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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is generally less expensive and offers better battery life, better performance for engineering tasks, and a larger screen with a higher refresh rate and resolution suited for more intense gaming experiences. In contrast, the MSI GF65 Thin is a bit more portable due to its lighter weight and has hardware ray tracing and DLSS for improved gaming graphics, though it typically costs more and has a lesser battery life. If extensive gaming, long battery life and engineering performance are priorities over portability and advanced gaming graphics, the ASUS might be preferable; otherwise, the MSI could be worth the extra cost for its gaming features despite shorter battery life. 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 TUF Gaming A16
- Good for general use
- 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
- Very good battery life
- Good speakers
Advantages of the MSI GF65 Thin
- The MSI GF65 Thin has no clear advantages over the ASUS TUF Gaming A16.
Key differences
General Use
7.6
6.5
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
294.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
12.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.5 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for general use, while the MSI GF65 Thin is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 stands out for general use because it offers a powerful CPU, more RAM, a larger high-resolution screen with better color coverage, higher battery capacity for longer use, and more robust heat management. Meanwhile, the MSI GF65 Thin, while lighter and therefore more portable, has a less powerful CPU and half the RAM, which could translate to slower performance in multitasking or demanding applications; it also has a lower battery capacity leading to a shorter usage time away from power sources and poorer screen color rendition which is less ideal for tasks requiring color accuracy.
Gaming and AI
7.4
6.8
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.1/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for gaming and AI, while the MSI GF65 Thin is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 offers a smoother gaming and 3D experience with its higher screen refresh rate and superior GPU compared to the MSI GF65 Thin, which might still perform well but won't be as fluid or render graphics as effectively due to its lower screen refresh rate and less powerful GPU. While both laptops are suitable for gaming, those who prioritize performance and visual fluidity would likely prefer the ASUS, though it may come at a higher price point.
Engineering and Design
7.7
6.7
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for engineering and design, while the MSI GF65 Thin is only fair.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 offers a strong combination of CPU, RAM, and GPU, all of which are essential for demanding engineering and design tasks, along with a higher quality, larger screen which provides better color coverage for detailed visual work. Compared to the MSI GF65 Thin, which has a capable GPU for graphics-intensive tasks but less RAM and a smaller, lower-quality screen, the ASUS also fares better in keyboard quality, speaker quality, and operating noise, making it the more suitable choice for prolonged engineering and design use.
Content Creation
7.6
6.8
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for content creation, while the MSI GF65 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
7.3
6.3
7.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is good for software development, while the MSI GF65 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
6.8
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
294.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a better screen than the MSI GF65 Thin for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
When considering screen quality, the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 likely has a higher resolution and better panel type with adequate brightness, making it suitable for crisp and clear visuals needed in general use and detailed tasks like engineering and design. Its strong color accuracy, covering wider color gamuts such as DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB, supports the nuanced color demands for professional design work. However, the lower refresh rate may not keep up with the fast-paced visuals in gaming and 3D applications, leading to a less than optimal experience in those scenarios compared to screens with higher refresh rates.
Battery
12.0 Hours
4.5 Hours
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has 12 hours of battery life. The MSI GF65 Thin 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.
Cost
$940
$1,100
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 has a price of $940 and the MSI GF65 Thin costs $1,100.
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Key similarities
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.8 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The MSI GF65 Thin and ASUS TUF Gaming A16 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.2
6.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS TUF Gaming A16 to have good build quality, while the MSI GF65 Thin has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and the MSI GF65 Thin compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| ASUS TUF Gaming A16 | MSI GF65 Thin |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$940 | $1,100 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2023 | January 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 9.9'' x 0.97'' | 14.1'' x 10'' x 0.85'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.85 lbs | 4.1 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.98" | 14.13" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.92" | 9.99" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS | Intel i5-10500H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 12 Hours | 4.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 51 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 294 nits | 262 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
ASUS TUF Gaming A16
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Dig into reviews and images
PCWorld
Dominic Bayley | May 2023
"The A16 makes an excellent case against more expensive laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 and the MSI Katana GF76, especially if you’re into 1080p gaming. However, although its affordable, it doesn’t skimp on performance or a robust chassis. But for me, the biggest factor that sets it apart from these options is its incredible battery life. In my time reviewing laptops, I can’t remember when I last saw a gaming laptop lasted 11 and a half hours on a single charge, which makes the A16, in my book, truly outstanding."
MSI GF65 Thin
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | March 2021
"The MSI GF65 Thin offers a GeForce RTX 3060 on a budget. The MSI GF65 is a relatively inexpensive RTX 3060 laptop and, perhaps not coincidentally, it also comes with a slower-than-average RTX 3060 GPU. Other laptops we've tested thus far with the same GPU are about 10 to 15 percent faster. CPU performance is also slightly slower than average unless if users decide to enable Cooler Boost mode. Colors, black-white response times, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort are either average or completely omitted. Gamers who want to maximize performance-per-dollar without sacrificing RAM or SSD upgradeability will find the lightweight MSI GF65 attractive."
Get a great deal on the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 or the MSI GF65 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.
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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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