When deciding between the Framework Laptop 16 and the MSI Prestige 15, consider that the Framework offers high customizability and easy repairability, which could be valuable if you plan on upgrading components over time. Meanwhile, the MSI Prestige 15 is more budget-friendly and still offers solid performance for general use and creative tasks. However, if you prioritize a premium build and the ability to maintain and enhance your laptop's capabilities in the long run, investing more in the Framework could be worthwhile. On the other hand, the Prestige 15 may suit you better if you seek a balance between performance and cost, without the need for customization features. 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 Prestige 15
The MSI Prestige 15 has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
7.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
298.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.7/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the MSI Prestige 15 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a high-end CPU and ample RAM which ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, and its screen quality enhances the visual experience, but it is less portable and has a shorter battery life compared to lighter alternatives. The MSI Prestige 15, while also providing solid performance and good screen quality, is more portable and offers longer battery life, making it a great option for those who need to work on the go. Both laptops come with decent storage, comfortable keyboards, and speakers that provide a satisfactory audio experience without significant operating noise or overheating issues.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.1/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI Prestige 15 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 is equipped with high-end components including a powerful CPU, plenty of RAM, and a capable GPU, plus a high-resolution screen, making it ideal for demanding engineering and design tasks, although it is somewhat less portable due to its size. Meanwhile, the MSI Prestige 15, while also featuring a robust CPU and ample RAM, prioritizes portability and has a high-quality keyboard, which may appeal to users frequently on the move, without compromising much on performance.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.1/10
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 Prestige 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
7.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the MSI Prestige 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
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
298.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI Prestige 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Framework Laptop 16 delivers a vibrant and crisp display due to its high resolution and brightness, making it excellent for tasks like browsing, document editing, and video streaming. In engineering and design, professionals can rely on the wide color gamuts of the Framework, ensuring that colors are accurately represented for tasks such as photo editing and graphic design. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the screen's lower refresh rate might not be as smooth for fast-paced visuals compared to displays designed specifically for gaming, which often prioritize higher refresh rates for more fluid motion.
Battery
9.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Prestige 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
7.4/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the MSI Prestige 15 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$1,044
$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 Prestige 15 costs $1,044.
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI Prestige 15 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 16 comes equipped with a dedicated GPU that supports decent gaming and 3D performance, and its high screen refresh rate makes for smoother visuals during fast-paced action. Meanwhile, the MSI Prestige 15, while having a capable GPU for gaming and 3D tasks, may offer a less fluid experience where high refresh rates are key, but it compensates with strong CPU performance and high screen quality for clear and vivid images.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Prestige 15 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
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How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Prestige 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 MSI Prestige 15 offers a dazzling 4K image quality, and solid performance. The MSI Prestige 15 appears to consistently implement the guiding principle of throttling the solid and efficient hardware to such an extent that content creation succeeds perfectly. Performance-hungry tasks, on the other hand, are slowed down a little by the reduced power consumption. Conversely, this means that the case remains relatively cool and the dual fan subdued. The battery life also benefits somewhat. So the losses aren't really dramatic because full performance is still available for short bursts."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Prestige 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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