When considering a purchase between the Framework Laptop 13 and the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, keep in mind that the Framework is designed for ease of repair and upgrades which can save costs in the long run, and it's more portable due to its smaller size. The MSI, on the other hand, offers better performance for tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, and gaming but at a higher cost and with less portability. If your work requires heavy computing power and you're less concerned about budget and portability, the MSI might be a better fit. However, if you prioritize a lighter device, lower upfront costs, and the ability to make future upgrades, the Framework is a suitable choice. 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
Advantages of the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio
Very good for general use
Excellent for engineering and design
Very good for gaming and AI
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Key differences
General Use
7.5/10
8.4/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.0/10
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio is very good for general use, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Framework Laptop 13, with its modular design, focuses on portability and repairability, making it a practical choice for everyday tasks, but it might not match the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio in terms of sheer performance due to its superior CPU and RAM. The MSI, while offering a higher-quality screen and stronger performance for demanding applications, sacrifices some portability and may have a shorter battery life compared to the more mobile-friendly Framework Laptop.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
8.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio is very good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio comes with a more powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate, which are crucial for smooth and responsive gaming and 3D rendering, whereas the Framework Laptop 13, while serviceable, provides less graphical power and a lower refresh rate, making it less ideal for those purposes despite having good screen quality and a capable CPU.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
9.1/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio is excellent for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Framework Laptop 13 has a solid CPU and ample RAM to manage engineering tasks, plus a high-quality screen and a modular design enhancing its longevity; however, the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, with a more powerful CPU, superior GPU, and larger, high-quality display, excels in more demanding engineering and design applications, but it is less portable due to its larger size and typically generates more noise under heavy use. While the Framework is more travel-friendly with a more muted operating noise, its performance in intensive tasks can't match the MSI Stealth's raw power.
Content Creation
7.5/10
8.5/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio is very good for content creation, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
7.6/10
8.2/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio is very good for software development, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
8.4/10
13.5in
SIZE
18.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 13's screen provides clear images and sufficient brightness for tasks like web browsing and video streaming, which suits general use well, and its resolution and color coverage meet the needs for detail and accuracy in engineering and design work. The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, with a higher overall screen quality, offers sharper details and a more vibrant color representation, enhancing visual work for engineers and designers. However, both laptops have screens with lower refresh rates, which can hinder the smoothness of visuals in gaming and 3D modeling, where faster refresh rates are crucial for an optimal experience.
Battery
7.5 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio 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.
Portability
Very Good
Fair
13.5in
SIZE
18.0in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
6.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,079
$2,900
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio costs $2,900.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio to have very good build quality, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
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How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the MSI Stealth 18 AI 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."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the MSI Stealth 18 AI 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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