The Framework Laptop 13 is more expensive but offers repairability and upgradeability with available RAM and storage slots; it is lighter and has a higher resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio display, which is especially beneficial for productivity tasks. The MSI Modern 14 provides more storage and RAM out of the box for less money, has a standard 16:9 screen aspect ratio which is common for media consumption, and despite a lower battery capacity, it has decent battery life. Consider the Framework if you value longevity and customization, and the MSI if cost and immediate specifications are your priority. 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 engineering and design
Good overall display quality
Very good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Modern 14
The MSI Modern 14 has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 13 (2023).
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
6.6/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for engineering and design, while the MSI Modern 14 is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Software Development
7.6/10
7.1/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Modern 14 are both good for software development, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is somewhat better.
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
6.4/10
13.5in
SIZE
14.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
311.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the MSI Modern 14 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen resolution and brightness, making it suitable for general use and detailed engineering work, while also providing wider color coverage which is crucial for accurate design tasks. On the other hand, the MSI Modern 14 offers a fair balance between resolution and brightness for general use and non-intensive engineering work but might lack in color accuracy for professional design. Neither laptop is ideally suited for gaming or 3D applications since they lack high refresh rates, which are essential for smooth visuals and fast-paced action.
Battery
7.5 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Modern 14 has 6 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
7.8/10
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Modern 14 both have good build quality, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,079
$748
$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 Modern 14 costs $748.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Modern 14 are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) with its high-resolution screen, lightweight design, and long battery life is ideal for general use with an emphasis on portability and screen quality; additionally, it offers repairability and customizability.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.0/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Modern 14 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
Both the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the MSI Modern 14 have integrated graphics, with the Framework using Intel Iris Xe and the MSI using AMD Vega 7, which are suitable for light gaming and 3D applications, but not for high-end gaming performance, which generally requires dedicated GPUs and higher refresh rates. Additionally, both laptops have a maximum screen refresh rate of 60Hz and use similar IPS panels for screen quality; these characteristics are adequate for casual gaming, but serious gamers often seek higher refresh rates and may prefer dedicated gaming displays with better color accuracy and contrast.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.2/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Modern 14 are both 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.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
13.5in
SIZE
14.0in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Modern 14 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the MSI Modern 14 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."
Alexander Tozzi, Ryan Lim, and John Peroramas | October 2023
"The MSI Modern 14 is okay for school use. It's very compact, so it's easy to carry around. It has a sharp display, a spacious keyboard, and a reasonably large touchpad. Its Intel 13th Gen CPU and integrated graphics can handle general productivity tasks like text processing and web browsing; however, don't expect to do anything intensive like 3D modeling or physics simulations. Unfortunately, the battery lasts less than five hours of light use, and the display doesn't get bright enough to combat glare."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the MSI Modern 14
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.
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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.
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Laptops Expert
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