A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 21, 2024·
When choosing between the Dell XPS 15 and the MSI Creator M14, consider that the Dell XPS 15 typically offers robust build quality, a high-resolution display, and strong overall performance which is suitable for everyday use and some professional applications. It also has a larger screen but might be heavier, impacting portability. On the other hand, the MSI Creator M14 is aimed more at creative professionals and may provide better suitability for tasks like video editing and graphics work thanks to its color-accurate screen and potentially more powerful dedicated graphics. However, this focus on graphics might come at the cost of reduced battery life compared to the Dell. 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 Dell XPS 15
- Very good for software development
- Very good overall build quality
- Very good battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Creator M14
- Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8
7.3
4.4/10
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
9.1/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.7/10
The MSI Creator M14 is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell XPS 15 is only fair.
The Dell XPS 15 typically offers a decent GPU that can handle gaming and 3D tasks adequately but may not have the high refresh rate preferred by gamers, resulting in less smooth visuals. On the other hand, the MSI Creator M14 often comes with a more powerful GPU and a higher screen refresh rate, providing better performance and smoother imagery for gaming and demanding 3D applications, although it might come at a higher cost.
Screen Quality
7.4
7.5
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
The Dell XPS 15 has a better screen than the MSI Creator M14 for software development, and content creation, while the MSI Creator M14 has a better screen for engineering and design.
The Dell XPS 15 and MSI Creator M14 both utilize panels with high resolution and brightness, making them suitable for general use where crisp, clear displays enhance everyday tasks. For engineering and design, these laptops likely offer wide color gamuts, covering DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB, ensuring accurate color representation vital for professionals in those fields. However, for gaming and 3D applications, they fall short due to lower refresh rates, which are essential for smooth visuals and responsiveness in fast-paced scenarios.
Battery
10.0 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Dell XPS 15 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.
Build Quality
8.5
7.8
The Dell XPS 15 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
$1,000
$1,500
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell XPS 15 has a price of $1,000 and the MSI Creator M14 costs $1,500.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
General Use
8.2
8.0
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
606.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.5 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The Dell XPS 15 and MSI Creator M14 are both very good for general use.
The Dell XPS 15, with its powerful CPU and ample RAM, provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and handles more demanding applications well, while its high-quality screen, solid battery life, and lightweight design make it ideal for portability. In contrast, the MSI Creator M14 also offers a robust CPU and plenty of RAM for seamless multitasking, and its emphasis on screen quality caters to creatives, but it may trade off some battery life and portability due to its focus on performance.
Engineering and Design
8.1
8.4
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Creator M14 and Dell XPS 15 are both very good for engineering and design.
The MSI Creator M14 typically includes more powerful CPUs and GPUs, along with higher amounts of RAM, which are essential for demanding engineering and design tasks, also offering superior screen quality for detailed visuals. While the Dell XPS 15 provides a balance with respectable performance and screen quality for most tasks, it emphasizes a more portable design and quieter operation, which may appeal to users valuing mobility and a more comfortable working environment.
Content Creation
8.3
8.0
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 15 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
8.1
7.8
9.0/10
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
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell XPS 15 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The MSI Creator M14 and Dell XPS 15 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell XPS 15 and the MSI Creator M14 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 15 | MSI Creator M14 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,000 | $1,500 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | March 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 13.6'' x 9.1'' x 0.71'' | 12.4'' x 9.2'' x 0.88'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.21 lbs | 3.53 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.57" | 12.39" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.06" | 9.19" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700H | Intel i7-13620H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 4.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 86 Wh | 53.5 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2880 x 1800 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 606 nits | 350 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 3 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Dell XPS 15
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Matthew Buzzi | May 2023
"The 2023 Dell XPS 15 is more or less exactly what you'd expect from the company flagship. Its fresh components deliver measurably superior power and longevity, while the machine's premium build and design remain intact. It may not be overly exciting, but XPS loyalists and upgraders should be more than happy."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 15 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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
132,495
Recommendations made
28,708
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
Featured in
