with a higher price and is less portable. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, on the other hand, is more affordable, lightweight, and offers sufficient power for general use like web browsing and document editing, while sacrificing top-tier performance and screen size. If portability and saving money are priorities and your tasks aren't too demanding, the Surface Laptop Go 2 might serve you well; if performance and upgradeability are crucial and you're okay with a higher cost and less portability, the Framework Laptop would be the better choice. 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
- Excellent portability
Key differences
General Use
8.0
7.0
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a robust CPU and ample RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications, along with a high-quality screen, but its larger size and potentially shorter battery life may compromise its ease of carrying compared to the more compact and longer-lasting Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, which offers adequate performance for everyday tasks and enjoys greater portability, although with possibly less screen real estate and lower performance ceiling. Both laptops have sufficient storage and decent keyboard and speaker quality, but the Framework's flexibility might be advantageous for those prioritizing upgrades and repairs.
Gaming and AI
6.8
6.0
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16 comes with a dedicated GPU which supports better gaming and 3D performance, whereas the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has integrated graphics, which may not handle intensive graphics tasks as well. Moreover, the Framework Laptop likely has a higher screen refresh rate, enhancing smooth visuals during gaming and 3D applications, while the Surface Laptop Go 2's lower refresh rate could result in less fluid motion.
Engineering and Design
8.1
6.5
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 boasts a more powerful CPU, larger RAM capacity, and a higher-quality GPU, which are crucial for engineering and design software, coupled with a superior screen that enhances visual clarity for detailed work. Whereas the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 offers increased portability and a more compact form factor but at the expense of reduced performance and screen size, making it less suitable for demanding engineering tasks.
Content Creation
8.1
7.1
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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
7.0
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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.
Screen Quality
8.4
6.9
16.0in
SIZE
12.4in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Framework Laptop 16 offers a higher resolution display and superior brightness and panel technology, which results in crisper and more vivid images compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2. In engineering and design tasks, the Framework Laptop 16 has a display with a broader color spectrum, covering larger DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB color spaces, essential for accurate color representation, giving it an edge over the Surface Laptop Go 2. However, for Gaming and 3D applications, the Framework Laptop 16 falls short due to a lower refresh rate, which can affect the smoothness of motion on-screen, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 also doesn't excel in this area due to its similar limitations.
Portability
Good
Excellent
16.0in
SIZE
12.4in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has excellent portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$565
$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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 costs $565.
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Key similarities
Battery
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has 8 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
7.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 16 (2023) | Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,699 | $565 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | June 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | 11'' x 8.1'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 2.48 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.04" | 10.95" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.63" | 8.12" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | Intel i5-1135G7 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 128 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 85 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 12.4" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1536 x 1024 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 490 nits | 401 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.4/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"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."
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | August 2022
"The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 review is a compact companion with old hardware. The Surface Laptop Go 2 shows some weaknesses. Microsoft didn't really develop the second generation of the Surface Laptop Go 2 any further but has only equipped it with a slightly more powerful Core i5 processor. However, the performance still remains at a fairly low level overall, but for many users, it definitely should still be sufficient for everyday tasks."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
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 Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
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Why trust us
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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