When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Creator M14, consider that the Framework laptop offers high performance and is designed to be upgradeable and repairable, potentially extending its lifespan. However, this may come at a higher price compared to the MSI Creator M14, which is likely more focused on providing a balance of performance and value for content creators. If portability is crucial, the MSI might be lighter and easier to carry. For battery life, it usually varies by model, so the Framework might have a larger battery due to its size, but actual runtime will depend on usage. If your work involves engineering software or resource-heavy tasks, the Framework's larger screen and potential for higher-end specifications could be beneficial, but for everyday use and general content creation, the MSI may suffice and save you money. 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 16 (2023)
Very good for software development
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Good battery life
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the MSI Creator M14
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
7.3/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.7/10
The MSI Creator M14 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The MSI Creator M14 offers a stronger GPU which is essential for smooth gaming and 3D rendering, coupled with a higher screen refresh rate for more fluid visuals. On the other hand, the Framework Laptop 16 has a less powerful GPU and lower refresh rate, making it less optimal for these tasks despite having a decent CPU and screen quality.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
7.5/10
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI Creator M14 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 16 excels in screen quality for general use and engineering due to its higher resolution and panel type that provides sharp images alongside superior brightness, making text and images clear and vivid. Its large color gamut coverage ensures accurate color reproduction crucial for engineering and design tasks, but the lower refresh rate makes it less ideal for gaming and 3D applications which demand smoother motion. The MSI Creator M14, while also offering a good resolution and panel for clarity in general use and engineering tasks, may fall short in providing the same level of color fidelity as the Framework, and like the Framework, its lesser refresh rate hampers gaming and 3D visuals.
Battery
9.0 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Creator M14 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.
Cost
$1,699
$1,500
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the MSI Creator M14 costs $1,500.
The MSI Creator M14 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 16 stands out with a high-quality screen and is built to be easily upgraded and repaired, enhancing longevity, with options for high-performance CPUs and ample RAM to ensure smooth operation; however, its portability is compromised compared to lighter models. The MSI Creator M14, on the other hand, offers a balance with a good screen, comfortable keyboard, and decent battery life, making it a versatile option for on-the-go use, though it may lag slightly behind in upgradeability and repairability.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Creator M14 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
For demanding engineering and design tasks, the MSI Creator M14, with its robust CPU, ample RAM, and powerful GPU, excels at handling heavy software, while its exceptional screen quality makes it ideal for detailed visual work, though it may be less portable and noisier under load. The Framework Laptop 16, while still adequate for such tasks, offers a balance between performance and portability, and has a good keyboard and speakers, but may not match the raw power and display fidelity of the MSI for the most intensive applications.
Content Creation
8.1/10
8.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI Creator M14 are both very 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
8.0/10
7.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the MSI Creator M14 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The MSI Creator M14 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
7.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the MSI Creator M14 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Creator M14 compare to other laptops
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Creator M14
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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