When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, consider that the Framework emphasizes repairability and customization, so if you value the ability to upgrade components over time, it's a strong choice. The Surface Laptop Studio, on the other hand, features a versatile design that can convert into a tablet and is well-suited for creative tasks that benefit from a touchscreen and stylus; however, its repairability and upgradability are limited. The Framework might have a slight edge in performance and the option for stronger components if you're willing to spend more, while the Surface may offer better on-the-go use with potentially more intuitive design for touch-centric applications. 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
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
7.4/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
491.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a powerful CPU and ample RAM ensuring smooth multitasking and high performance for various tasks, with a high-quality screen that enhances visual experience, but it might be less portable and have shorter battery life compared to lighter options. Meanwhile, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio also boasts good performance with a high-quality screen, though it may provide a balance with better portability and longer battery life, making it a versatile choice for those who move around frequently but still require a capable machine for general use.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is good.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its upgradable and customizable design, offers powerful CPU and GPU options along with ample RAM, making it well-suited for demanding engineering tasks and ensures sharp visuals with its high-quality screen. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio delivers a similarly robust CPU and GPU performance in a more versatile form factor with its unique hinge mechanism, albeit typically at a higher cost, while also providing a high-resolution touchscreen and high-quality input devices, which enhances design and engineering work where drawing or stylus input is of benefit.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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
7.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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
8.0/10
16.0in
SIZE
14.4in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
491.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio for general use, their high-resolution displays and brightness levels offer sharp, clear visuals which make them excellent for everyday tasks and media consumption. For engineering and design, both laptops provide wide color gamuts, ensuring accurate color representation which is essential for professionals who require precise color detailing in their work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, they fall short due to lower refresh rates, which means they won't render fast-moving images as smoothly as laptops designed with gaming in mind, which often boast higher refresh rates.
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a high screen refresh rate and a capable GPU, which are crucial for smooth gaming and 3D rendering, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio also provides a quality GPU and screen with a good refresh rate but may not match the Framework's overall performance for these specific tasks due to its hardware configuration. Both laptops have decent CPUs and screen quality, contributing to overall user experience, although these features are secondary to the GPU and refresh rate when it comes to gaming and 3D applications.
Battery
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.4in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
8.5/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$1,700
$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 Studio costs $1,700.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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."
"There’s no doubt that the Surface Laptop Studio is groundbreaking. We’ve come to expect such things from the Surface lineup, so it’s always nice to see a product that exceeds our expectations. The pull-forward laptop-screen concept has been tried before, but never in a device that’s so stylish and packed with innovative features like a haptic touchpad and robust digital stylus support."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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