Choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Prestige 16 hinges on your priorities: if repairability and customization are important to you, the Framework Laptop offers easy upgrades and replacement parts which may extend its lifespan, but it comes at a higher cost. The MSI Prestige 16, meanwhile, may offer a more cost-effective solution with strong performance for professional tasks, but it may not match the Framework in terms of eco-friendliness and modular design. Consider what you value more: the initial cost savings with the MSI or the long-term benefits of the Framework's sustainability and upgradability. 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 overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 16
The MSI Prestige 16 has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Key differences
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
400.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 and the MSI Prestige 16 have similar screen quality.
For general use, both the Framework Laptop and MSI Prestige offer high-resolution displays with bright, vivid panels, making text sharp and providing a comfortable viewing experience for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming. When it comes to engineering and design, these laptops have displays with wide color gamuts, ensuring that professionals and creatives see accurate colors and subtle shades, which is crucial for detailed work such as photo editing or CAD software. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is key, the low refresh rates of these screens might not provide as fluid an experience as models specifically designed with higher refresh rates for gaming.
Battery
9.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Prestige 16 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 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
The MSI Prestige 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 16 is appreciated for its modular design allowing upgrades to CPU and RAM, contributing to its longevity and performance for varied tasks, alongside a high-quality screen and the convenience of being lightweight, albeit at the cost of battery life. The MSI Prestige 16, while also delivering solid performance and a great display for everyday activities, tends to offer a balance with better battery longevity and enhanced portability, but might not match the Framework's adaptability to future upgrades.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.7/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI Prestige 16 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 16 has a more modest graphics card, suitable for lighter 3D tasks and casual gaming, while the MSI Prestige 16 comes with a stronger graphics card, which provides smoother and more detailed gaming and 3D experiences. Additionally, although both laptops have high-quality screens, the MSI Prestige 16's higher screen refresh rate will deliver more fluid visuals, a feature particularly beneficial in fast-paced games.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Prestige 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its emphasis on customization, allows users to swap out components, providing flexibility in CPU, RAM, and GPU upgrades which can be crucial for demanding engineering software, but the MSI Prestige 16 generally comes with higher default specifications and better screen quality, offering more immediate power and visual clarity for professional design tasks. Though both offer decent keyboards and portability, the MSI Prestige may have a slight edge in build quality and less operating noise, which contributes to a more pleasant working environment.
Content Creation
8.1/10
8.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Prestige 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) 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
8.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for software development.
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
4.2 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The MSI Prestige 16 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$1,611
$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 16 costs $1,611.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Prestige 16 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 16 Evo: 2023's best value 16” thin & light laptop with i7-13700H. One of the top choices for professionals and students seeking a high-performance, portable computing solution in 2023. While the MSI Prestige 16 Evo A13M may not boast the most striking design compared to some other 16" options, its relatively "safe" styling lends itself well to professional and educational environments. Significantly, it doesn't compromise on essential features like port selection or cooling performance, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient thermal management. The 16 Evo A13M offers an excellent combination of performance, portability, and functionality, making it a compelling choice for professionals and students alike."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Prestige 16
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
98,295
Recommendations made
21,298
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.