Framework Laptop 16 Review: 8.5/10 - Modular Repairability Redefined
We may earn a commission from links on this page Learn more
At no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases; we also participate in the eBay Partner Network (EPN). See our full disclosure.
At a Glance
The Framework Laptop 16 is not just a laptop - it's a statement about the right to repair and the environmental cost of disposable electronics.
Prices last checked June 2026
Overview
The Framework Laptop 16 is the world’s first fully modular, repairable, and upgradeable 16-inch high-performance laptop. Starting at $1,399 (DIY Edition) or $1,649 (Pre-built), it combines AMD Ryzen 7040 series performance with fully user-swappable components - RAM, storage, keyboard, trackpad, bezels, expansion cards, and even the GPU module. It’s a bold statement in a market of sealed, disposable machines.
Design & Build
The Framework 16 has an industrial, utilitarian aesthetic that prioritizes function over fashion. The aluminum top cover and bottom enclosure feel solid, though the modular design introduces slightly more panel gaps than a unibody MacBook. At 4.85 pounds (2.2 kg) and 0.87 inches thick, it’s heavier than comparable gaming or workstation laptops, but the trade-off in repairability is the whole point. The Input Module system lets users swap between different keyboards, trackpads, blank panels, or even a numpad - all without tools.
Performance
The AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.1 GHz) is a powerhouse, scoring approximately 2,600 single-core and 13,500 multi-core in Geekbench 6. The integrated Radeon 780M graphics are the best iGPU on the market (roughly GTX 1650 level), capable of 1080p gaming at Medium-High settings. The Expansion Bay module can accept an AMD Radeon RX 7700S dGPU (upgradeable in future generations), delivering solid 1440p gaming performance. CPU thermals are managed by a user-cleanable fan module.
Display
The 16-inch QHD+ (2560x1600) IPS panel runs at a smooth 165Hz with FreeSync Premium support. It covers 100% sRGB and approximately 99% DCI-P3, with 500 nits brightness. It’s a very good display for gaming and creative work, though the bezels are thicker than premium competition and there’s no OLED option available. The 16:10 aspect ratio is well-suited for productivity and content creation.
Battery Life
The large 85Wh battery delivers 8-10 hours of mixed productivity use and 5-7 hours under gaming loads. The Ryzen processor sips power efficiently during light tasks but draws heavily when gaming. The 180W GaN USB-C charger is compact and supports fast charging. Battery replacement takes seconds with a single screw.
Upgradability & Repairability
This is the Framework’s reason for being. Everything is user-serviceable:
- RAM: 2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots (up to 64GB)
- Storage: 2x M.2 NVMe slots (up to 8TB)
- Battery: Tool-less removable
- Keyboard/Trackpad: Hot-swappable Input Modules
- Display bezel: Changeable colors
- Expansion Cards: 4 hot-swappable USB-C modules
Keyboard & Trackpad
The standard keyboard module features 1.5mm key travel with a mechanical-like tactile feel - very good for a thin laptop. The Input Module system means you can swap layouts, install a numpad module, or configure a blank palmrest. The glass trackpad is smooth with Precision drivers, though placement is center-aligned which feels slightly left-heavy when using the numpad module.
Ports & Connectivity
The Expansion Card system is brilliant: 4 slots that can each be any of USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, 2.5Gb Ethernet, microSD, or 250GB/1TB storage modules. You configure exactly the ports you need, swap them anytime without tools. Wi-Fi 6E (user-upgradeable M.2 card) and Bluetooth 5.2 are standard.
Pros
- Fully modular, repairable, and upgradeable design
- Excellent Ryzen 7040 series performance
- Expansion Card system is genius for port flexibility
- User-swappable GPU module (future-proof)
- Good QHD+ 165Hz display
- SO-DIMM RAM and M.2 slots for user upgrades
Cons
- Heavier and thicker than competition
- Industrial design lacks the polish of premium ultrabooks
- No OLED display option
- Premium pricing, especially with GPU module
- Expansion Bay module sold separately
- Battery life trails M-series MacBooks
Verdict
The Framework Laptop 16 is not just a laptop - it’s a statement about the right to repair and the environmental cost of disposable electronics. It offers genuinely excellent AMD Ryzen performance, a good high-refresh display, and an ingenious modular design that lets you customize and upgrade every component. If you value repairability, sustainability, and the ability to upgrade your machine years from now, the Framework 16 is the only 16-inch laptop that delivers on that promise. It’s heavier and pricier than a comparable gaming or workstation laptop, but you’re paying for a future-proof platform that can evolve with you.
Sources
Where to Buy
Check current pricing on eBay or Amazon.
Prices last checked June 2026. Pricing and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.
📊 Comparison: Framework Laptop 16 vs. Competitors
| Specification | Framework Laptop 16 | MacBook Pro 14 M3 | MacBook Air M2 | ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1399 | $1599 | $1099 | $2699 |
| Release | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | -- |
| Rating | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | -- |
| Price | $1,399 | $1,599 | $1,099 | -- |
| Category | laptops | laptops | laptops | -- |
| Status | Available | Available | Available | -- |
| CPU | -- | -- | -- | Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus (24-core, up to 5.5 GHz) |
| GPU | -- | -- | -- | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop (24GB GDDR7, 175W TGP) |
| RAM | -- | -- | -- | 64GB DDR5-6400 |
| Storage | -- | -- | -- | 2TB PCIe Gen5 SSD |
| Display | -- | -- | -- | 18-inch 4K (3840x2400) Mini LED, 240Hz, 1600 nits |
How We Rate Products
Every product on ComfyTechCheck is scored on a 1 to 10 scale based on a structured evaluation framework. We assess products across five core criteria:
- Performance (30% weight): Speed, responsiveness, and real-world capability in its category.
- Build & Design (20% weight): Material quality, ergonomics, and aesthetic appeal.
- Features (20% weight): Breadth and usefulness of included functionality.
- Value (20% weight): Price-to-performance ratio relative to direct competitors.
- Battery Life or Reliability (10% weight): Endurance testing for portable devices, or long-term dependability for stationary gear.
Scores are assigned by our editorial team after hands-on testing or extensive research using verified user reports, expert analysis, and technical specifications. The weighted average produces the final rating you see on each review. This methodology is inspired by established consumer review standards from organizations such as Consumer Reports and Which?, adapted for the tech product categories we cover.
For a detailed breakdown of our full research and review process, visit our How We Rate page.