Framework Laptop 13 Pro reviews: Better battery and build, but price jumps past $1,500

Framework on July 27 released the Laptop 13 Pro, a ground-up redesign of its modular 13-inch laptop that swaps the original silver chassis for a CNC-machined dark gray graphite finish. Reviewers from Ars Technica, Tom's Hardware, ZDNET, The Verge, and Phoronix all tested the new model, which ships with Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 "Panther Lake" processors and a 74Wh battery.

The battery capacity jumps from 61Wh in the previous generation to 74Wh, a 20 percent increase that Ars Technica said delivered "major strides in battery life." Tom's Hardware called the build "Framework's most solidly built laptop ever," noting the full aluminum extrusion improves rigidity.

Design overhaul breaks compatibility with older parts

The Laptop 13 Pro introduces several changes that are not backward compatible with the original Laptop 13. The bottom case, keyboard, trackpad, and battery are all new designs, meaning owners of earlier models cannot simply drop in a new battery without replacing those components. Framework does sell upgrade kits for existing users, however.

• Haptic trackpad replaces the physical click mechanism, similar to Apple's MacBook trackpads.
• CNC-machined 6063 aluminum chassis replaces the earlier stamped aluminum design.
• Graphite finish (dark gray) is the default; original silver finish is available as a replacement part.
• LPCAMM2 memory modules are now supported, allowing user-upgradeable RAM.
• Expansion Card retention switches adopt the on/off design from the Laptop 16 and Laptop 12, replacing the push-button release.

Price climbs amid industry-wide RAM cost increases

The Laptop 13 Pro starts at $1,499 and can reach nearly $3,000 for a fully configured model. The Verge reported that "RAMageddon", a sharp rise in memory prices, added $800 to the cost of a 64GB configuration since the laptop was announced in April. ZDNET noted that the laptop is "quite expensive, even by 2026's standards." Reviews suggest the higher price narrows the gap with non-modular competitors like the Dell XPS 13 and Apple MacBook Air, which offer similar battery life and build quality for less money.

Phoronix concluded that the Laptop 13 Pro is "an incredible offering from the hardware perspective" for Linux users, thanks to LPCAMM2 support and efficient Panther Lake SoCs. The laptop ships with a choice of Windows or Framework's own Linux firmware. Framework says it will continue selling the original Laptop 13 alongside the Pro model, targeting budget-conscious buyers who prioritize repairability over premium materials.