When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Modern 14, consider that the Framework offers high performance suitable for engineering, 3D work, and gaming, and is designed for easy upgrades and repairs, at a higher cost. In contrast, the MSI Modern 14 is generally more budget-friendly, offering sufficient performance for everyday tasks and lighter workloads, with better portability due to its smaller size and likely longer battery life. If top-notch performance and future-proofing are your priorities, and cost is less of a concern, the Framework might be the better option. If you value savings, portability, and primarily engage in general use, the MSI Modern 14 could be more appropriate. 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 Modern 14
Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
7.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
311.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.6/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the MSI Modern 14 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16, with a robust CPU and ample RAM, delivers smooth and responsive performance for demanding applications, and its high-quality screen enhances visual experiences, but its larger size and potentially shorter battery life make it less portable than smaller laptops. Meanwhile, the MSI Modern 14 offers adequate power for everyday tasks in a more portable package with better battery life, though its screen, speakers, and overall performance might not match the Framework's, making it more suited for on-the-go users who prioritize convenience over top-tier specs.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI Modern 14 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16 has a dedicated GPU and a high screen refresh rate, which are crucial for smooth gaming and 3D rendering, giving it an edge in these areas over the MSI Modern 14, which may offer a less powerful GPU and a lower refresh rate, potentially leading to a less optimal experience in those demanding tasks. However, the MSI Modern 14 may still handle moderate gaming and 3D tasks adequately if it has a competent CPU and a good quality screen, but with reduced visual fluidity and detail compared to the Framework.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
6.6/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI Modern 14 is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a powerful CPU, ample RAM, and high-resolution screen that excel in engineering tasks and visual design work while its modular design allows for upgrades, a feature appreciated in performance-driven fields. The MSI Modern 14, though less potent in graphics, still provides a solid CPU and RAM setup with a decent screen and is lighter, making it easier to carry around for those who value portability alongside their engineering and design needs.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the MSI Modern 14 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
7.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 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 Modern 14 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
6.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
311.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI Modern 14 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Framework Laptop 16 offers a sharper image and better visibility in bright environments due to its higher resolution and brightness, compared to the MSI Modern 14's fair display that may not be as crisp or clear. When focused on engineering and design, the Framework Laptop's wider color gamut ensures more accurate color reproduction for professional work, while the MSI Modern 14's display might not capture the full spectrum of colors needed for precise design tasks. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops lack the high refresh rates preferred for smooth visuals, though the resolution and panel type on the Framework Laptop provide a somewhat better experience despite not being optimized for these uses.
Battery
9.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Modern 14 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
Good
Very Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The MSI Modern 14 has very good portability, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the MSI Modern 14 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$748
$0
$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 Modern 14 costs $748.
"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."
Alexander Tozzi, Ryan Lim, and John Peroramas | October 2023
"The MSI Modern 14 is okay for school use. It's very compact, so it's easy to carry around. It has a sharp display, a spacious keyboard, and a reasonably large touchpad. Its Intel 13th Gen CPU and integrated graphics can handle general productivity tasks like text processing and web browsing; however, don't expect to do anything intensive like 3D modeling or physics simulations. Unfortunately, the battery lasts less than five hours of light use, and the display doesn't get bright enough to combat glare."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Modern 14
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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