Framework Laptop 16 Review: A Powerful, Customizable Upgrade Over the Framework Laptop 15
The rise of the “repairable” and “customizable” laptop market has been a game-changer for tech enthusiasts, eco-conscious users, and professionals alike. Framework has positioned itself at the forefront of this movement, offering laptops that not only prioritize performance but also feature a modular design that allows users to upgrade, replace, and repair their devices without hassle. After the success of the Framework Laptop 13 and Laptop 15, the company has now introduced the Framework Laptop 16, an upgrade that promises even more power, flexibility, and performance. But how does it compare to its predecessor, the Framework Laptop 15? Let’s dive in and take a closer look.
Design and Build Quality: A Refined Approach
When it comes to design, the Framework Laptop 16 follows the same philosophy as its predecessor, offering a minimalist, sleek, and professional look. The chassis is built from recycled aluminum, giving it a premium feel while also being lightweight. The matte finish helps resist fingerprints, keeping the laptop looking clean even with regular use.
The standout feature of Framework laptops, including the 16-inch model, is the modular design. The Laptop 16 continues the tradition of easy-to-upgrade parts, allowing users to swap out components like RAM, storage, and even ports. This means users can easily adapt the laptop to their needs over time, a feature that differentiates the Framework brand from most traditional laptops.
In comparison, the Framework Laptop 15 shares many similarities in design, but the 16-inch model ups the ante slightly by offering a larger screen, a more spacious keyboard layout, and a larger overall footprint. The additional screen real estate, combined with a more robust cooling system, means the Laptop 16 can support heavier workloads without compromising thermal performance.
Display: Bigger, Brighter, and Sharper
The display is one of the most noticeable upgrades in the Framework Laptop 16. With a 16-inch screen, the Laptop 16 offers more screen space than the 15-inch variant, which is especially useful for multitasking, video editing, or gaming. The 16-inch display offers a 2560 x 1600 resolution, which provides a crisp, sharp image that looks great whether you’re working on detailed graphics, watching high-definition videos, or gaming.
The Framework Laptop 15, by contrast, features a 1920 x 1200 resolution on its 15-inch screen. While this resolution is still quite good, it falls behind the Laptop 16 in terms of pixel density and clarity. The additional screen size of the Laptop 16 is also an improvement for those who prioritize productivity, as it allows for more windows to be open simultaneously, and the higher resolution provides a sharper experience.
Both displays offer 100% sRGB color accuracy, making them ideal for creative professionals who need precise color reproduction. The brightness levels are also impressive, with the Laptop 16 reaching up to 500 nits, making it suitable for outdoor use or bright environments. On the other hand, the Laptop 15 offers a solid 400 nits, which is still impressive but doesn’t quite match the intensity of the newer model.
Performance: A Clear Step Up
Under the hood, the Framework Laptop 16 boasts more powerful hardware options than its predecessor. The Laptop 16 is available with Intel’s latest 12th Gen Core i7 and Core i9 processors, offering significant performance gains compared to the 11th Gen chips in the Laptop 15. The Core i7 and Core i9 processors in the Laptop 16 are highly capable and can handle demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, and gaming with ease.
The Laptop 15, while still powerful, uses Intel’s 11th Gen Core i5 and Core i7 processors. These chips are still efficient and capable, but the 12th Gen processors in the Laptop 16 deliver superior performance in both single-core and multi-core tasks. This makes the Laptop 16 a better choice for users who need maximum performance for professional workloads, such as content creators and developers.
Both laptops are equipped with 16GB to 64GB of RAM, but the Laptop 16 features faster DDR5 RAM, which provides better memory performance, especially when dealing with memory-intensive applications. The Laptop 15 uses DDR4 RAM, which is still fast but not quite as advanced as the new DDR5 technology.
For storage, both models come with NVMe SSDs, with options ranging from 512GB to 2TB. However, the Laptop 16 comes with PCIe Gen 4 storage options, delivering faster read/write speeds compared to the PCIe Gen 3 storage options available in the Laptop 15.
Battery Life: Close But No Cigar
In terms of battery life, both the Framework Laptop 16 and Laptop 15 are quite impressive, offering solid longevity for everyday use. The Laptop 16 is equipped with a 61Wh battery, which Framework claims can provide up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge. However, the higher-end specifications and larger display may result in slightly reduced battery performance during heavy workloads.
The Framework Laptop 15, on the other hand, has a 55Wh battery, and while its battery life is also rated for up to 10 hours, users may notice that its smaller screen and slightly lower processing power allow for more efficient power consumption.
Both laptops are designed to be energy-efficient, thanks to their low-power components and intelligent power management, but users should expect the Laptop 16 to drain the battery a bit faster if running intensive applications due to its larger screen and more powerful internals.
Ports and Customizability: The Modular Advantage
One of the defining features of the Framework Laptop series is its modularity, and the Laptop 16 takes this to the next level. The larger chassis of the Laptop 16 allows for additional port options compared to the Laptop 15. You can swap out and customize the ports to suit your needs, whether you need more USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort connectors. This level of flexibility is unparalleled by traditional laptops, and it ensures that your device can evolve as your needs change.
The Framework Laptop 15 offers the same modular design, but due to its slightly smaller form factor, it doesn’t have quite the same amount of room for additional port options. However, it still provides a healthy selection of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and an SD card slot.
Both models also allow you to upgrade the RAM, storage, and other internal components, which is a huge advantage for users who want to extend the lifespan of their laptop without being locked into proprietary upgrade paths.
Price and Value for Money
Price-wise, the Framework Laptop 16 starts at a higher price point compared to the Laptop 15, as it offers more advanced components, a larger screen, and better performance. However, both laptops offer excellent value for money when considering the long-term benefits of their modularity. Users who prioritize sustainability and the ability to upgrade their devices will find both laptops to be an attractive investment.
The Framework Laptop 15, being the predecessor, is slightly more affordable but still offers excellent value for users who don’t need the absolute latest hardware and prefer a smaller, more compact device.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Framework Laptop 16 and Framework Laptop 15 offer impressive performance and modularity that set them apart from the competition. However, if you’re looking for the latest technology, more screen real estate, and superior performance, the Framework Laptop 16 is the clear winner. The larger display, improved processing power, faster RAM, and superior cooling system make it the ideal choice for professionals and power users who demand more from their laptop.
On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 15 remains a solid choice for users who don’t need the latest and greatest but still want a highly customizable and sustainable laptop. The Laptop 15 is more compact and slightly less expensive, making it a great option for users who prioritize portability and value for money.
In the end, your choice will depend on your needs and budget, but both models provide exceptional quality and flexibility, making them excellent choices for anyone looking for a modern, sustainable laptop.
