If you prioritize performance for tasks like 3D rendering or engineering, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) excels due to its powerful processor and advanced GPU, and it also offers a longer battery life which is ideal for working on-the-go. However, it is heavier and more expensive, making it less portable and a pricier investment. In contrast, the MSI Prestige 16 is more affordable, slightly more portable, and offers more storage out of the box, but it may not handle intensive tasks as well. For general use, both laptops are high quality, but the MacBook's superior screen and build may provide a better experience. Choose the MacBook for high-end performance needs, or the Prestige for a balance of cost and capability with good general performance. 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 Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021)
Excellent for general use
Good for gaming and AI
Excellent overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Best in class battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 16
The MSI Prestige 16 has no clear advantages over the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021).
Key differences
General Use
9.0/10
8.4/10
3456 x 2234
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
497.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
17.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) is excellent for general use, while the MSI Prestige 16 is very good.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 excels with a superior CPU, ample RAM, and an exceptional Mini LED screen that delivers outstanding color accuracy and brightness suited for various tasks, coupled with impressive battery life and solid build quality, though it may lean towards the heavier side affecting portability. On the other hand, the MSI Prestige 16 offers generous storage, a top-notch keyboard, and a competent CPU and RAM configuration fitting for general use, while also being lighter, which enhances its portability, but it falls short on battery life compared to the MacBook Pro.
Software Development
8.9/10
8.1/10
7.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
3456 x 2234
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) and MSI Prestige 16 are both very good for software development, though the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) is somewhat better.
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
9.4/10
8.3/10
16.2in
SIZE
16.0in
3456 x 2234
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
497.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has a better screen than the MSI Prestige 16 for general use, AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) surpasses many in screen quality for general use and engineering due to its high-resolution display that offers exceptional brightness and color accuracy, which ensures vivid and sharp visuals. Its screen is calibrated to cover wide color gamuts, crucial for tasks in engineering and design where precise colors are required. However, it may not be the best fit for 3D applications since it typically has a standard refresh rate which isn't as high as specialized gaming or 3D laptops that prioritize smoother motion for fast-paced visuals.
Battery
17.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 has 17.5 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
10.0/10
7.4/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) has best in class 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.
Cost
$1,949
$1,611
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) has a price of $1,949 and the MSI Prestige 16 costs $1,611.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) to be good for gaming and AI, while the MSI Prestige 16 is only fair.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16, with its high-quality GPU and screen quality, excels in 3D rendering tasks but is limited in gaming due to the compatibility issues, as many popular games are not available for macOS. In contrast, the MSI Prestige 16 boasts a strong GPU and high screen refresh rate, making it optimal for gaming as well as 3D work, complemented by a capable CPU for overall performance.
Engineering and Design
8.7/10
8.2/10
7.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
5.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) and MSI Prestige 16 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) excels in engineering and design tasks with its robust CPU and GPU, extensive RAM, and high-quality Mini LED screen that offers excellent brightness and color accuracy. In contrast, the MSI Prestige 16, while offering similar RAM and a capable CPU, integrates decent GPU performance, a quality IPS display, and larger storage--a better fit for those prioritizing storage space and newer CPU architecture over superior screen quality and GPU performance.
Content Creation
8.8/10
8.3/10
7.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3456 x 2234
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) and MSI Prestige 16 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.2in
SIZE
16.0in
4.7 lbs
WEIGHT
4.2 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The MSI Prestige 16 and Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) and the MSI Prestige 16 compare to other laptops
"The Apple MacBook Pro 16 2023: M2 Max challenges GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. The new MacBook Pro 16 2023 with the M2 Max SoC is the most powerful laptop Apple has on sale right now. While we do not get the expected performance and efficiency improvements from completely new 3 nm chips, which we expected ahead of the launch, the 2023 model is still a solid update. The CPU of the M2 Max can be up to 20 % faster than the old model and we also see an advantage of 25-30 % for the GPU with 38 cores. However, both components also consume more power, so the efficiency did not change that much under maximum load."
"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 Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) or the MSI Prestige 16
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
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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