For high-end tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, or gaming, an MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo may offer superior performance, but at the cost of battery life and a higher price. The Framework Laptop 16, although pricier, provides a unique advantage of repairability and customization, which can be valuable for users seeking longevity and personalization. It's also more eco-friendly. If prioritizing portability and battery for everyday use, the Framework is a solid choice, but if your work demands more power and you're okay with shorter battery life, the MSI Prestige might be the better investment. 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 AI Evo
Very good battery life
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
8.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
362.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
12.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use, though the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16 boasts an excellent screen, ample RAM, and a high-quality CPU that ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks, while its unique modular design offers easy upgrades and repairs, enhancing its longevity; however, its portability and battery life may be less optimal for those constantly on the move. The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo, on the other hand, delivers strong CPU performance and impressive screen quality as well, and it tends to be more portable with better battery life, making it a more travel-friendly option for those who need to work on the go.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
8.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
362.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo for gaming and AI, while the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo has a better screen for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 16 has a screen with a high resolution and brightness suitable for everyday tasks, alongside a color gamut coverage that makes it adept for detailed engineering and design work. The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo offers similar benefits for general use and steps up with even more extensive color gamut coverage which is vital for professional-grade design accuracy. However, for gaming and 3D applications where high refresh rates are crucial for smooth visuals, both laptops fall short as their screens prioritize resolution and color accuracy over the faster refresh rates that gamers typically seek.
Battery
9.0 Hours
12.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo has 12 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 AI Evo has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$1,399
$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 AI Evo costs $1,399.
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its decent GPU and high screen refresh rate, provides a smooth visual experience for gaming and 3D applications, but the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo, with a similarly capable GPU and a good screen refresh rate, also delivers a fair performance for such tasks, although both might not match the higher-end dedicated gaming models. Screen quality and CPU of both laptops support gaming and creative work, but the most demanding games and 3D work might require lowering settings for an optimal experience.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a high-quality screen and selection of CPUs suitable for engineering tasks, but the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo steps ahead with more powerful graphics capabilities and additional RAM, which can handle more demanding design software and multitasking with ease. While both laptops have good keyboards and are relatively portable, the MSI's superior performance for engineering applications may come at the cost of increased operating noise and potentially higher price.
Content Creation
8.1/10
8.6/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo 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
8.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo 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
3.3 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo 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 AI Evo is meant to be a business-focused laptop, but it ends up being the MacBook challenger PC laptop enthusiasts have longed for. Not only can it meet and, in many cases, surpass the M2-powered MacBooks, but it is also surpassing the baseline M3 MacBooks, which is a giant leap forward for Intel-powered laptops. This isn’t hyperbole; this is what the numbers show."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo
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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