Choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Stealth 14 Studio depends on your priorities. The Framework is designed for easy upgrades and repairs, which could save you money and reduce waste in the long run; it's also eco-friendly with its emphasis on recyclability. The MSI, however, tends to offer more powerful hardware suitable for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. It's also more compact for traveling, though this can mean a trade-off in terms of screen size and potentially battery life. Consider what's more important to you: long-term sustainability and upgradeability, or higher performance and 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 software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Good battery life
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Stealth 14 Studio
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
7.8/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16, while having a decent GPU for moderate gaming and 3D tasks, is outperformed by the MSI Stealth 14 Studio, which is equipped with a more robust GPU, essential for handling higher-end graphics more smoothly. Additionally, the MSI has a higher screen refresh rate, providing a more fluid visual experience during fast-paced gaming and 3D rendering, although both have quality displays and capable CPUs.
Software Development
8.0/10
7.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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
7.6/10
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI Stealth 14 Studio for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 likely boasts a high-resolution, bright display with accurate colors, making it suitable for general use and intricate engineering tasks that require precise color representation. In contrast, for gaming and 3D applications, the Framework Laptop 16's lower refresh rate may not provide as fluid and responsive an experience as dedicated gaming laptops. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio, with its good display quality overall, may similarly offer detailed and vibrant visuals for general computing and design work but could fall short for gaming due to a less optimal refresh rate.
Battery
9.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio has 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.
Cost
$1,699
$1,433
$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 Stealth 14 Studio costs $1,433.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the MSI Stealth 14 Studio is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 stands out with its high-quality screen and upgradeable RAM and storage, making it versatile for various tasks while also being repair-friendly, yet it's less portable and has a shorter battery life compared to some rivals. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio, on the other hand, offers a balance between performance with a solid CPU and portability for on-the-go users, but the screen and speaker quality may not impress users looking for the best multimedia experience.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
8.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 16 is designed with modularity in mind, making it easy to upgrade components like the CPU and RAM, which are vital for engineering tasks, and it offers a high-quality screen; however, its GPU is less powerful compared to the MSI Stealth 14 Studio, which boasts a stronger GPU necessary for intensive design work and a more compact build, enhancing portability at the expense of larger screen size and upgradability. Both laptops have good keyboards and speakers, but the quieter operating noise of the Framework may appeal to those working in shared spaces.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.9/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for content creation, while the MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0/10
7.6/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the MSI Stealth 14 Studio has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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."
"You'll find a versatility in the MSI Stealth 14 Studio that isn’t matched by many content-creator laptops we've tested of late. The small frame allows you to (potentially) work from anywhere with an outlet and, if noise isn’t a concern, run your most demanding of programs, thanks to some powerful hardware inside. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is an attractive and powerful option if you want a portable laptop to be the center of your content work setup."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Stealth 14 Studio
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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