If you're focused on intensive tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, or high-end gaming, the ASUS might serve you well and save you some money, but it's likely heavier and bulkier, making it less ideal for travel. On the other hand, the MSI, while typically more expensive, is designed for creators, offering a balance of performance and portability, with features that benefit tasks like video editing or graphic design, and it may have a superior display and longer battery life, which could be essential if you're often on the move and away from power outlets. 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 (2024)
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio
Very good overall build quality
Key differences
Screen Quality
8.7/10
8.4/10
18.0in
SIZE
18.0in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
422.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has a better screen than the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, high resolution and brightness make both the ASUS ROG Strix G18 and MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio's screens stand out, providing crisp visuals and good visibility even in bright environments. In engineering and design, their wide color gamuts ensure accurate color representation, crucial for detailed and color-sensitive work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is key, the lower refresh rates on these laptops may lead to less fluid visuals compared to models with higher refresh rates.
Battery
8.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has 8 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.
Cost
$2,203
$2,900
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has a price of $2,203 and the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio costs $2,900.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio are both very good for general use.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18, with its powerful CPU and ample RAM, excels in multitasking and demanding applications, while its high-quality screen enhances visuals; however, its bulk impacts portability and its gaming-oriented design may reduce battery life. The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, offering similar CPU and RAM credentials, also promises smooth performance for general use, it touts a balance between portability and screen size, making it a versatile option, albeit with a battery life that may not match less performance-intensive laptops. Both have sufficient storage and solid build quality, but prioritize performance, which can affect battery endurance and lead to more noticeable operating noise and heat.
Gaming and AI
8.7/10
8.9/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio and ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) are both very good for gaming and AI.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18, with its high-refresh-rate screen and powerful GPU, excels in providing smooth, graphic-intensive gaming experiences, while the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, although similarly equipped with a capable GPU for 3D tasks and gaming, places a bit more emphasis on screen quality for vivid visuals, but may not match the ASUS’s screen refresh smoothness. Both laptops are strong in performance due to robust CPUs, but the ASUS is particularly tailored for the fast-paced action games, whereas the MSI is more aligned with those who also value color accuracy and image detail for creative work.
Engineering and Design
9.2/10
9.1/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio are both excellent for engineering and design.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18, with its powerful CPU, ample RAM, and high-end GPU, performs exceptionally well for demanding engineering software and intense graphical tasks, while the high-quality screen enhances visual clarity for precise designs. Meanwhile, the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio also includes robust processing capabilities and a superior GPU for engineering and multitasking, and while both laptops have lesser portability due to their size, they compensate with responsive keyboards and decent audio, although operating noise can be a consideration during heavy use.
Content Creation
8.8/10
8.5/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio 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
8.5/10
8.2/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio 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.
Portability
Poor
Fair
18.0in
SIZE
18.0in
6.6 lbs
WEIGHT
6.1 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.9in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio to have only fair portability, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio to have very good build quality, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has 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 ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio 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."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) or the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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