When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s, consider that the Framework Laptop offers higher performance suitable for demanding tasks like 3D modeling and video editing, and its design is focused on repairability and upgrades. However, it's more expensive and might be bulkier than the ThinkBook. On the other hand, the ThinkBook 13s is more affordable, lighter, and better for everyday tasks like web browsing and office work. If portability and budget are your primary concerns, the ThinkBook may suit you well, but if you need a powerful, future-proof device, the Framework would be the better investment. 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 Lenovo ThinkBook 13s
Excellent portability
Key differences
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s is good.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its high-quality CPU, ample RAM, and dedicated GPU, excels in demanding engineering applications and design work, offering a robust performance especially on its superior screen quality. While the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s also provides solid CPU and RAM capabilities, it is more portable and slightly quieter in operation, making it a convenient choice for engineers and designers who value mobility as well as a comfortable typing and auditory experience during less graphically intense tasks.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
7.2/10
16.0in
SIZE
13.3in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
336.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Framework Laptop 16 excels with a high-resolution display and vibrant image quality, suitable for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming, while the ThinkBook 13s also offers a satisfactory visual experience despite a possibly lower resolution and brightness. In the realm of engineering and design, the Framework's superior color coverage, capturing more of the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB spectrums, provides accuracy crucial for professionals working with visual content, yet the ThinkBook still maintains fidelity that meets most design needs. But for gaming and 3D work where smooth motion is key, both laptops fall short due to lower refresh rates compared to models designed specifically for these purposes, which could hinder the experience in fast-paced games or dynamic 3D modeling.
Portability
Good
Excellent
16.0in
SIZE
13.3in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s has excellent portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$1,000
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s costs $1,000.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a more powerful CPU and additional RAM, enhancing its performance for demanding tasks and multitasking, with a higher quality screen suitable for detailed visual work, though it may be heavier and have a shorter battery life compared to the smaller Lenovo ThinkBook 13s, which is lighter and more portable with sufficient performance for everyday tasks, along with a longer-lasting battery, making it preferable for users on the go. Both laptops provide ample storage and decent keyboard and speaker quality, while maintaining low operating noise and effective heat management.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.4/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Lenovo ThinkBook 13s are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 16 has a dedicated GPU and a high screen refresh rate, which can handle most gaming and 3D tasks well, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s, with a typically lower-end GPU and standard refresh rate, is less suited for demanding graphics tasks but can handle casual gaming and basic 3D work. Both laptops have decent CPUs and screen quality, which contribute to their overall fair performance in these areas, but the superior graphics capabilities of the Framework Laptop 16 give it an edge for graphics-intensive applications.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for content creation, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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
7.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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.
Battery
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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
7.6/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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 Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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."
"The best thing about the ThinkBook 13S is that it’s a good deal. Business buyers looking for ThinkPad-level performance and software without ThinkPad pricing will probably find the ThinkBook a solid option. While nothing about it is really spectacular, it’s certainly unusual to see the ThinkBook’s screen resolution at a sub-$1,000 price, and its performance will be more than adequate for most office tasks. The generous port selection, 16:10 aspect ratio, physical webcam shutter, and clear audio are certainly icing on the cake."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s
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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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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