Dell Pro Essential 14 vs Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3)
31.7chipPerformancechip29.3
41.1chipGraphicschip28.4
26.5Displayspec-based26.5
21.3Batteryspec-based33.3
77.9Portabilityspec-based76.6
4 spec wins — Dell Pro Essential 141 spec wins — Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3)
InnoReviews verdict
This one is close to a dead heat: Dell Pro Essential 14 scores 37.1 against 36.7 for Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3). Pick by the categories that matter to you — Dell Pro Essential 14 edges ahead in graphics and performance, or by price.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Dell Pro Essential 14
- Stronger graphics score: 41 vs 28
- 15% higher Screen size: 14 ″ vs 12.2 ″
Reasons to pick the Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3)
- 22% higher capacity: 50 Wh vs 41 Wh
Display
| Spec | Dell Pro Essential 14 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 14 ″+15% | 12.2 ″ |
| Panel type | Anti-glare LCD (non-touch) | LCD (glass, convertible touchscreen, MPP 2.0/USI 2.0 stylus support) |
| Resolution | 1920x1200 | 1920x1200 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 400 nits | 400 nits |
Performance
| Spec | Dell Pro Essential 14 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 7 350 | Intel Core 3 304 |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics (2 Xe cores) | Intel Graphics (1 Xe3 core, up to 2.3GHz) |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| RAM type | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-6400 (SO-DIMM) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | PCIe Gen4 SSD (QLC) | M.2 2230 NVMe SSD |
Battery
| Spec | Dell Pro Essential 14 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 41 Wh | 50 Wh+22% |
| Charging | 65 W+8% | 60 W |
Design
| Spec | Dell Pro Essential 14 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.29 kg+1% | 1.3 kg |
| Thickness | 17.7 mm+4% | 18.5 mm |
| Material | — | Overmolded shock-absorbing TPU over plastic with an internal metal structure |
Connectivity
| Spec | Dell Pro Essential 14 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps, DisplayPort, Power Delivery), 2x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), HDMI 2.1, RJ45 Ethernet, universal audio jack, wedge lock slot | 4x swappable Expansion Cards (2x rear Thunderbolt 4, 2x front USB 3.2 Gen 2; USB-C/USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, microSD/SD options), 3.5mm combo jack |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (MediaTek MT7920) | Wi-Fi 7 (Intel BE213) |
| Bluetooth | — | 6.0 |
| Webcam | HD with mechanical privacy shutter (FHD IR optional) | 1080p 30fps (2MP OmniVision OV02C sensor, 80° FOV), hardware privacy switch |
| Biometrics | Optional fingerprint reader or FHD IR camera (Windows Hello) | None on this configuration — fingerprint reader is bundled only with the Core 5 320/Core 7 350 pre-built tiers, not Core 3 304 |
Software
| Spec | Dell Pro Essential 14 | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | Fedora 44 (KDE Plasma) (Windows 11 Home/Pro option available) |
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