Why I'm Spoiled By Apple Silicon (But Still Love Framework) By Simon Hartcher, September 22, 2025 --- Overview Simon Hartcher shares his experience comparing battery life and performance between his Apple Silicon MacBook M1 Pro and Framework 13 laptop with AMD Ryzen 7840HS. He highlights the impressive battery efficiency of Apple Silicon and contrasts it with the disappointing battery drain on his Framework device. --- Key Points Apple Silicon MacBook M1 Pro MacBook M1 Pro retains 90% battery after 3 weeks in sleep mode (not turned off). Battery performance is exceptional even after extended inactivity. Apple Silicon is built on ARM64 architecture, providing enhanced power efficiency. Framework 13 Laptop (AMD Ryzen 7840HS) Often has a dead battery after 2-3 days of inactivity. Framework battery life drain is frustrating given intermittent usage. Expected drain is about 3-4% per hour while suspended. Previously ran Fedora Workstation and Arch Linux but switched to Fedora Silverblue for stability. Battery issues persist despite OS improvements. Battery Life Challenges in Modern Laptops The issue is not unique to Framework but prevalent in non-Apple Silicon laptops. Apple Silicon’s ARM64 base is core to its superior battery life; switching to ARM64 for Framework may help but is complex. Commitment to Framework Simon admires Framework’s mission and technology despite battery drawbacks. Plans to keep the Framework laptop plugged in to avoid inconvenience. Contemplates potential upgrade to ARM architecture when available. --- Context and Resources Apple Silicon’s battery life praised in external articles and reviews. Discussions on battery drain on Framework laptops found on Reddit and Arch Linux wiki. Framework's mission focuses on modular, upgradeable technology but faces battery management challenges. --- Summary Simon appreciates Apple's superior power management in its ARM-based Silicon laptops, evidenced by the M1 Pro’s impressive battery retention over weeks. His Framework laptop, despite its innovative modular design and his belief in its mission, suffers from substantial battery drain issues. While software choices and OS stability have improved, the fundamental battery performance problem remains an obstacle. The prospect of a future ARM64 upgrade for Framework devices intrigues Simon, although its implementation appears complex. For now, he chooses to keep Framework constantly charged, balancing his love for the device with its practical limitations.