Framework Laptop 12 Review: Attractive and Modular, But Performance Falls Short

The Framework Laptop 12 offers a refreshing design with a colorful, durable plastic chassis and modular components. Targeted as an affordable, entry-level laptop, it retains Framework’s signature modularity and repairability, with swappable ports and easy access to internal components. A standout feature is its five two-tone color options, making it visually appealing and more approachable than earlier Framework models.

Despite its thoughtful design and repair-friendly nature, the laptop suffers from several drawbacks. It includes a dated 13th-gen Intel processor and only a single RAM slot, reducing memory bandwidth and graphics performance. The 12.2-inch touchscreen is bright but has thick bezels and a limited color gamut, leading to dull visuals. The absence of a backlit keyboard and biometric features (like a fingerprint reader or IR camera) further detracts from the user experience, especially at its $1,176 price point for the DIY version.

Battery life is reasonable at around 10 hours, and Linux support is excellent. While the laptop’s modular build and customization options are commendable, compromises in display quality, performance, and features make it hard to recommend over similarly priced competitors. Ultimately, the Framework Laptop 12 shows promise but feels overpriced given its limitations.