The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers value as a less expensive, lightweight, and customizable option, with respectable performance for everyday use and repairability. The Intel i5 chip and integrated graphics handle routine tasks well, but may lag behind in heavy-duty activities. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio, on the other hand, with its higher price tag, provides stronger performance in engineering and gaming thanks to the Intel i7 processor and dedicated Nvidia graphics. It boasts a larger and faster storage, more memory, and a higher refresh rate screen, ideal for intensive tasks and smoother visuals. However, it is slightly heavier and bulkier, affecting portability. Choose the Framework if prioritizing portability, repairability, and cost-saving; opt for the MSI for top-tier performance in demanding applications. 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)
Very good portability
Good battery life
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Stealth 14 Studio
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Best in class speakers
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
7.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.1/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is better suited for gaming and 3D applications due to its dedicated Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics card and a high screen refresh rate of 165Hz, which can produce smoother visuals especially important in fast-paced games, compared to the Framework Laptop 13 which uses the Intel Iris Xe graphics integrated into the CPU and a 60Hz screen refresh rate, suitable for less demanding tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
8.5/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio boasts a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and a superior GPU compared to the Framework Laptop 13, which makes it highly capable for engineering and design tasks that demand high performance. Additionally, the MSI model provides a higher resolution and faster refresh screen, enhancing visual clarity and smoothness for detailed work, at the expense of being heavier and less portable than the lighter Framework Laptop.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
7.6/10
13.5in
SIZE
14.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the MSI Stealth 14 Studio for software development, while the MSI Stealth 14 Studio has a better screen for gaming and AI, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 13 and the MSI Stealth 14 Studio both offer high-resolution displays and brightness levels adequate for sharp and clear imagery, suiting everyday tasks and professional work such as document editing and web browsing. Their broad color gamut capabilities ensure that engineers and designers have accurate color representation for detailed projects. However, for gaming and 3D applications, where high refresh rates are crucial for smooth motion, both laptops fall short as they prioritize resolution and color accuracy over the faster screen refresh necessary for an optimal gaming and 3D rendering experience.
Battery
7.5 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio has 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
13.5in
SIZE
14.0in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the MSI Stealth 14 Studio has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,079
$1,699
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the MSI Stealth 14 Studio costs $1,699.
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.9/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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.
Software Development
7.6/10
7.4/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.6/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Stealth 14 Studio both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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."
"You'll find a versatility in the MSI Stealth 14 Studio that isn’t matched by many content-creator laptops we've tested of late. The small frame allows you to (potentially) work from anywhere with an outlet and, if noise isn’t a concern, run your most demanding of programs, thanks to some powerful hardware inside. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is an attractive and powerful option if you want a portable laptop to be the center of your content work setup."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the MSI Stealth 14 Studio
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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