The Framework Laptop 16 is a compelling choice for users who value customization, upgradability, and gaming performance, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is better suited for those prioritizing portability, battery life, and a sleek, integrated design. The Surface Laptop 7 also offers a competitive processor that rivals Intel and Apple silicon.
| Attribute | Framework Laptop 16 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Framework Laptop 16 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 |
| Screen Size | 16 inches | Available in 13.8-inch and 15-inch models |
| Screen Resolution | 2560 x 1600 (QHD+) | 13.8-inch: 2304 x 1536 (201 PPI), 15-inch: 2496 x 1664 (201 PPI) |
| Processor (CPU) | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS or Ryzen 9 7940HS | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (10-core) or Snapdragon X Elite (12-core). The 15-inch model comes with the Snapdragon X Elite |
| RAM (Memory) | Up to 64GB DDR5-5600 | 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB LPDDR5x |
| Storage Capacity | Up to 6TB NVMe M.2 | 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB SSD (Gen 4) |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | AMD Radeon RX 7700S (optional module). Integrated Radeon 780M graphics when the discrete GPU module is not installed. | Qualcomm Adreno integrated GPU |
| Battery Life (in hours) | Around 5.5 hours in tests. Approximately 8 hours and 49 minutes in a web browsing test. | 13.8-inch: Up to 20 hours of video playback, 15-inch: Up to 22 hours of video playback, Up to 13 hours of battery life based on web browsing test on Surface Laptop 13.8 inch, Up to 15 hours of battery life based on based web browsing test on Surface Laptop 15 inch, It can last up to 11.5 hours with typical use |
| Weight (in pounds) | 5.3 pounds with the GPU module, 4.63 pounds with the expansion bay shell | 13.8-inch: 2.96 lbs (1.34 kg), 15-inch: 3.67 lbs (1.66 kg) |
| Number of USB Ports | 6 customizable slots that support USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader via expansion cards. An additional USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode is present on the rear of the GPU module. | 2 x USB-C 4/Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-A |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Modularity/Upgradability | Highly modular with swappable ports, keyboard, touchpad, and GPU module | The RAM is not upgradable. The SSD storage is removable |
| Price | Starting at $1,399 (DIY) or $1,699 (prebuilt) | 13.8-inch: Starts at $1,000, 15-inch: Starts at $1,299 |
| Pros | Highly modular with swappable ports, keyboard, touchpad, and GPU module, Easy upgrades and repairs with socketed memory and storage, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and 500 nits brightness, Effective cooling system with dual fans and three heatpipes | The Snapdragon X Elite processor proves to be a worthy rival to Intel's Core Ultra and Apple's M3 CPUs, The display's out-of-the-box accuracy is excellent, The haptic touchpad is a joy to use, superbly reactive, and virtually silent, The device also ran pretty cool, with fans only spinning up during benchmark tests, and that “even at full speed, they're not unbearable”, Lightweight |
| Cons | Battery life can vary significantly based on usage and configuration, Fan can get loud during gaming, Design feels unpolished in places | Keys have shallow travel but a firm response, RAM is not upgradable |