The Framework Laptop 16 is ideal for users who value customization, repairability, and modularity, while the Dell XPS 15 (2025) is better suited for those seeking a premium, high-performance laptop with a sleek design and excellent display options. The choice depends on whether the user prioritizes flexibility and repairability or a more polished, out-of-the-box experience.
| Attribute | Framework Laptop 16 | Dell XPS 15 (2025 Model) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size and Resolution | 16-inch display with a resolution of 2560x1600 (16:10 aspect ratio) | 15.6-inch display with options for FHD+ (1920 x 1200) non-touch, 3.5K (3456 x 2160) OLED touch, or 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels). 15.6" OLED 3.5K (3456x2160) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 400-Nit Display. |
| Processor (CPU) | AMD Ryzen 7040 Series processors (e.g., Ryzen 7 7840HS or Ryzen 9 7940HS) | Up to 13th Generation Intel Core i9 processors. 13th Generation Intel Core i7-13620H (10-core, up to 4.9 GHz). 13th Generation Intel Core i7-13700H Processor (24MB Cache, up to 5.0 GHz, 14 cores). |
| RAM (Memory) | Up to 64GB DDR5-5600 | 32GB DDR5 at 4800 MHz (upgradeable to 64GB). Configurations go up to 64GB DDR5 RAM. |
| Storage | Up to 8TB NVMe Gen4 SSD | 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD (expandable). Up to 4TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | Options for integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics or discrete AMD Radeon RX 7700S graphics with 8GB GDDR6 memory | Options from Intel Iris Xe to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 with dedicated memory. |
| Battery Life (Typical Usage) | Up to 8 hours of typical usage (web browsing, document editing) | Up to 18 hours of battery life on FHD+ model. FHD+ model consistently delivers between 10-12 hours of real-world use for productivity tasks. OLED display, expect a notable decrease in battery longevity typically around 6-8 hours for similar workloads. |
| Weight | Starting at 4.76 lbs (2.16 kg) | 4.21 pounds (1.92 kg). Starting weight: 4.21lbs. (1.86kg) for FHD+. |
| Port Selection | Features expansion bay system allowing for customizable port selection including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and more | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports with Power Delivery. 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port with DisplayPort and Power Delivery. Offers a thoughtfully curated selection of ports that balances the thin profile with practical connectivity. |
| Keyboard | Offers a customizable keyboard with options for different layouts and key switches; key travel is around 1.5mm | Keys have a satisfying 1.3mm travel distance that provides tactile feedback without being too loud. Keyboard is among the best I've used on a Windows laptop. |
| Trackpad | Large trackpad with precise tracking and multi-finger gesture support | Large, smooth, and precise, rivaling even Apple's gold-standard trackpads. Windows Precision drivers ensure excellent gesture support, and the glass surface provides just the right amount of resistance for accurate tracking. |
| Operating System | Supports Windows 11 and Linux distributions | (Dell Technologies recommends Windows 11 Pro for business) |
| Webcam | Webcam performance may degrade in low-light conditions, with increased noise and reduced clarity | 720p at 30 fps, HD camera. Intelligent webcam and audio reduce background noise and show crisp detail even in low light. AI-powered features keep you in focus, conceals or softens your background and adjusts your gaze to help you maintain eye contact. |
| Cooling | Cooling system effectively prevents thermal throttling under sustained loads | During typical productivity tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video calls, the laptop remains cool and quiet. When pushing the system with demanding workloads like video rendering or gaming, the cooling system becomes more apparent. The dual fans spin up to audible levels. Under sustained heavy workloads, I did notice some thermal throttling, which is expected in a slim form factor with this much power. Dell's thermal management system does a commendable job of balancing performance and temperatures. |
| Speaker Quality | Not available | Laptop features high-quality speakers tuned by Waves Max audio delivering clear and immersive sound. |
| RAM and Storage Upgrade | RAM and storage are easily accessible and upgradable | Yes! The XPS 15 allows for both RAM and SSD upgrades. The laptop supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM (two slots) and has two M.2 slots for SSDs. |
| Color Accuracy and Brightness | Excellent color accuracy, covering 100% of the sRGB color gamut and a significant portion of the DCI-P3 gamut. Brightness typically reaches around 400-500 nits, suitable for most indoor environments | OLED panel delivers incredible contrast with true blacks and vibrant colors that make everything from movies to photos pop with life-like accuracy. With 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, this display is a content creator's dream. |
| Price | Starting at $1699 (USD) for base configurations. | Starts at around $1,699 for the base configuration. Top-end configuration with i9 processor, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD, and RTX 4070 graphics approaches $3,000. |
| Pros | ["Modular design is robust for daily use", "Modules stay securely in place", "Excellent color accuracy, covering 100% of the sRGB color gamut and a significant portion of the DCI-P3 gamut", "Brightness typically reaches around 400-500 nits, suitable for most indoor environments", "Keyboard is designed for comfortable typing, with a key travel of approximately 1.5mm", "Customizable keyboard options", "Cooling system effectively prevents thermal throttling under sustained loads", "RAM and storage are easily accessible and upgradable", "Trackpad is large and responsive, offering precise tracking and support for multi-finger gestures"] | ["High-quality speakers", "Excellent trackpad", "Upgradeable RAM and SSD", "Excellent keyboard"] |
| Cons | ["Travel is manageable, though users should be mindful of the added weight with certain module configurations", "Webcam performance may degrade in low-light conditions, with increased noise and reduced clarity"] | ["Thermal throttling under sustained heavy workloads", "Reduced battery life with OLED display"] |