Framework Laptop 12 vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
VS
30.7Performance44
26.5Display41.6
—Battery71
83.2Portability76.6
1 spec wins — Framework Laptop 124 spec wins — Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
InnoReviews verdict
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) wins this laptop face-off, 55.2 to 41.5, pulling ahead mainly in display (+15) and performance (+13). 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 Framework Laptop 12
- Stronger portability score: 83 vs 77
- Lower launch price: $799 vs $1,400
Reasons to pick the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
- Stronger performance score: 44 vs 31
- Stronger display score: 42 vs 27
- 100% higher Refresh rate: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz
- 100% higher RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB
- 50% higher Peak brightness: 600 nits vs 400 nits
Display
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 12.2 ″ | 13.8 ″+13% |
| Panel type | IPS LCD | HDR PixelSense LCD (touchscreen) |
| Resolution | 1920x1200 | 2304x1536 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz+100% |
| Peak brightness | 400 nits | 600 nits+50% |
Performance
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1315U | Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus (10-core) or Snapdragon X2 Elite (12-core) |
| Graphics | — | Qualcomm Adreno |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB+100% |
| RAM type | DDR5-5200 | LPDDR5x |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | — | Gen 4 SSD (removable, M.2 2230) |
Battery
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | — | 54 Wh |
| Web browsing endurance | — | 16 h |
| Charging | — | 65 W |
Design
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.3 kg+3% | 1.34 kg |
| Thickness | — | 17.5 mm |
| Material | Overmolded TPU over PC/ABS plastic with an inner metal frame | Aluminum (100% recycled) |
Connectivity
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | Modular Expansion Card system (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD) | 2x USB-C/USB4, USB-A 3.2, 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Connect |
| Wi-Fi | — | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | — | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Webcam | — | 1080p Full HD (Windows Studio Effects) |
| Biometrics | — | Facial recognition (Windows Hello) |
Software
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 / Linux | Windows 11 Home (Arm) |
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