If you're seeking high-end gaming or intensive tasks like 3D rendering or machine learning, the ASUS ROG Strix G16, despite being expensive, offers better performance. Its higher cost reflects its advanced capabilities, which could significantly improve your experience for demanding applications. However, if portability is a priority and your tasks are more oriented towards general use or less demanding gaming, the MSI GF63 Thin provides decent performance at a more affordable price, and it's lighter to carry. You'll sacrifice some performance and features, but gain in savings and convenience for everyday mobility. 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 ASUS ROG Strix G16
Good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Good battery life
Very good speakers
Advantages of the MSI GF63 Thin
Good portability
Key differences
General Use
7.7/10
6.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
291.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
249.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.2 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
6.4/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is good for general use, while the MSI GF63 Thin is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16, with a superior CPU, double the RAM and better screen quality, excels in performance and multitasking for general use compared to the MSI GF63 Thin, which has a lower-tier CPU, less RAM, and lower screen color accuracy. Additionally, the ASUS has a much longer battery life, making it better for use away from power outlets, but because of its larger size and weight, it is less portable than the lightweight MSI GF63 Thin.
Gaming and AI
7.9/10
6.0/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is good for gaming and AI, while the MSI GF63 Thin is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is equipped with a more powerful GPU in the form of the Nvidia RTX 4060 and a higher screen refresh rate of 165 Hz, which result in smoother visuals and improved gaming performance compared to the MSI GF63 Thin that has a less powerful Nvidia GTX 1650 Max-Q GPU and a standard 60 Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the ASUS has a stronger CPU and higher screen quality offering better overall performance and a more vibrant display for gaming and 3D applications, despite being less portable and having a shorter battery life than the MSI.
Engineering and Design
8.3/10
6.0/10
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.3/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI GF63 Thin is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is better suited for engineering and design use thanks to its higher-end CPU, double the RAM, and a more powerful GPU compared to the MSI GF63 Thin, which has a lower-tier CPU, less RAM, and an entry-level GPU; these components are crucial for demanding tasks and directly impact performance. Additionally, the ASUS has superior screen quality with better color coverage and brightness, further enhancing visual work, while the MSI prioritizes portability and quiet operation but falls short on these key performance and display aspects.
Content Creation
7.9/10
6.0/10
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.3/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is good for content creation, while the MSI GF63 Thin is only fair.
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
7.7/10
6.0/10
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is good for software development, while the MSI GF63 Thin is only fair.
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
7.5/10
6.1/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
291.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
249.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a better screen than the MSI GF63 Thin for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize a sharp and vibrant display for tasks like browsing or watching videos, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 offers a superior screen with better resolution and brightness, making it ideal for everyday activities. For engineering and design work, which demands accuracy in color representation, the ASUS also shines by covering a wider range of color gamuts, crucial for detail-oriented tasks. However, when it comes to fast-paced gaming or 3D rendering, the MSI GF63 Thin, although not excelling, may provide a somewhat more responsive experience due to its refresh rate in comparison to the ASUS, whose slower refresh rate may not be as smooth for these particular activities.
Battery
9.0 Hours
4.2 Hours
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI GF63 Thin has 4.3 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
Fair
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
5.5 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The MSI GF63 Thin has good portability, while the ASUS ROG Strix G16 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
6.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has good build quality, while the MSI GF63 Thin has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,374
$599
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a price of $1,374 and the MSI GF63 Thin costs $599.
"With the mobile Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, the Asus ROG Stix G16 hits the sweet spot between performance and cooling. The G16 also does not have to shy away from direct comparison with its supposedly stronger family member, the ROG Strix Scar 18 with its RTX 4090, as most benchmarks of the two laptops are very close to each other. Moreover, the G16 should be significantly cheaper. Depending on the supplier, the price difference here could be almost US$ 2,000. In the 2023 model series, Asus has significantly leveled out the differences between the two high-end lines."
"If you leave aside the meagre port selection (no card reader, no DisplayPort, no Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1 Gen2), the fan control that could be improved (idle mode!) and the relatively dark and slow display, the MSI GF63 Thin 9SC does not have any major weaknesses. The 15-inch gamer is compact, has a low weight and offers a good price-to-performance ratio, which should please gamers that are looking for both a portable and an affordable gaming notebook. Input devices, battery life, case quality and performance are all appropriate for this purchase price."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 or the MSI GF63 Thin
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
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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