When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 and the MSI Creator Z16P, consider that the Framework is known for its modularity and ease of repair; it's a great option if you value sustainability and customization. The MSI Creator, however, is tailored for content creators and might offer superior graphics and processing power, which is useful for intensive tasks like video editing and 3D work. The Framework might be lighter and more portable, while the MSI Creator could have a shorter battery life due to its more powerful components. Consider what's more important for your daily needs: the ability to upgrade and repair, or the raw power for demanding software. 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 general use
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Good battery life
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the MSI Creator Z16P
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
7.6/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.4/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.7/10
The MSI Creator Z16P is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16, while offering a decent GPU for gaming and 3D tasks, has a lower screen refresh rate, which may not be as smooth for fast-paced games as the MSI Creator Z16P, which includes a more powerful GPU and a higher refresh rate, delivering better performance and visual fluidity in graphic-intensive applications. Moreover, the Creator Z16P might also have a slight edge in screen quality and processing power due to its elevated focus on content creation and professional workloads, contributing to a richer visual experience and smoother multitasking.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
8.3/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
394.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI Creator Z16P for gaming and AI, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize sharp, vibrant displays for everyday tasks and detailed work in engineering or design software, both the Framework Laptop 16 and the MSI Creator Z16P offer high-resolution screens with excellent color accuracy, making them great choices. However, for gaming or working with 3D applications where motion smoothness is critical, these laptops may fall short due to their lower refresh rates, which can lead to less fluid visuals compared to models specifically designed for gaming that typically have higher refresh rates. Therefore, while both are strong contenders for productivity and professional creative tasks, gaming enthusiasts might want to consider alternatives with faster screen refresh capabilities.
Battery
9.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Creator Z16P 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.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the MSI Creator Z16P is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 excels in portability and offers a high-quality screen and CPU that make it well-suited for a variety of general tasks; its modular design allows customization in terms of RAM and storage, though at a tradeoff of potentially reduced battery life. The MSI Creator Z16P, on the other hand, delivers powerful performance with excellent CPU and RAM capabilities, targeted toward creative professionals, but is less portable and may generate more heat and noise under heavy loads.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Creator Z16P and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 16, while offering a decent CPU, RAM, GPU, and screen quality for engineering and design tasks, is outperformed by the MSI Creator Z16P which provides top-tier components in these areas, ensuring smoother and faster execution of demanding applications. Although the Framework Laptop has benefits in terms of portability and the unique feature of customization and repairability owing to its modular design, the MSI Creator Z16P leads with a potentially higher-quality screen and stronger graphics performance for complex design work, albeit it may sacrifice some portability and be noisier under load due to its more powerful internals.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.9/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for content creation, while the MSI Creator Z16P 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
8.0/10
7.6/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
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 Z16P 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
16.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
5.2 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI Creator Z16P both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI Creator Z16P both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$1,699
$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 Z16P costs $1,699.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Creator Z16P 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."
"There's almost nothing left to be desired with the MSI Z16P. The creator laptop offers enormous performance resources for image editing, video editing, rendering, and more. All this is presented on a precalibrated, adequately sized, and high-resolution display. Its color space, refresh rate, and panel technology are also perfectly suited for a device that specializes in video reproduction and editing."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Creator Z16P
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
93,495
Recommendations made
20,258
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.