When choosing between the Dell XPS 13 and the MSI Creator M14, consider their primary strengths: the Dell XPS 13 offers more portability due to its smaller size and lighter weight, making it an excellent choice for general use, especially if you travel frequently or commute. On the other hand, the MSI Creator M14, while typically more expensive, is tailored for creative professionals, with better performance for 3D rendering, video editing, and design software. If your work involves these tasks, the MSI might be worth the extra investment, albeit with the tradeoff of being less convenient to carry around. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Dell XPS 13
Very good overall build quality
Excellent portability
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Creator M14
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Very good for content creation
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
7.3/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
60Hz
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 Dell XPS 13 is only fair.
The Dell XPS 13, while having a capable CPU and good screen quality, often comes with integrated graphics that limit its gaming and 3D capabilities compared to laptops with dedicated GPUs. The MSI Creator M14 typically includes a dedicated GPU and may also offer a higher screen refresh rate, providing a smoother visual experience which is crucial for gaming and 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
7.2/10
8.4/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Creator M14 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The MSI Creator M14 typically offers a stronger CPU and GPU combination with more RAM, which provides robust performance for demanding tasks such as engineering simulations or graphic design software, along with a high-quality screen for precise visual work. While the Dell XPS 13 is also well-equipped with good CPU and screen quality, it's more portable and quieter, making it suitable for on-the-go use without sacrificing much keyboard or speaker quality.
Screen Quality
7.2/10
7.5/10
13.4in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
442.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
The MSI Creator M14 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 13 for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
Both the Dell XPS 13 and MSI Creator M14 laptops offer displays with high resolution and brightness, making them crisp and easy to view for everyday tasks, while their color gamut coverage ensures accurate color representation crucial for engineering and design work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where fluid motion is key, these laptops fall short as they lack high refresh rates, which can result in less smooth visuals during fast-paced action. The panel type and resolution, while still important for clarity and detail, don't compensate for the lack of a faster refresh rate in creating a more immersive gaming experience.
Battery
10.0 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Dell XPS 13 has 10 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
Excellent
Good
13.4in
SIZE
14.0in
2.5 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Dell XPS 13 has excellent portability, while the MSI Creator M14 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.8/10
The Dell XPS 13 has very good 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
$850
$1,500
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell XPS 13 has a price of $850 and the MSI Creator M14 costs $1,500.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Creator M14 to be very good for general use, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The Dell XPS 13 offers a balance of high-quality screen, good portability, and long battery life, making it suitable for everyday tasks, while the MSI Creator M14, with its powerful CPU and ample RAM, excels in performance for more demanding applications but at the expense of heavier weight and reduced battery longevity. Additionally, the XPS 13 is favored for its solid build and reliable keyboard, but for users needing more storage and robust audio, the Creator M14's larger storage capacity and superior speakers may be more appealing despite its noisier operation and heat generation.
Content Creation
7.7/10
8.0/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Creator M14 to be very good for content creation, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
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
7.5/10
7.8/10
6.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The MSI Creator M14 and Dell XPS 13 are both good for software development.
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 Dell XPS 13 and the MSI Creator M14 compare to other laptops
"In the past, the XPS 13 was a hands-down contender for the best laptop on the market. But the Apple-silicon MacBook has since barrelled onto the scene, and it wipes the floor with most of the ultraportable Windows laptops that cross my desk on a daily basis. This XPS is no exception. Compared to the M2 MacBook Air, battery life is worse."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 13 or the MSI Creator M14
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
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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