Framework has once again managed to defy the stagnation that often characterizes the modern laptop market. Where many other manufacturers have shied away from truly modular and user‑serviceable designs—or have failed entirely in their limited attempts—Framework has again delivered on its ambitious promises. The company continues to champion a vision of computing grounded in flexibility, sustainability, and user empowerment. With its latest release, the 2025 version of the Framework Laptop 16, the firm not only reaffirms its unique position within the tech landscape but also demonstrates tangible progress in refining the modular philosophy on which it was built.
This new iteration introduces an array of hardware updates that substantially broaden its potential. Among the most notable are the inclusion of AMD’s latest Ryzen AI processors, support for the cutting‑edge Wi‑Fi 7 standard, a more robust and efficient USB‑C power adapter, a redesigned thermal system that promises quieter and cooler operation, and an enhanced webcam for improved communication and content creation. Each of these new components is available for purchase as standalone modules, which means that owners of earlier Framework 16 models can upgrade their machines incrementally rather than purchasing an entirely new computer. Yet the most consequential enhancement—and arguably the defining feature of this 2025 model—is the introduction of a far more powerful, user‑replaceable dedicated graphics module. This new GPU component fortifies the laptop’s distinction as the only truly modular system of its kind in the mainstream market.
When Framework first unveiled the Laptop 16, it described fully upgradable graphics as a kind of technological ‘holy grail,’ a long‑sought capability that even major industry players had not managed to achieve. For a time, skepticism lingered regarding whether Framework could truly deliver on that promise. But it has now materialized in the form of an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card, which provides a commanding leap in gaming and creative performance compared to the previous generation’s AMD Radeon module. Benchmarks show striking improvements in graphical throughput, allowing demanding titles and rendering workloads to run more smoothly and efficiently than before.
The earlier generation of the Laptop 16, while laudable for its modular ambitions, did not initially reach the level of polish expected from premium devices. It was often described as running hot and loud, with a chassis that flexed and creaked under stress. Framework’s second‑generation model succeeds in mitigating some of these shortcomings. The cooling system has been redesigned, incorporating improved heatsinks and fans that manage to maintain lower temperatures while reducing, though not eliminating, the characteristic fan noise. The new model achieves a delicate balance between power and maintainability, representing a measured but meaningful step forward.
Performance‑wise, the Ryzen AI 7 350 mainboard demonstrates small yet perceptible gains over its predecessor, offering marginal improvements in both single‑ and multi‑core benchmark results. However, the RTX 5070 upgrade delivers far more dramatic results in tasks reliant on GPU performance, with up to 50 percent higher frame rates in modern games such as Cyberpunk 2077. Users can now enjoy high‑fidelity gameplay at the screen’s native 2560 by 1600 resolution, supported by advanced features such as DLSS 4 and G‑Sync compatibility. Framework’s modular power approach has also been updated: the new 240‑watt USB‑C charger efficiently feeds the upgraded GPU while maintaining compatibility with older systems.
Nevertheless, the experience is not without flaws. The premium pricing—beginning at $1,799 for a base configuration and scaling beyond $2,500 for high‑end setups—places the Laptop 16 squarely in competition with powerful, non‑upgradeable gaming machines from established brands like Asus and Razer. Aesthetic and ergonomic imperfections persist as well. The modular trackpad spacers, though conceptually ingenious, are often slightly misaligned, leading to tactile unevenness and audible creaks. Prototype versions equipped with a continuous trackpad surround feel notably sturdier, hinting at how future refinements might finally unify the device’s superb modular concept with a more seamless structural design.
Display quality remains commendable, featuring crisp resolution, high refresh rates, and strong color fidelity. However, automatic brightness adjustments still behave erratically, shifting illumination in abrupt steps rather than smoothly adapting to ambient conditions. The lid, while fractionally more rigid than before, retains noticeable flex when grasped from one corner, undermining the sense of a fully premium build. Similarly, while the speakers deliver ample loudness, their tonal range lacks depth, and the webcam—though sharper than before—struggles in dimly lit environments. These subtle deficiencies collectively suggest that while Framework’s design ethos is visionary, its execution continues to evolve.
Battery life offers reasonable endurance for a device equipped with discrete graphics, averaging around six hours of intensive mixed use. Yet the road to reliability remains uneven. Early testing revealed frequent system crashes and blue screens that persisted intermittently even after firmware updates, though the latest BIOS appears to improve stability. Framework has a track record of addressing such issues post‑launch, incrementally refining the product through software optimization and community feedback.
In the broader context of modern computing, the Framework Laptop 16 exemplifies an approach diametrically opposed to planned obsolescence. It empowers users not merely to replace failing parts but to meaningfully extend their device’s capabilities year after year. The modular bays, swappable ports, customizable keyboard and trackpad layouts, and optional accessories transform the laptop into a platform—an ecosystem of personalization and repair rather than a sealed commodity. Owners can tailor their machines to precise professional or creative needs, adjusting both function and aesthetics with unusual precision.
While the Laptop 16 (2025) remains imperfect—more a sophisticated prototype in perpetual improvement than a flawlessly integrated premium system—it stands as a bold and evolving experiment in sustainable technology. Framework’s iterative philosophy invites comparison to the Ship of Theseus: over time, any individual component may be replaced, yet the identity of the machine endures. With continued refinements to build quality and firmware, this model could well redefine longevity in portable computing, reminding an industry fixated on disposability that innovation can also mean endurance, user control, and genuine respect for the consumer.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/tech/821420/framework-laptop-16-2025-nvidia-rtx5070-review
