The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers better portability due to its lighter weight and smaller dimensions compared to the MSI GF63 Thin, as well as higher screen resolution and brightness for sharper visuals. It is also more expensive and scores higher for build quality and general use performance. On the other hand, the MSI GF63 Thin, while less portable and with a lower screen resolution, has a dedicated graphics card for enhanced 3D and machine learning performance and is more suitable for gaming. It is also less expensive, making it a more budget-friendly option for those prioritizing gaming or graphics-intensive tasks over portability and screen quality. 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 Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Very good portability
Good battery life
Very good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI GF63 Thin
The MSI GF63 Thin has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 13 (2023).
Key differences
General Use
7.5/10
6.0/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
249.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.2 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for general use, while the MSI GF63 Thin is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) outshines the MSI GF63 Thin in general use largely due to its higher screen quality, superior portability with lighter weight and smaller dimensions, and longer battery life. While both laptops have similar CPU and RAM that are crucial for performance, the Framework offers better overall user experience with higher screen resolution, touch capability, and superior build quality, as compared to the MSI which, although it has a dedicated GPU that could benefit certain applications, falls short in aspects like battery longevity and portability.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
6.0/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.3/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for engineering and design, while the MSI GF63 Thin is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is preferred for engineering and design work over the MSI GF63 Thin due to its higher-quality screen, which offers greater brightness and better color coverage, complementing tasks that involve visual accuracy. On the other hand, while the MSI GF63 Thin does include a dedicated GPU which may help in GPU-intensive tasks, its lower screen quality and older CPU make it less ideal for such professional applications.
Content Creation
7.5/10
6.0/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.3/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for content creation, while the MSI GF63 Thin is only fair.
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
7.6/10
6.0/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.3/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for software development, while the MSI GF63 Thin is only fair.
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.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
6.1/10
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
249.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the MSI GF63 Thin for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 13, with its higher resolution and brightness, provides a clear, vibrant display that enhances the visual experience for general activities and detailed tasks typical in engineering and design. Its color accuracy is beneficial for professionals who require precision in color-sensitive projects. However, the MSI GF63 Thin, with lower resolution and brightness, is less optimal for these tasks, and both laptops have screens with refresh rates that aren't ideal for fluid motion in gaming and 3D applications.
Battery
7.5 Hours
4.2 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The MSI GF63 Thin has 4.3 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
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the MSI GF63 Thin has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
6.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality, while the MSI GF63 Thin has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,079
$599
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the MSI GF63 Thin costs $599.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI GF63 Thin are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13, while offering a unique modular design that allows for some component upgrades, has integrated graphics that may limit performance in high-end gaming and 3D tasks compared to the MSI GF63 Thin, which often includes discrete graphics cards that are better suited for such demands. Despite their adequate CPUs and screen quality, the MSI GF63 Thin typically has a higher screen refresh rate, providing a smoother visual experience in fast-paced games than the Framework Laptop 13.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the MSI GF63 Thin compare to other laptops
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
"If you leave aside the meagre port selection (no card reader, no DisplayPort, no Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1 Gen2), the fan control that could be improved (idle mode!) and the relatively dark and slow display, the MSI GF63 Thin 9SC does not have any major weaknesses. The 15-inch gamer is compact, has a low weight and offers a good price-to-performance ratio, which should please gamers that are looking for both a portable and an affordable gaming notebook. Input devices, battery life, case quality and performance are all appropriate for this purchase price."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the MSI GF63 Thin
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
98,295
Recommendations made
21,298
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.