Pros & Cons
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- A big upgrade for classrooms and some offices
- Compact, customizable 2-in-1 design
- Modular and versatile expansion card system
- MIL-STD-810 durability and rubber edges
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- Price sits above its target audience
- Ho-hum display
- Limited prebuilt model configurations
Framework Laptop 12 Specs
| Class | Convertible 2-in-1 |
| Class | Ultraportable |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.73 by 11.3 by 8.4 inches |
| Graphics Processor | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1200 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Panel Technology | IPS |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1334U |
| RAM (as Tested) | 16 |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 |
| Screen Size | 12.2 |
| Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 12:47 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Variable Refresh Support | None |
| Weight | 2.87 |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E |
To complement its flagship DIY 13-inch laptop, Framework now has the Framework Laptop 12, a compact 2-in-1 system that shares its sibling’s signature modular design. You can order this as a prebuilt laptop starting at $799 (our test model rings up for $1,049), or in DIY form with no operating system (starting at $688). The design and components—a durable convertible with a modest-to-middle-tier Intel 13th Gen chip—are best suited to education and other lower-power fleet scenarios, rather than home-office or professional use.
Taken against the 2025 laptop market, though, our relatively modest configuration is a bit more expensive than it should be for an education and budget-focused laptop. However, it's a sturdy and flexible convertible with all the advantages of Framework’s modular and repairable design, presenting a more complete experience than most Chromebooks can by the fact that it runs Windows 11. While you should consider a Chromebook for similar workflows and if you need to spend less, the Framework Laptop 12 is cheaper and more customizable than most 2-in-1 laptop PCs.
The Concept: Framework's Modularity Goes Convertible
Before I get into the specs and design details, a quick Framework overview. Despite its relatively recent launch as a company, we’ve come to know Framework well. Since the debut model, we’ve seen various iterations of the flagship Framework Laptop 13, built around an entirely upgradable and fixable laptop design.
All parts can be removed, directly replaced, or upgraded discretely, meaning, if one part goes bad, you don’t have to throw out the whole laptop, pay to repair an entire laptop, or purchase a whole new system. Inside the laptop, parts are labeled with QR codes that bring you to a guide and other helpful information if you need to replace or remove a part, which is much easier than on a standard machine.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)This concept adds a DIY element, extends the lifespan of the original product, and is simply more environmentally friendly. Framework sells entirely DIY Editions of its laptops, which require you to install several components into the chassis after ordering. You can choose specific parts (processor, mainboard, storage, memory, and more) and add your own operating system to the mix.
This new 12-inch 2-in-1 laptop is essentially a more compact, convertible version of the 13-inch clamshell laptop that's a few generations old now. Let’s explore each of its facets in detail.
Configurations: Prebuilt or DIY Edition?
Unlike the Framework Laptop 13, this version doesn't push performance with the latest parts; that's beyond its target audience. While Framework may eventually sell boards with more current processors to upgrade to, the Framework Laptop 12 launches with (still relatively recent) 13th Gen Intel Core processors.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Again, underlining its intended use by less demanding users, the Framework 12 will include either the Core i3-1315U or the Core i5-1334U—both chips in Intel's power-sipping U series rather than anything speedier. As 13th Gen Intel chips, they should still be quick enough for everyday use (especially the Core i5), but they’re not the most current or performance-first processors.
When ordering a prebuilt Framework Laptop 12 model, you can choose either the Base or Performance model, centered around the two processor choices, with the rest of the components decided for you. For $799, the Base model includes the Core i3 chip, 8GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, and Windows 11 Home. Framework provided the $1,049 Performance model for review, which includes the Core i5 CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Windows 11 Home. These are only sold in black for now, with more colors coming later.
When ordering the DIY Edition, you have finer control over the specs. You can order your unit with anywhere from 8GB of memory to 48GB of memory, while storage runs from a 500GB SSD to a 2TB SSD—the capacities aren’t tied to one of the processors. I’ve built a DIY Edition before (read more and see photos about that experience in the most recent Laptop 13 review), and while it does require a bit of manual work, it’s not difficult, and there are guided steps along the way.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Note that you’ll need to add an operating system to the DIY Edition, too, or bring your own. You can install Linux or Windows from another source, or include a Windows 11 Home download for $139 or Windows 11 Pro for $199. The DIY Edition, with the lowest option on each spec selected and no OS included, starts at $688.
You can also choose from all of Framework’s color options for the DIY Edition at launch. Our black version is black on the lid, and a classic gray on the rest of the body. The others mix it up more: You'll find sage green, lavender, and pink, which look cute at this size, at least in the photos we've seen. Most are a mix of the primary color plus gray, but pink (officially called "Bubblegum") has light blue accents around the edges and on the hinges, which is a much more lighthearted look suited for young users.
More of the colors should be available for the prebuilt model at launch, and Framework should provide more finely tuned control of the specs. But the DIY Edition shouldn’t put off average shoppers, even if it sounds intimidating—the online guide makes it easy, and you’re mostly attaching connections, not doing anything super technical. You can also add “expansion cards” (snap-in removable modules with different port connections, more on that below) to your order for either model.
Design: A Durable, Colorful, and Compact 2-in-1
Starting with the size, the Framework Laptop 12 measures 0.73 by 11.3 by 8.4 inches (HWD) and 2.87 pounds. It’s a nice, small laptop that feels good to tuck under your arm or carry in one hand.
The chassis is sturdy plastic and, more uncommonly, rubberized along all of its edges. Shock-absorbing material on the drop-prone corners of this device makes it more likely to survive the trials of younger users, and Framework went as far as meeting MIL-STD-810 durability requirements. This means the device ensures a level of survivability against drops, vibrations, and bumps—all of which make it an even better fit for education use cases.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Despite the simple look and modular parts, the Framework Laptop 12 is a pleasure to use. The compact size contributes to this somewhat, as it’s easy to carry in one hand or tuck under my arm. But the touchpad is surprisingly high-quality, too. While small, it pans super smoothly and feels almost soft to the touch, like all of my pressure is cushioned. Something about it is very pleasant, which I didn’t expect from this class of system. The keyboard is more run-of-the-mill—key travel is decent, but there’s a bit of flex in the center. It's overall, though, plenty comfortable.
I’m less impressed by the 12.2-inch display, which is merely serviceable. It features a HD resolution in a 16:10 aspect ratio, meaning 1,920 by 1,200 pixels. Since this is a convertible 2-in-1, the panel is of course touch touch-enabled, so you can use it in tablet mode when needed.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)There are fairly thick bezels around the edges that, while unsightly compared with modern slim bezels, do make it easier for users to remove and replace them to change the panel. The display’s picture clarity, though, is only OK in practice, and it’s far from the brightest display I’ve seen. Between the thicker bezels and so-so screen, the panel can't rise above average, to my eyes.
The convertibility does add a lot of function, though, and it’s pretty straightforward. The keyboard is not detachable, but simply flips around behind the screen, and since it’s a sturdy system, it makes for a solid base. The laptop is perhaps a little thicker than you’d want for a tablet when folded in two, but it’s usable, and it feels less delicate for smaller and younger users. The device is compatible with MPP 2.0 and USI 2.0 stylus types if you have your own, while the company will be selling its own Framework Stylus later this year.
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Framework’s modular design extends to its ports. As mentioned earlier, this system, like the other Framework laptops, touts removable “expansion cards,” small modules with different connection types that you can swap in and out. These all connect to the interior of the laptop by slotting into empty bays along the edges of chassis via inward-facing USB Type-C connections.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)On the user-facing end of each card, you’ll find different ports. Our various cards include USB Type-A or Type-C ports, a microSD slot, an HDMI output, and even an Ethernet jack. You simply plug these into the sides of the laptop to enable that port type.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)We didn't get these with our unit, but Framework also sells a DisplayPort card and storage expansions (250GB or 1TB). The different port expansions run from $11 to $25 per module, while the 250GB storage card is $45 and the 1TB one is $125.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)This adds both versatility and customization to these laptops, and something about it is inherently satisfying, too. This is one of Framework’s best innovations in its modular design, both on an execution and usefulness level. You won’t get stuck without a port type you really need, and it’s simple to swap in a different port block if you need, say, an extra USB-C connection temporarily. The laptop charges through USB-C, so having more than one Type-C module can be useful for peripherals.
The one concern I do have, though, with these modular ports in an education environment is with younger students. The ability for mischief (or mere curiosity) among children to insert, re-insert, and swap around these modules could be a distraction that's not an issue for an ordinary laptop or Chromebook with fixed-in-place ports.
Performance Testing: A 13th Gen Intel Power Ceiling
To gauge this little 2-in-1’s performance, we put it through our usual benchmark suite, and compared the results against the following systems…
The Asus Zenbook A14 ($999 as tested) is a sweet Snapdragon-based ultraportable option for a similar price, if you’re not married to buying a convertible design. The 2025 Framework Laptop 13 (pricier in our $1,627 test model, but starts at $899) is included to show the difference between this 2-in-1 and the flagship Framework with higher-tier AMD processing. Next, two convertible HP systems, the HP Envy x360 14 ($1,399 as tested) and the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 ($1,899.99 as tested) are well-rated 2-in-1 alternatives. (The Flip 14’s price is notably higher than the Framework’s, but its 2TB of storage and higher-resolution OLED screen are factoring in heavily, which won’t impact performance.)
I also want to say that Chromebooks are very logical alternatives to this system in many scenarios, but since they can’t run our same Windows-based test suite, none are included here for performance comparisons. Still, if you are looking for an education-friendly computing solution where internet access is key, consider a Chromebook. For the record, Framework has also produced its own Chromebook Edition, too.
Productivity and Content Creation Tests
Our primary overall benchmark, UL's PCMark 10, tests a system in productivity apps ranging from web browsing to word processing and spreadsheet work. Its Full System Drive subtest measures a PC's storage throughput.
Three more tests we run are CPU-centric or processor-intensive. Maxon's Cinebench 2024 uses that company's Cinema 4D engine to render a complex scene; Primate Labs' Geekbench 6.3 Pro simulates popular apps ranging from PDF rendering and speech recognition to machine learning; and we see how long it takes the transcoding freeware HandBrake 1.8 to convert a 12-minute clip from 4K to 1080p resolution.
Finally, workstation maker Puget Systems' PugetBench for Creators rates a PC's image editing prowess in various automated operations in Adobe Photoshop 25.
The Framework Laptop 12 doesn’t exactly light these benchmark tests up, but it’s not too far behind the other systems—in most cases. The general productivity speeds are in line, but some of the more content creation-centric tests, particularly Handbrake, fell behind noticeably. In short, this laptop touts acceptable speed for everyday home and lighter office use, but you wouldn’t want to stress the processor much more than that.
Graphics Tests
We challenge laptops' graphics with a quartet of animations or gaming simulations from UL's 3DMark test suite. Wild Life (1440p) and Wild Life Extreme (4K) use the Vulkan graphics API to measure GPU speeds. The Steel Nomad Light subtest—the Dell balked at the primary, higher-stress Steel Nomad benchmark—focuses on APIs more commonly used for game development, like DirectX 12, to assess gaming geometry and particle effects.
This laptop also struggled with the 3D tests, which isn’t too surprising. None of these integrated-graphics-reliant systems is meant for strenuous graphics workloads, and the Framework Laptop 12 fought its way through these tests—some even failed to complete. In a pinch, this system will do, but you wouldn’t want to lean on it for any heavy-lift graphics tasks or more than light gaming.
Battery Life and Display Tests
We test each laptop's battery life by playing a locally stored 720p video file (the open-source Blender movie Tears of Steel) with display brightness at 50% and audio volume at 100%. We make sure the battery is fully charged before the test, with Wi-Fi and keyboard backlighting turned off.
To gauge display performance, we also use a Datacolor SpyderX Elite monitor calibration sensor and Windows software to measure a screen's color saturation—what percentage of the sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color gamuts or palettes the display can show—as well as its 50% and peak brightness in nits (candelas per square meter).
Even if the battery result here doesn’t sit among the fastest here, more than 12 hours of runtime is still a win. This will last through the school or work day, without causing a tactical or timing issue in the classroom if it wasn’t plugged in the moment it was finished being used.
The display tests show a plenty-bright screen, with one of the better peak-nits ratings, but one of the poorest for color coverage. To my eyes, the screen isn't the sharpest or most vibrant, and the numbers show a bright display that isn't suited to professional (or even hobbyist) color accuracy.