Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Framework Laptop 12
91.1Performance30.7
74.3Display26.5
99.5Battery—
53.3Portability83.2
5 spec wins — Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)1 spec wins — Framework Laptop 12
InnoReviews verdict
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) wins this laptop face-off, 81.9 to 41.5, pulling ahead mainly in performance (+60) and display (+48). 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 Pro 16 (M5 Max)
- Stronger performance score: 91 vs 31
- Stronger display score: 74 vs 27
- 350% higher RAM: 36 GB vs 8 GB
- 300% higher Peak brightness: 1,600 nits vs 400 nits
- 300% higher storage: 2,048 GB vs 512 GB
Reasons to pick the Framework Laptop 12
- Stronger portability score: 83 vs 53
- 40% lower weight: 1.3 kg vs 2.15 kg
- Lower launch price: $799 vs $3,899
Display
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) | Framework Laptop 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 16.2 ″+33% | 12.2 ″ |
| Panel type | Mini-LED (Liquid Retina XDR) | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 3456x2234 | 1920x1200 |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz+100% | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1,600 nits+300% | 400 nits |
Performance
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) | Framework Laptop 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M5 Max (18-core) | Intel Core i3-1315U |
| Graphics | Apple M5 Max 32-core GPU | — |
| RAM | 36 GB+350% | 8 GB |
| RAM type | LPDDR5X (unified) | DDR5-5200 |
| Storage | 2,048 GB+300% | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | — |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) | Framework Laptop 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 4,336Top 2% | — |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 30,057Top 2% | — |
Battery
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) | Framework Laptop 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 100 Wh | — |
| Charging | 140 W | — |
Design
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) | Framework Laptop 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.15 kg | 1.3 kg+40% |
| Thickness | 16.8 mm | — |
| Material | Recycled Aluminum | Overmolded TPU over PC/ABS plastic with an inner metal frame |
Connectivity
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) | Framework Laptop 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, 3.5mm | Modular Expansion Card system (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | — |
| Bluetooth | 6 | — |
| Webcam | 12MP Center Stage | — |
| Biometrics | Touch ID | — |
Software
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) | Framework Laptop 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | macOS Tahoe | Windows 11 / Linux |
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