How do the scores compare?

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) scores 53.5/100 overall; Framework Laptop 12 scores 41.5/100. Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) wins 4 individual spec rows, Framework Laptop 12 wins 1.

What are the main differences between the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) and the Framework Laptop 12?

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) advantages: Stronger performance score: 45 vs 31; Stronger display score: 30 vs 27; Stronger portability score: 88 vs 83; 100% higher RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB; 25% higher Peak brightness: 500 nits vs 400 nits. Framework Laptop 12 advantages: 100% higher storage: 512 GB vs 256 GB; Lower launch price: $799 vs $1,099.

Which is cheaper: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) or Framework Laptop 12?

Framework Laptop 12 launched cheaper at $799, versus $1,099 for the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3).

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) vs Framework Laptop 12

WINNER

Apple

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)

$1,099

Framework

Framework Laptop 12

$799

44.5Performance30.7

29.8Display26.5

66.7Battery—

88Portability83.2

4 spec wins — Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)1 spec wins — Framework Laptop 12

InnoReviews verdict

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) wins this laptop face-off, 53.5 to 41.5, pulling ahead mainly in performance (+14) and portability (+5). Framework Laptop 12 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)

Stronger performance score: 45 vs 31
Stronger display score: 30 vs 27
Stronger portability score: 88 vs 83
100% higher RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB
25% higher Peak brightness: 500 nits vs 400 nits

Reasons to pick the Framework Laptop 12

100% higher storage: 512 GB vs 256 GB
Lower launch price: $799 vs $1,099

Display

Display comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) versus Framework Laptop 12
Spec	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)	Framework Laptop 12
Screen size	13.6 ″+11%	12.2 ″
Panel type	IPS (Liquid Retina)	IPS LCD
Resolution	2560x1664	1920x1200
Refresh rate	60 Hz	60 Hz
Peak brightness	500 nits+25%	400 nits

Performance

Performance comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) versus Framework Laptop 12
Spec	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)	Framework Laptop 12
Processor	Apple M3 (8-core)	Intel Core i3-1315U
Graphics	Apple M3 8-core GPU	—
RAM	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM type	LPDDR5 (unified)	DDR5-5200
Storage	256 GB	512 GB+100%
Storage type	NVMe SSD	—

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) versus Framework Laptop 12
Spec	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)	Framework Laptop 12
Geekbench 6 (single)	3,050Top 20%	—
Geekbench 6 (multi)	12,000Top 80%	—

Battery

Battery comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) versus Framework Laptop 12
Spec	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)	Framework Laptop 12
Capacity	53 Wh	—
Web browsing endurance	15 h	—
Charging	35 W	—

Design

Design comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) versus Framework Laptop 12
Spec	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)	Framework Laptop 12
Weight	1.24 kg+5%	1.3 kg
Thickness	11.3 mm	—
Material	Aluminum	Recycled aluminum

Connectivity

Connectivity comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) versus Framework Laptop 12
Spec	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)	Framework Laptop 12
Ports	2x Thunderbolt 3 / USB 4, MagSafe 3, 3.5mm	Modular Expansion Card system (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD)
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 6E	—
Bluetooth	5.3	—
Webcam	1080p FaceTime HD	—
Biometrics	Touch ID	—

Software

Software comparison: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3) versus Framework Laptop 12
Spec	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)	Framework Laptop 12
Operating system	macOS Sonoma	Windows 11 / Linux

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