Featuring interchangeable components such as the keyboard, ports, and graphics card, this machine stands out for its uniqueness
Framework returns with its latest and most ambitious device yet, the Laptop 16. This highly modular and upgradeable 16-inch machine can quickly transform in both layout and power, setting it apart from anything else on the market.
With hot-swappable components, the laptop offers endless customization options. It can effortlessly shift from a fast and quiet workhorse during the day to an LED-lit gaming PC at night.
Starting at £1,399 (€1,579/$1,399/A$2,319), the 16-inch machine builds upon the success of its smaller sibling, the Laptop 13. Nearly every component in the laptop can be easily removed and replaced to varying degrees.
The Laptop 16 features the same impressive port expansion system as its counterpart, allowing you to easily attach up to six small cards. These cards can provide a variety of ports, card readers, or expandable storage options along the sides of the machine. Most cards are priced at less than £20, making it affordable to keep a collection for different tasks and swap them in and out as needed.
Furthermore, the keyboard, number pad, trackpad, LED modules, and spacers effortlessly snap into place via magnets on the top deck. This tool-free design allows you to position the trackpad or keyboard on the left, right, or center, add a separate number or macro pad on either side, or quickly swap out the keyboard for another language or layout in seconds, even while the laptop is running.
Opening up the Framework laptop reveals its components, such as memory, storage, and wireless cards, which can be easily removed with just a single screwdriver. This allows users to expand the storage or RAM themselves, or even upgrade components, which is not possible with many other laptops where parts are soldered in place.
The standout feature of the Framework laptop is its large expansion module that protrudes from the back behind the screen. This module allows for more powerful upgrades, such as one containing an AMD Radeon RX 7700S discrete graphics card.
When the machine is powered off, these modules can be easily inserted and removed, secured by a couple of screws under the keyboard. This process takes only a few minutes and can significantly boost the laptop’s power or reduce its size and weight as needed.
Currently, there are only two module options available: the AMD graphics card or a smaller default module with fans for cooling. However, Framework has opened the system to third-party developers to create alternative expansion modules beyond just graphics cards. Additionally, the company intends to offer graphics upgrades in the future, similar to the processor upgrades available for the Laptop 13.
In use
The Framework is not only innovative but also performs well in everyday use. The backlit chiclet-style keyboard offers a satisfying 1.5mm key travel, which holds up well during fast typing. While its frame is more flexible than a standard laptop, it doesn’t feel mushy when typing. The trackpad is large, smooth, and accurate.
The laptop’s LCD screen boasts a QHD resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, providing a pleasant viewing experience. However, it lacks HDR support and doesn’t quite match the quality of miniLED or OLED screens found in high-end competitors.
The speakers are decent, offering sufficient volume for general use, but they’re not as impressive as those found in Apple, Dell, or Razer laptops. The fingerprint sensor in the power button works excellently. Additionally, the 1080p webcam and microphones are reliable for video calls, and they feature switches at the top of the screen for added privacy when not in use.
Specifications
Screen: 16-inch LCD with a resolution of 2560×1600 (189PPI) and a refresh rate of 165Hz
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 (7840HS) or 9 (7940HS)
RAM: 16GB, 32GB, or up to 64GB
Storage: 250GB to 4TB or more
Graphics: AMD Radeon 780M or RX 7700S (8GB)
Operating System: Windows 11
Camera: 1080p
Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 6x hot-swappable ports, fingerprint reader
Dimensions: 356.6 x 270 x 18mm or 356.6 x 290.2 x 21mm
Weight: 2.1kg or 2.4kg
Impressive performance, but reliant on being connected to power
The Laptop 16 offers a choice between AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 series processors, both paired with Radeon 780M integrated graphics, which is a powerful combination even without the discrete graphics card module. Framework offers the machine in pre-built configurations with ample storage options and either 16GB or 32GB of RAM, but it can support up to 64GB if you choose to upgrade yourself.
In our testing with Windows 11, the “overkill” prebuilt model of the Laptop 16, equipped with the Ryzen 9 (7940HS) chip, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, performs exceptionally well. Whether with or without the RX 7700S expansion module installed, the laptop remains cool and virtually silent during tasks like word processing, browsing, photo editing, or video calls.
During high-end gaming, the fans can become very loud, which is typical for such intensive tasks, but this does mean that headphones will be necessary to hear the audio clearly.
Regarding performance, the Ryzen 9 chip competes with some of the fastest machines available and boasts impressive integrated graphics. The RX 7700S can handle high graphics settings in most games at 1080p resolution, but it struggles with ray tracing and maintaining frame rates above double figures. Consequently, it only matches the performance of Nvidia’s more affordable chips. While the AMD card is certainly capable enough for creative work like photo or video editing, if gaming is your primary focus, you can find more value for your money with other options.
The major limitation is that the highest performance is only achievable when the laptop is plugged in, with performance decreasing by up to 70% on battery power, depending on the metric used. This limitation is similar to other PCs but differs from Apple’s latest Mac laptops.
The battery life of the Laptop 16 is relatively short compared to the top-performing 16-inch laptops, but it aligns with most gaming PCs, offering under three hours of gaming, approximately six hours of office work with the graphics module installed, or closer to eight hours without it.
Sustainability
Framework guarantees that the battery will retain at least 80% of its original capacity for a minimum of 1,000 full charge cycles. The battery, along with all other components such as RAM and SSD, can be easily replaced. The laptop received a repairability score of 10 out of 10 from the specialists at iFixit.
Framework offers replacement parts and upgrades through its marketplace, and also supports third-party parts. Most components of the laptop are made from recycled aluminum, magnesium, and plastic.
Price
The DIY versions of the Framework Laptop 16 begin at £1,399 (€1,579/$1,399/A$2,319) and do not include RAM, storage, ports, or software. Pre-built models start at £1,699 (€1,919/$1,699/A$2,819). The optional AMD Radeon RX7700S graphics expansion bay module is priced at £400 (€450/$400/A$660).
For comparison, the Laptop 13 starts at £1,049, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 starts at £2,069, the Dell XPS 15 starts at £1,499, the Razer Blade 16 starts at £2,700, and the Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at £2,599.
Verdict
The Framework Laptop 16 represents the pinnacle of upgradeable, modular, large-screen notebook PCs. It provides unmatched flexibility and is a dream for tech enthusiasts.
The fundamental design is robust, striking a balance in thickness and weight for its size. The screen quality is commendable, the speakers are functional, and both the trackpad and keyboard modules are well-designed. The ability to swap ports, keyboards, trackpads, and other modules within seconds, without needing technical expertise, is remarkable. Additionally, the large expansion slot at the back holds significant potential.
The base laptop’s performance is impressive; however, the currently available AMD Radeon RX 7700S graphics card may be somewhat underwhelming. While not a poor GPU, it only competes with lower-end models, making the Framework laptop less ideal as a gaming PC. There are certainly faster traditional gaming laptops available for a lower price.
This pricing issue is the main drawback of the Framework laptop. Without considering its modular, repairable design, it seems overpriced for its current power and features. This aspect makes it less of an immediate recommendation compared to its smaller 13-inch counterpart. Nonetheless, the Laptop 16 remains a remarkable achievement and stands out as a unique offering in the market.
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