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The first 16 GB will still be dual-channel, only the remainder will be single-channel (flex mode).

Yeah, this looks to be the case. They have "dual channel" up until you choose more than 16GB.

Surprised by this. I’m deciding between System76 and Framework, and Framework is fully upgradable.

Soldered, non-upgradable hardware is the bane of my existence.

Yeah, I hate this too. Either solder both in a sane dial channel configuration or have both socketed.

What is it with this 8GB soldered, one socket free thing?

Manufacturing cost reduction.

It's a weird trade off to make on a business laptop, but everyone does it now, including Lenovo with ThinkPads.

If you want the upgradability and ports of a 2011 Thinkpad you need to buy a budget gaming laptop now.

I've read that socketed can be less performant than soldered but I don't have a good source to confirm or explain why.

If it’s a standard RAM interface then no it doesn’t make any difference to performance.