If you prioritize performance for tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, or gaming, and you're willing to invest more, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) offers robust capabilities and is customizable, but it's heavier and less portable. However, for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light media consumption, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is more affordable, lighter, and offers adequate performance, though it may not handle intensive applications as well and typically has less upgrade potential. Your choice should align with your primary use and whether portability or power takes precedence for you. 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 3
Excellent portability
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
7.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
337.0 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 3 is good.
While both the Framework Laptop 16 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are sufficient for general use, the Framework's superior CPU and RAM enhance multitasking and demanding applications, alongside a higher quality screen for a more vibrant visual experience; however, the Surface Laptop Go 3, with its compact design, offers greater portability and typically longer battery life, making it a convenient choice for on-the-go users who prioritize lightweight devices and extended use away from power outlets. The Framework may also have more storage options and better thermal management due to its larger form factor, which benefits performance but affects portability, whereas the Surface Laptop Go 3, being smaller, might have constraints in these areas but will be easier to carry and use in tight spaces.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.1/10
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 3 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its likely more powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate, will offer a smoother and more detailed gaming and 3D experience compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, which may have a less capable GPU and a lower refresh rate, reducing its ability to handle fast-paced scenes effectively. Although the CPU and screen quality also contribute to performance and visuals, the differences in GPU and refresh rate are more significant for gaming and 3D applications, making the Framework the better option for those areas even though both are only fair performers.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
6.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
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 3 is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers powerful CPU, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU, which are essential for demanding engineering and design tasks, along with a high-quality screen that benefits visual work, but it is less portable. The Surface Laptop Go 3, while more portable with a reasonable keyboard and speakers, has a less powerful CPU, less RAM, and relies on integrated graphics, which makes it less suited for intensive engineering tasks despite its good screen quality.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
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 3 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
7.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
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 3 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
8.4/10
6.8/10
16.0in
SIZE
12.4in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
337.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 would provide clear and vivid images due to its high resolution and brightness, making it suitable for general use and detailed work such as engineering, while its expansive color gamut coverage benefits precision in design tasks. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, offering respectable resolution and brightness, performs well for everyday activities and can sustain decent visual accuracy in design-related fields, although it might not be as color-rich as the Framework. However, for gaming or 3D applications, both laptops fall short due to lower refresh rates, which are crucial for smooth visuals in fast-paced environments.
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 3 has excellent portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$789
$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 3 costs $789.
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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
8.0/10
7.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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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How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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."
"When it comes to affordably priced laptops, the numbers after the dollar sign are crucially important—more so than in any other price category. By increasing the starting price of its Laptop Go line by $200 and not changing much else, Microsoft irrevocably altered the calculus surrounding the decision of whether to buy the Surface Laptop Go 3. Sure, it has a newer processor and longer battery life, but don’t think for a second you’re not paying dearly for that extra RAM and SSD capacity at that new price."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
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.
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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