Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro vs Framework Laptop 13 (Intel)
The Verdict
The Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro and Framework Laptop 13 (Intel) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Framework Laptop 13 (Intel) is the cheaper of the two at $1,049 versus $2,499, a difference of about $1,450. The Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro stands out for largest macbook display at 16.2 inches, while Framework Laptop 13 (Intel) is praised for fully modular — swap ram, ssd, mainboard, ports, display, and battery. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro if…
- →Largest MacBook display at 16.2 inches
- →M5 Pro or M5 Max configurations
- →100 Wh battery with 24-hour life
Buy the Framework Laptop 13 (Intel) if…
- →Fully modular — swap RAM, SSD, mainboard, ports, display, and battery
- →Swappable expansion card ports let you choose USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, or SD
- →Mainboard upgradeable to newer Intel or AMD generations
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro
Pros
- Largest MacBook display at 16.2 inches
- M5 Pro or M5 Max configurations
- 100 Wh battery with 24-hour life
- Thunderbolt 5
- Up to 96GB RAM with M5 Max
Cons
- 2.14 kg is heavy
- $2499 starting price
- Non-upgradable components
Framework Laptop 13 (Intel)
Pros
- Fully modular — swap RAM, SSD, mainboard, ports, display, and battery
- Swappable expansion card ports let you choose USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, or SD
- Mainboard upgradeable to newer Intel or AMD generations
- Sustainable design with recycled aluminum and replaceable components
- 3:2 aspect ratio display is excellent for productivity
Cons
- DIY assembly required for lower-cost configurations
- 55 Wh battery provides modest life compared to ultrabook rivals
- Speakers are below average — thin and lacking bass
- No touchscreen option available
- Smaller brand means fewer service centers than Dell or HP
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro | Framework Laptop 13 (Intel) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS 17 | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 2.14 kg | 2.87 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Material | Recycled aluminum | Aluminum (50% post-consumer recycled) |
| Dimensions | 17.7 x 24.8 x 1.68 cm | 11.68 x 9.0 x 0.62 inches |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | — |
| SD card | — | |
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 3 | 2 |
| USB-A ports | — | 0 |
| USB-C ports | — | 2 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Capacity | 100 Wh | 55 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 16.2 inches | 13.5 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR, nano-texture option | IPS |
| Resolution | 3456 x 2234 | 2256 x 1504 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1600 | 400 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 1 TB / 2 TB / 4 TB / 8 TB | 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe (user-installed) |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 24 GB / 48 GB / 96 GB | 16 GB DDR5 (user-installed) |
| Cores | 18 cores (6 super + 12 performance) | 12 cores (4P + 8E) |
| Chipset | Apple M5 Pro (18-core CPU, 20-core GPU) | Intel Core i7-1360P (13th Gen) |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in laptops, see all Apple products or all Framework products. View full details for the Apple MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro or the Framework Laptop 13 (Intel).