Intro
I have liked the philosophy behind Framework since the first time I heard about the company on an LTT video years ago. I like the idea of having a laptop that can be easily repaired, upgraded, and supports Linux out of the box.
I have had my Framework 13 since March of 2025 and I got my Framework 12 at the end of September of the same year. My experience with each device has been very different so I have a review for each separately. When I first got my Framework 13 I said that I write a review. I decided to wait on the review and spend some time with each device. Here is my reviews.
Framework 13
I will start with the Framework 13 as it was the first one that I got. I have enjoyed this laptop since I got it and it has been almost issue free. The only issue I have had is the bezel got a crack in it. I’m not sure when it happened but it did happen. The only negative thing I can say about the device is the battery life. It is not great. I usually get somewhere between 4-6 hours out of it, even in battery saver mode. Otherwise it has held up wonderfully and hope to have it for at least a few more years before I consider upgrading it.
When I ordered the laptop I got the higher resolution screen with the better webcam, a Core Ultra 7 155h CPU, and my selection of ports: x2 USB C, x1 SD Card, x1 HDMI, and x1 USB A. I got my SSD and Memory separately as it was cheaper at the time. Times have changed. I got a 2TB Samsung 990 Evo Plus and a 64gb (32gb x2) from Crucial. I later upgraded the SSD to a 4tb of the same drive in August just before prices went up. The total of cost was ~$1900, so not bad.
I use my distro of choice on it Fedora 44 and it has been incredibly reliable. It has only frozen once since I got it. It was early on in ownership and Framework has released 3 Bio Updates in that time frame. I have done the updates through a bootable update and through fwupd or lvfs. It does the normal day to day things with ease, but I have really stressed this system. I regularly connect it to a USB 3 Dock with 2 2K monitors and an additional 2.5gb network adapter, an additional 2K monitor, and also used the built in diplay. It handles the 4 displays with ease. I have also run 5 VM’s on top of that. At that point it starts to lag a little and the fan gets a little noisy. This is also running in battery saver mode. There is a difference in performance between it and high performance, but I need that extra battery life.
Framework 12
Now onto the Framework 12. With this laptop things have not been as smooth, but this is my favorite laptop of all time despite the issues I have had. My first Framework 12 had 2 separate issues. The first was the CPU fan stopped working about a month after and then I noticed some cracks around the screws on the bottom of the device. The cracks were a more common issue. There is a lengthy thread on their forum, [TRACKING] FW12 cracking issue - #1147 by wolfie - Framework Laptop 12 - Framework Community.
I contacted Framework support about the issues. We did a little back in forth for the issue with the CPU fan. The cracks were easier as it was known and the pictures were enough. I did get a replacement laptop, but I did not receive it until the 2nd half of January. I have not had any issues with the new laptop.
I have the sage version of the Framework 12 and I love it. I also really like the form factor. I opted for the I5-1334U as I wanted those extra 4 E-Cores. Just like the Framework 13 I chose to get my own memory and storage. I had a 1tb Kingston 2230 SSD that was a left over from a Minis Forum NUC that I picked up and I paired it with a single 48gb stick of memory. I bought the SSD in September off ebay for $127.50. This was the moment that memory prices started to shoot through the roof. I do not use Fedora per say on this laptop. I use Project Bluefin. One of reasons why I got the Framework 12 was to try out the other things and experiment. If you want to hear more about my thoughts on Bluefin or Fedora feel free to ask.
The performance of the Framework 12 is not he greatest, but it is good enough. It can handle my 3 2K monitors and the built in display and a few VM’s before it starts to slow down. I thnk its pretty good for what it is. My only hopes for improvements is a better screen, a back lit keyboard, and upgraded internals. I do not want a higher wattage CPU just a newer CPU in the same Ultrabook class.
I love the tablet mode. Its is clunky but all of the 2 in 1’s that I have tried feel the same. It works better than I expected. Touch support on Linux is actually good out of the box. I use it along with Tent mode frequently.
The only thing I other thing I want to mention about the Framework 12 is that it runs cool. The fan does not run most of the time and temps are in the 40’s and 50’s Celsius. I have seen the upper 60’sa few times, but that is docked and with all the displays and VM’s. The battery life is also really good. I get between 8 and 12 hours depending on what i do. If you let the system idle the power usage will drop to 2.7w. For active task its around 5 - 10 watts. As I said before this my favorite laptop of all time.
Conclusion
I can recommend getting a Framework if one of their products feels right for you. I have not used Windows on any of my devices as I do not have the need. I love the Linux first philosophy. They are not a perfect company. They have their flaws, but they are doing things that other company’s are not. If you have any questions feel free to ask.