If you prioritize performance for intensive tasks such as engineering, gaming, or machine learning and don't mind less portability due to a heavier build and larger screen, go for the MSI Thin GF63 with its stronger graphics and faster processor. However, if portability, battery life, and the ability to repair and customize your laptop are more important, and you're okay with paying a bit more, the Framework Laptop 13 would be a better fit. Additionally, the Framework's higher resolution screen offers a sharper image, albeit with a smaller display size compared to the MSI. 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 overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Very good portability
Good battery life
Very good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Thin GF63
The MSI Thin GF63 has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 13 (2023).
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
5.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The MSI Thin GF63 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the MSI Thin GF63 is somewhat better.
The MSI Thin GF63 is better equipped for gaming and 3D tasks with a dedicated Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics card and a higher screen refresh rate of 144Hz, whereas the Framework Laptop 13 comes with integrated Iris Xe graphics and a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, making it less optimal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, the MSI model offers a more performant Intel i7 CPU compared to the Intel i5 in the Framework Laptop, as well as better screen quality for gaming purposes.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
6.8/10
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the MSI Thin GF63 for general use, engineering and design, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 13's display offers higher resolution and brightness, enhancing clarity and visibility for everyday tasks and detailed engineering work, while its panel type ensures wide viewing angles. Its color gamut coverage is suitable for engineering and design professionals who require accurate colors, but it might not entirely satisfy the highest industry color standards. On the other hand, the MSI Thin GF63's moderate resolution and brightness provide an adequate but less crisp visual experience for general and professional use, and its lower refresh rate makes it less ideal for smooth and responsive visuals required in 3D applications and gaming.
Battery
7.5 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Thin GF63 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.
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 Thin GF63 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 Thin GF63 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
$1,400
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the MSI Thin GF63 costs $1,400.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Thin GF63 are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is desirable for its excellent portability, a commendable battery life for regular tasks, and its outstanding screen quality, aided by a high-resolution display. Conversely, the MSI Thin GF63 delivers superior performance with a high-end processor and graphics card, making it suitable for more demanding applications, albeit at the expense of heavier weight and shorter battery life.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.5/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
5.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Thin GF63 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for engineering and design.
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.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.4/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
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 Thin GF63 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
7.2/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
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 Thin GF63 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.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the MSI Thin GF63 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."
"The MSI GF63 Thin 11SC can be an admirable value for gamers and power users on a minimal budget. For just $599 as reviewed in its base model, its Intel Core i5 H-class processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics perform much better than low-wattage CPUs and integrated graphics. That said, this is a light-class gaming laptop. Low scores in our demanding gaming benchmarks indicate using lower visual-quality settings will be required for playable performance."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the MSI Thin GF63
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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