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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 21, 2024·
If cost is a primary concern, the Framework Laptop is less expensive and also provides the advantage of easy upgradability, which is ideal for general use and moderate performance needs. However, if your work involves intensive 3D rendering, machine learning tasks, or gaming, the MSI Stealth offers superior performance suited for these demanding applications, but it comes at a higher cost and is less portable due to its larger size. Battery life also typically favors less powerful devices, so expect the Framework to last longer on a charge compared to the high-performance MSI Stealth. 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)
- Good portability
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio
- Excellent for engineering and design
- Very good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8
8.9
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio is very good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16, while capable, has a less powerful GPU and a lower screen refresh rate than the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, making it less suited for high-end gaming and demanding 3D tasks. On the other hand, the Stealth's superior GPU and higher refresh rate screen lead to smoother visuals and better performance in these areas, although both have quality screens and capable CPUs for a good overall experience.
Engineering and Design
8.1
9.1
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio is excellent for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a modular design with a capable CPU, ample RAM, a decent GPU, and a high-quality screen that caters well to both engineering and design tasks; however, the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, with a more powerful CPU and GPU, excels at handling demanding engineering software and graphic-intensive tasks, giving it an edge for professional design work. While the Framework is more portable and promotes customizability, the MSI's advanced features for performance may compensate for its lesser portability and inclination towards a noisier operation under load.
Screen Quality
8.4
8.4
16.0in
SIZE
18.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio for general use, while the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 16 and MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio both offer screens with high resolution and brightness, making them suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. They also excel in engineering and design work due to their coverage of wider color gamuts, ensuring that professionals working with graphics get accurate and vibrant color representation. However, their screens might not be ideal for gaming or 3D work, as a higher refresh rate is crucial for smooth motion, and these models may not support the refresh rates that gaming and 3D applications typically benefit from.
Battery
9.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio 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
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
18.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
6.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$2,900
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio costs $2,900.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
8.4
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.0/10
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers excellent CPU and RAM configurations suitable for daily tasks with a high-quality screen, while maintaining better portability and battery life than many competitors, making it ideal for on-the-go users who need reliable performance. In contrast, the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, with its powerful CPU and abundant RAM, excels in handling more demanding applications and provides a premium screen experience, though it's less portable and has a shorter battery life, suited for users who prioritize high-end performance and can manage frequent charging or stationary use.
Content Creation
8.1
8.5
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio 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
8.2
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio 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.
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio both have very 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 18 AI Studio compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 16 (2023) | MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,699 | $2,900 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | March 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | 15.8'' x 11.4'' x 0.94'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 6.15 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.04" | 15.75" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.63" | 11.4" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 85 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 18" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 240Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 490 nits | 305 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"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."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Stealth 18 AI 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.
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