Framework Laptop 13.5 Intel 12th gen review: Like the Microsoft Surface, but actually repairable

The original 13. 5-inch Framework Laptop launched in 2021 equipped with Intel 11th gen Tiger Lake-U processors. In stark contrast to other ultra-thin models from larger manufacturers which are often closed and difficult to service, the Framework design would prioritize repairability and encourage end-user upgrades.

In fact, the maker openly sells individual Framework Laptop components a la carte should owners need to replace any parts. The latest 2022 model is now available with faster Intel 12th gen Alder Lake-P CPUs but with the same overall chassis design to preserve backwards compatibility with existing accessories and components. Since the skeleton has not changed, we recommend checking out our existing review on the 2021 model for more information on the physical attributes of the 2022 model.

Everything from the display to the keyboard and most materials are all back with no major changes. Our particular review unit comes with the Core i7-1260P for approximately $1450 USD but users can configure with the lesser i5-1240P or higher i7-1280P if desired. All SKUs still come with the same 2256 x 1504 IPS panel, however.

Alternatives to the Framework Laptop include other 13-inch Ultrabooks like the HP Spectre x360 14 , Lenovo ThinkPad X1 , Asus Zenbook S13 , and of course the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13 . The only change made to the chassis involves a switch to CNC manufacturing and assembly for the top cover to improve the rigidity of the lid without changing the overall dimensions. We found the lid to be flimsy on the 2021 version and so the newer design is a welcomed change.

Even so, the lids on most competing alternatives like the XPS 13, Spectre x360 14, Zenbook S13, Razer Blade Stealth , or MateBook X series continue to be much stronger and more rigid. The Framework design noticeably lacks any Gorilla Glass options which would have reinforced and stiffened the lid. Though the Intel AX210 module hasn’t changed from last year’s model, we’ve since upgraded our test routers to support 6 GHz connectivity and thus faster average transfer rates can be recorded as shown below.

There are still no 4G or WAN options available. The unit is one of the easiest laptop models to service as one would expect. Framework also sells motherboards and DIY kits for users who wish to assemble the laptop themselves.

The unique USB-C-based expansion cards have all returned this year in addition to a new Ethernet expansion card supporting up to 2. 5 Gbit speeds. All are optional and configurable at checkout.

The manufacturer will continue to develop different expansion cards based on user demand. Each retail box includes a Torx wrench for servicing the unit. The manufacturer does not calibrate its Framework Laptop at factory which is a shame since the panel offers full sRGB coverage.

Average grayscale and color DeltaE values on our test unit would be 5. 2 and 2. 76 out-of-the-box, respectively, compared to just 0.

9 and 0. 58 after calibrating the panel ourselves. Color temperature in particular is far too warm without a proper calibration.

We recommend applying our ICM profile above to get the most out of the display. We set our unit to Performance mode via Windows prior to running any performance benchmarks below. When compared to the Core i7-1165G7 in the original Framework Laptop, the Core i7-1260P in the 2022 Framework model can offer 20 percent and 90 percent faster single-thread and multi-thread performance, respectively.

In fact, the Framework model runs 20 to 25 percent faster than the average laptop in our database running on the same Core i7-1260P CPU thus far. We’re glad to see the manufacturer offering 12th gen P-series CPUs instead of the 12th gen U-series as the Core i5-1235U and i7-1255U offer much smaller performance benefits over the 11th gen U-series. Downgrading to the Core i5-1240P option from our Core i7-1260P is expected to entail a 45 percent multi-thread performance deficit while upgrading to the Core i7-1280P would only increase performance by about 10 percent.

As such, the Core i7-1260P SKU is the most recommended option. PCMark 10 results are consistently higher than on last year’s Framework Laptop and most other Ultrabooks running on 11th gen or older CPUs for that matter. LatencyMon reveals minor DPC issues when opening multiple browser tabs of our homepage.

4K video playback at 60 FPS is otherwise perfect and with no dropped frames. While our 2021 Framework unit would ship with a PCIe4 x4 WD SN850 M. 2 NVMe SSD, our 2022 unit would ship with a slower PCIe3 x4 WD SN730 SSD instead.

Users can still upgrade to a faster PCIe4 x4 SSD, of course. Only one internal drive is supported. Graphics performance is about 5 to 15 percent faster than the average laptop in our database equipped with the same integrated Iris Xe 96 EUs .

Performance was much slower on our original 2021 test unit due to it running on single-channel memory. If graphics are important for your workloads, then it’s highly recommended to configure with dual-channel memory. Fan noise remains louder than on most other Ultrabooks particularly when under load.

Running the first benchmark scene of 3DMark 06 to simulate average loads would result in a fan noise of 47 dB(A) to be one of the louder U-series-powered subnotebooks we’ve tested. If gaming, fan noise tends to hover between 41 and 47 dB(A). Expect a loud system if you intend on running demanding loads to exploit the fast processor performance.

If running less demanding loads like browsing or video streaming, fan noise tends to remain below 28 dB(A) against a silent background of 22. 8 dB(A). Fan pulsing in this range is not loud enough to be distracting.

Surface hot spots can reach 39 C and 43 C on the top and bottom, respectively, compared to 45 C and 46 C on the Surface Laptop 4 13 or 40 C and 51 C on the HP Spectre x360 14 . It’s not warm enough to be bothersome, but it’s definitely noticeable during use. Larger ventilation grilles on the bottom could have potentially improved thermals.

When running Prime95, CPU clock rates would boost to 3. 5 GHz for the first 10 seconds or so until hitting a core temperature of 94 C. Clock rates and CPU power package would then fall to the 2.

4 to 2. 6 GHz range and from 52 W to 30 W, respectively, in order to maintain a cooler core temperature of 87 C. Overall core temperatures are still noticeably warmer than what we recorded on last year’s model where temperatures would stabilize at 82 C when under similar conditions.

When running Witcher 3 to represent gaming loads, core temperature would again be warmer than on last year’s model (83 C vs. 73 C). Running on battery power may impact CPU performance slightly.

A 3DMark 11 test on batteries would return Physics and Graphics scores of 14919 and 6604 points, respectively, compared to 17183 and 6779 points when on mains. As expected from a 12th gen Alder Lake-P system, overall power consumption is higher than many laptops running on 11th gen Tiger Lake-U processors including last year’s Framework model. Running Prime95 would consume 60 W to be 25 percent more demanding year-over-year.

The higher processor performance doesn’t come free in this regard. We’re able to record a maximum consumption of 61. 2 W from the small (~5.

8 x 5. 8 x 2. 7 cm) 60 W AC adapter when running Prime95 loads.

The manufacturer has made no changes to the AC adapter even though the newer processor is more demanding this year. A higher capacity AC adapter could have potentially allowed for better Turbo Boost performance or faster charging when running demanding loads. The GPD Win Max 2 , for example, comes with the same Core i7-1260P CPU and yet it ships with a 100 W AC adapter.

Runtimes are shorter by just half an hour when compared to last year’s model despite the much faster processor performance. 7. 5 hours of real-world WLAN usage should be enough for the majority of users even though it’s several hours shorter than on the Surface Laptop 4 13.

Charging from empty to full capacity with the included AC adapter takes about 90 minutes. However, charging will slow significantly when running demanding loads due to the 60 W AC adapter as mentioned above. Framework had promised that its laptop design would allow for easy upgrades whenever the latest processor generation became available.

The 2022 model has done exactly that with both DIY motherboard upgrade kits for existing owners or ready-to-go configurations for newcomers wanting to jump onboard. When compared to the 2021 model with Intel 11th gen, the 2022 model can offer a CPU performance boost of up to 90 percent that enthusiasts can surely appreciate. It comes at the cost of warmer core temperatures and slightly shorter battery life, however, but the trade-offs may be worth it depending on the usage scenarios.

Other than the CPU upgrade, the experience remains the same which can be both good and bad. It’s good for the guaranteed consistency and predictability between yearly refreshes, but it’s also bad as certain drawbacks can’t be addressed very easily. Newer Ultrabooks like those from Asus , for example, are starting to ship with both Intel/AMD and high refresh rate OLED displays while the Framework model continues to have just one display option and no Ryzen CPUs.

The base and lid are still more susceptible to creaking and twisting than the flagship models from Dell, HP, or Lenovo. We would love to see WAN and IR options as well perhaps in the form of an expansion card if internal motherboard changes are not possible. Including some of these features could be difficult as the manufacturer is limited to its original 2021 chassis design and parts.

Even with the perceived challenges in mind, they don’t take away from the high customization or user-friendly design of the Framework Laptop. Owners who value repairability and easy-to-acquire replacement parts for their expensive products will find the Framework Laptop less frustrating to use than a closed alternative like the Surface Laptop . Framework is now taking orders for its 12th gen Intel Laptop starting at $1050 USD for the Core i5 version or $1450 USD for our review configuration.

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