The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is a premium choice well-suited for professionals working with creative software, offering a robust build and excellent display quality, but with a higher cost and a heavier focus on the macOS ecosystem. On the other hand, the MSI Creator M14 is often more affordable and tailored for creative tasks as well, but it runs Windows which can be more flexible for a variety of applications and has broader compatibility with gaming and different software. Consider the Apple for superior build and display if you favor design work, while the MSI is more cost-effective for diverse tasks and those preferring Windows. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021)
Very good for software development
Excellent overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Very good portability
Excellent battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Creator M14
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
7.3/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.7/10
The MSI Creator M14 is good for gaming and AI, while the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) is only fair.
The MacBook Pro 14 has a capable GPU, but it's limited compared to the MSI Creator M14, which offers a stronger GPU and a higher screen refresh rate critical for smooth gaming and 3D performances. While the MacBook Pro excels in screen quality and efficient CPU performance, its GPU and limited game compatibility with MacOS are less ideal for gaming enthusiasts who would likely prefer the MSI Creator's superior gaming and 3D capabilities.
Screen Quality
9.2/10
7.5/10
14.2in
SIZE
14.0in
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
479.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has a better screen than the MSI Creator M14 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) provides superior screen quality for general use and engineering with its high-resolution display and excellent brightness, along with a wide color gamut that benefits professional design tasks. The MSI Creator M14 also offers a high-quality display for general use and engineering design, with a good color range that satisfies most design needs. However, both laptops have lower refresh rates which are less ideal for 3D applications and gaming, where smoother motion clarity is crucial.
Battery
13.5 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 has 13.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Creator M14 has 4.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.2in
SIZE
14.0in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has very good portability, while the MSI Creator M14 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
7.8/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has best in class build quality, while the MSI Creator M14 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,905
$1,500
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) has a price of $1,905 and the MSI Creator M14 costs $1,500.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and MSI Creator M14 are both very good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 offers a balance of high CPU performance, ample RAM, and excellent screen quality, with the added benefits of long battery life and a lightweight design for enhanced portability; meanwhile, the MSI Creator M14, also strong in CPU and RAM, provides a similar high-quality screen, but trades off some portability and battery life for a potentially more attractive price point, appealing to users who prioritize value and performance over mobility.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
8.4/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
4.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Creator M14 and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) are both very good for engineering and design.
The MacBook Pro 14 offers a strong CPU, high-quality screen, and excellent speakers, making it suitable for engineering tasks, but the MSI Creator M14's superior CPU, RAM, and GPU capabilities provide an edge for more demanding engineering and design software. While both cater to professionals, the MSI's higher performance hardware provides a smoother experience for intensive tasks, though the MacBook Pro's build quality and operating system may be preferable for some users looking for a balance between power and user experience.
Content Creation
8.4/10
8.0/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and MSI Creator M14 are both very good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
8.3/10
7.8/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
3024 x 1964
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) to be very good for software development, while the MSI Creator M14 is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) and the MSI Creator M14 compare to other laptops
"In the Apple MacBook Pro 14 2023, the M2 Pro is slowed down. From the improved 5nm process, the new M2 Pro is a very solid upgrade. Graphics performance has increased by about 25% in tandem with a clear improvement in efficiency. The processor has also seen a performance leap of up to 20%, but this is accompanied by an increase in consumption of up to 25%. Fundamentally, Apple its maintaining its advantage over AMD and Intel, particularly in optimized applications where the results are very good in view of the comparatively low power consumption."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) or the MSI Creator M14
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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