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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 21, 2024·
If you're looking for a more affordable option with solid performance, the Gigabyte Aero 16 is a good choice, especially if you're conscious about budget. However, the MSI Creator M14, while typically more expensive, may offer better performance for tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, or heavy multitasking. Consider that you might sacrifice some portability for these advanced capabilities with the MSI, as it might be heavier or larger than the Aero. In contrast, if you prioritize a balance between performance and portability and don't necessarily need top-tier specs, the Gigabyte could be the better choice for general use and on-the-go computing. 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 Gigabyte Aero 16
- Very good overall display quality
- Good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Creator M14
- Good speakers
Key differences
Screen Quality
8.4
7.5
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
368.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
The Gigabyte Aero 16 has a better screen than the MSI Creator M14 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and content creation.
For general use, the Gigabyte Aero 16's high resolution and brightness provide crisp, clear visuals, while the MSI Creator M14's panel offers sufficient clarity and brightness at a probably lower cost. In engineering and design, the Aero 16's wide color gamuts ensure accurate color representation, a vital aspect for professionals, something the Creator M14 also does well, though with a slight compromise in color precision. However, when it comes to 3D and gaming, both laptops fall short due to their lower refresh rates, which can affect the smoothness of motion and responsiveness critical in fast-paced visual environments.
Battery
7.0 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Gigabyte Aero 16 has 7 hours of battery life. The MSI Creator M14 has 4.5 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
14.0in
5.0 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The MSI Creator M14 and Gigabyte Aero 16 both have good portability, though the MSI Creator M14 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,260
$1,500
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Gigabyte Aero 16 has a price of $1,260 and the MSI Creator M14 costs $1,500.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
8.0
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
368.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
7.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.5 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The MSI Creator M14 and Gigabyte Aero 16 are both very good for general use.
The Gigabyte Aero 16 has a high-quality screen and ample RAM, which makes for a smooth and visually pleasing experience for general use, complemented by a strong CPU and decent battery life; however, it's less portable due to its size. In contrast, the MSI Creator M14 offers great portability with a good mix of performance from its CPU and RAM, while still providing a quality screen and better battery life, albeit with a slight trade-off in screen size compared to the Aero 16.
Gaming and AI
7.8
7.3
7.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.7/10
The Gigabyte Aero 16 and MSI Creator M14 are both good for gaming and AI.
The Gigabyte Aero 16 boasts a high-quality GPU and a superior screen refresh rate, making it excellent for immersive gaming and 3D applications. While the MSI Creator M14 also has a competent GPU and a decent screen refresh rate, its emphasis on screen quality and a solid CPU makes it suitable for creators who balance gaming with content production.
Engineering and Design
8.6
8.4
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
7.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Gigabyte Aero 16 and MSI Creator M14 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Gigabyte Aero 16 stands out for engineering and design due to its powerful CPU, ample RAM, high-end GPU, and superior screen quality which are critical for demanding software and visual clarity. Although the MSI Creator M14 also offers strong performance with a solid CPU, abundant RAM, and suitable GPU, as well as a quality display, it gains additional points for being more portable and having a comfortable keyboard, which can be benefits for users who frequently move around.
Content Creation
8.2
8.0
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Gigabyte Aero 16 and MSI Creator M14 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
7.9
7.8
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Gigabyte Aero 16 and MSI Creator M14 are both 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
7.8
7.8
The Gigabyte Aero 16 and MSI Creator M14 both have 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 Gigabyte Aero 16 and the MSI Creator M14 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Gigabyte Aero 16 | MSI Creator M14 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,260 | $1,500 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | March 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 9.8'' x 0.88'' | 12.4'' x 9.2'' x 0.88'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.07 lbs | 3.53 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.02" | 12.39" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.78" | 9.19" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-12700H | Intel i7-13620H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 2048 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7 Hours | 4.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 99 Wh | 53.5 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | OLED | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 2400 | 2880 x 1800 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 368 nits | 350 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 3 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Gigabyte Aero 16
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Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Hardware
Isaac Rouse | May 2022
"The Gigabyte Aero 16 is a workstation laptop for light gaming. It's design is still muted, with a silver chassis alongside a black keyboard and trackpad that provides some contrast. The Gigabyte Aero’s full-size chiclet-style keyboard is enjoyable to type on thanks to its snappy feel and responsiveness. The 4K+ AMOLED display is good, but it could be better. It doesn’t handle true black very well and suffers from strong reflections and glare. The Gigabyte Aero excels at productivity performance and can keep up with other gaming laptops in 1080p. But it has very few ports and its refresh rate leaves a bit to be desired."
Get a great deal on the Gigabyte Aero 16 or the MSI Creator M14
About Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
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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