If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that also offers decent performance and the unique ability to easily upgrade or replace parts, the Framework Laptop might be the right choice, keeping future repair costs potentially lower. On the other hand, if you need top-tier performance for gaming, 3D rendering, or intensive machine learning tasks and don't mind spending more, the Razer Blade 17 is designed for those purposes, although it's less portable and might have a shorter battery life compared to the Framework Laptop. 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)
Good portability
Good battery life
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Razer Blade 17
Excellent for engineering and design
Very good for gaming and AI
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
8.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
486.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.7/10
The Razer Blade 17 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use, though the Razer Blade 17 is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a balance with a capable CPU, ample RAM, and a high-quality screen, while being more portable and having a longer battery life, which is beneficial for users on the go or those without constant access to power outlets. The Razer Blade 17, while less portable due to its size and having a shorter battery life, provides robust performance with its high-end CPU and RAM, alongside a premium screen, making it suitable for demanding applications and multitasking for users who prioritize power over portability.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
8.6/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.2/10
The Razer Blade 17 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 has a less powerful GPU and a lower screen refresh rate than the Razer Blade 17, making it less ideal for high-end gaming and 3D applications where these factors are crucial. Meanwhile, the Razer Blade 17, with its superior GPU and higher refresh rate screen, excels in delivering smoother and more immersive gaming and 3D experiences.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
9.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Razer Blade 17 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good.
The Razer Blade 17 offers a higher-end CPU, RAM, and GPU, which translates to superior performance for demanding engineering tasks and ensures smoother graphics and faster processing, along with a high-quality screen that benefits design work. While the Framework Laptop 16 allows for customization and upgrades to its components, its out-of-the-box specifications are less powerful than the Razer; however, it offers better portability and a quieter operating noise, making it a more convenient option for on-the-go use and quieter environments.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
8.6/10
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
486.0 nits
The Razer Blade 17 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the Framework Laptop 16 and Razer Blade 17 provide vivid displays with sharp resolutions and ample brightness, ensuring comfortable viewing for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming. In engineering and design, their coverage of wide color gamuts ensures that professionals can count on accurate color representation for their projects. However, for gaming and 3D applications, their lower refresh rates mean they're less suited for fast-paced visuals where smooth motion and quick screen updates are critical.
Battery
9.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Razer Blade 17 has 5.5 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
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
6.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the Razer Blade 17 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$4,300
$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 Razer Blade 17 costs $4,300.
The Razer Blade 17 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
8.0/10
8.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Razer Blade 17 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.
Build Quality
8.0/10
8.5/10
The Razer Blade 17 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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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Razer Blade 17 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."
"Our test configuration of the Blade 17 targets gamers and creative professionals. A Core i9-12900H processor, GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU (175 watts TGP after the BIOS update, 16 GB of VRAM), and 32 GB of working memory equip the laptop for video processing, rending, and 4k gaming at the highest level. In addition, a fast PCIe-4 SSD (1 TB) ensures short load and storage times. With the Blade 17 (Early 2022), Razer delivers a successful and powerful work device for creative professionals. But this also has its price."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Razer Blade 17
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 Razer
Razer is an American-Singaporean technology company. Razer is best known for their Blade series laptops, well known for their strong performance and sleek design. Although Razer charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a stealthy laptop with clean fit and finish and strong performance. All of their models offer great portability and build quality compared to other gaming laptops.
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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