If performance for intensive tasks like engineering, 3D rendering, or machine learning is a priority and cost isn't a major concern, consider the Framework Laptop 16, as it is likely equipped with higher-end components and has a stronger build quality. However, if you're looking for something that balances cost and performance for day-to-day use and gaming, the MSI Cyborg 15 might offer a better value. Keep in mind the Framework is also focused on repairability and upgradeability, so it might save you money and reduce waste in the long run, while the MSI Cyborg 15 offers less flexibility in this regard but might be lighter, which is beneficial for portability. 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 engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Cyborg 15
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
7.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
234.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.2/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the MSI Cyborg 15 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a great balance of performance with its high-quality CPU, ample RAM, and sharp screen while also being easy to carry around and providing long battery life, making it well-suited for a range of tasks and mobile use. In contrast, the MSI Cyborg 15, while providing adequate performance and a decent screen for everyday tasks, falls short on portability and battery life, making it less ideal for those needing to work on the go.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI Cyborg 15 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its high-quality CPU, RAM, and GPU, alongside a premium screen, excels in demanding tasks like engineering simulations and graphic design, at the expense of being less portable and possibly noisier under load. Whereas the MSI Cyborg 15 offers a balance of powerful hardware and a quality display for efficient engineering work, but has a keyboard and speakers that may not match the Framework's, impacting user experience during long work sessions.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the MSI Cyborg 15 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
7.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the MSI Cyborg 15 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
8.4/10
6.8/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
234.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI Cyborg 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Framework Laptop 16 provides a sharp resolution and bright display, contributing to a more vibrant and clear viewing experience, while the MSI Cyborg 15 offers a less sharp resolution, resulting in a less impressive display. In engineering and design, where accurate color representation is crucial, the Framework Laptop 16 supports a wide range of colors, making it suitable for detailed and color-critical work. However, for 3D and gaming where fluid motion is key, the Framework Laptop 16 falls short with a lower refresh rate, which may lead to less smooth visuals compared to laptops with higher refresh rates.
Battery
9.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Cyborg 15 has 7.5 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.
Build Quality
8.0/10
6.7/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the MSI Cyborg 15 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$1,100
$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 Cyborg 15 costs $1,100.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Cyborg 15 to be good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16, while offering a solid GPU, falls short for hardcore gaming due to a lower screen refresh rate, affecting the fluidity and responsiveness during fast-paced scenes. On the other hand, the MSI Cyborg 15 shines in gaming with a high-refresh-rate screen and a superior GPU, providing smoother visuals and enhanced gaming performance.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.3 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI Cyborg 15 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Cyborg 15 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."
"The focus of the MSI Cyborg 15 lies on a compromise of performance, mobility, and power consumption. Due to the reduced performance settings, the CPU and GPU perform below their capabilities. Nonetheless, their computing power is still sufficient for FHD gaming at high to maximum settings even then. The power consumption, which is low for a gaming laptop, can be translated into a good battery life. Realistic values of 7 to 8 h are still possible, despite the relatively small battery capacity of 53.5 Wh. Unfortunately the USB-C port doesn't offer any support for Power Delivery, which would be a sensible feature in the case of the Cyborg."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Cyborg 15
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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