A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 22, 2024·
Considering your options, if price is a major factor for you, the Framework Laptop would be a wise choice, as it offers a balance between cost and performance. On the other hand, the Surface Laptop Studio 2, while more expensive, presents unique features such as a versatile form factor for creative tasks and a touch screen. If you're into design or prefer a laptop that can double as a tablet, the extra cost might be justified. However, if your work is more traditional and doesn't require these features, the Framework Laptop offers a solid performance-to-price ratio. Keep in mind, the Framework Laptop also promotes easy upgrades and repairs, potentially offering a longer lifespan. Consider your specific needs and whether the additional features of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 are essential 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 overall display quality
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
- Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8
7.7
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.7/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, featuring a more robust GPU and higher screen refresh rate, surpasses the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) in gaming and 3D applications, providing smoother visuals and more responsive gameplay. While the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a capable CPU and good screen quality, its gaming performance is limited when compared to the Surface Laptop Studio 2, which prioritizes superior graphics handling essential for gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.1
8.7
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design, though the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16 is designed with modularity in mind, allowing for easier upgrades to CPU, RAM, and storage, which benefits long-term engineering use, while its GPU is adequate for many tasks; however, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, with its higher-end GPU, excels in screen quality for design tasks, making it a strong choice for engineering and graphics-intensive applications. Both offer high-resolution displays, but the Surface Laptop's unique form factor may make it less portable despite having a keyboard and speakers that are great for presentations and multimedia use.
Screen Quality
8.4
7.9
16.0in
SIZE
14.4in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
503.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 both offer displays with high resolution and brightness suitable for everyday tasks and detailed engineering work, ensuring crisp text and vibrant visuals. Their screens cover wide color gamuts, crucial for accurate color representation in engineering and design, allowing professionals to work with a true-to-life palette. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops lack high-refresh-rate displays, which are essential for smooth motion rendering, and this deficiency can hinder the gaming experience and the fluidity of 3D animations.
Cost
$1,699
$3,300
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 costs $3,300.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
8.3
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
503.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 16 is a solid general-use option as it offers high-quality CPU and RAM configurations for smooth performance, a high-resolution screen for clear visuals, and the unique aspect of easy upgradability, especially in terms of storage and RAM. In contrast, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 also offers excellent CPU and RAM capabilities, a high-quality touchscreen, and a versatile form factor for different modes of use, but it can be heavier and have shorter battery life compared to the Framework, affecting its portability.
Content Creation
8.1
8.4
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for content creation.
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
8.2
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for software development.
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.
Battery
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.4in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.4 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 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.
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How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 16 (2023) | Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,699 | $3,300 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | September 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | 12.7'' x 9.1'' x 0.86'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 4.41 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.04" | 12.72" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.63" | 9.06" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | Intel i7-13700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 64 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 85 Wh | 58 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 14.4" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2400 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 490 nits | 503 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 | |
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 | 6.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
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 Studio 2
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | March 2022
"The new Surface Laptop Studio with its foldable display is supposed to replace the old Surface Book and the overall impression is good after our review. The build quality and the materials are top-notch, the performance utilization of the two components is solid and the device does not show any major flaws in terms of display or speakers, either. The folding mechanism leaves a sold impression as well, but it remains to be seen how it will hold up over the years. The so-called presentation mode is also not ideal since it covers the whole keyboard."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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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