The ASUS ROG Strix G18 is better suited for intensive gaming and high-performance tasks like 3D rendering and engineering, sporting a high-end processor and a powerful dedicated GPU, leading to better performance in these areas. It also has a high-refresh-rate display, which is ideal for fast-paced gaming. However, it is heavier and less portable, with shorter battery life than the MSI Prestige 16. In contrast, the MSI Prestige 16, while less costly, has more RAM, which could be beneficial for multitasking and data-intensive work. It also offers a more lightweight design for easier portability and slightly longer battery life, making it more suited for general use and on-the-go professionals. Both laptops have similar storage capacities and high-resolution displays, but if top-tier gaming and graphics performance are less of a priority than portability and cost, the MSI might be the preferable option. 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 G18
Very good for gaming and AI
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 16
Good portability
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.7/10
6.7/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 is very good for gaming and AI, while the MSI Prestige 16 is only fair.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 is very good for gaming and 3D applications owing to its high-end Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU and extremely fast 240 Hz screen refresh rate, which provide excellent graphics performance and smooth visuals. On the other hand, the MSI Prestige 16, while also capable for gaming and 3D work, uses an integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU and has a slightly lower screen refresh rate of 165 Hz, making it less optimal for the most demanding games and 3D tasks compared to the ASUS.
Engineering and Design
8.9/10
8.2/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 and MSI Prestige 16 are both very good for engineering and design, though the ASUS ROG Strix G18 is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Screen Quality
8.7/10
8.3/10
18.0in
SIZE
16.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
422.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has a better screen than the MSI Prestige 16 for gaming and AI, and content creation.
For general use, both the ASUS ROG Strix G18 and the MSI Prestige 16 offer vivid displays with high resolution and brightness, ensuring a clear and comfortable viewing experience. Engineering and design professionals will appreciate the laptops' wide color gamuts, providing precise color reproduction necessary for their work. However, since gaming and 3D applications benefit significantly from high refresh rates, the displays of these models fall short, leading to a less-than-ideal experience in fast-paced visual scenarios.
Portability
Poor
Good
18.0in
SIZE
16.0in
6.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.2 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The MSI Prestige 16 has good portability, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
The MSI Prestige 16 and ASUS ROG Strix G18 are both very good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Content Creation
8.6/10
8.3/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 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.
Software Development
8.1/10
8.1/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 and MSI Prestige 16 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.
Battery
8.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has 8 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
7.8/10
7.4/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 and MSI Prestige 16 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,680
$1,611
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has a price of $1,680 and the MSI Prestige 16 costs $1,611.
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How the ASUS ROG Strix G18 and the MSI Prestige 16 compare to other laptops
"With the ROG Strix G18, Asus has made an almost consistently good debut in the still quite new 18-inch laptop segment. The base unit case shows a few signs of weakness in the area of stability and is something which has an effect on the perceived quality of the input devices (the chassis tends to rattle a bit). Nevertheless, thanks to generous port features (incl. Thunderbolt 4), a striking design, and extensive lighting (keyboard, LED strip on the front), gamers get a fitting gaming platform."
"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 ASUS ROG Strix G18 or the MSI Prestige 16
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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