When considering the Asus Zenbook Pro versus the MSI Stealth, think about what's most important to you. If budget is a major concern, the Asus Zenbook might be more attractive due to its lower price. However, if you need a laptop for particularly demanding tasks such as advanced 3D modeling, machine learning, or gaming, the higher cost of the MSI Stealth could be worth it for its potentially stronger performance in those areas. On the other hand, the Asus may offer better battery life and portability, making it suitable for on-the-go use and general activities. Consider how you’ll use the laptop most to make the best choice for your needs. 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 Zenbook Pro 16X
Good portability
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio
Excellent for engineering and design
Very good for gaming and AI
Very good overall build quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.5/10
8.9/10
6.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio is very good for gaming and AI, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is good.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X typically has a capable GPU and high refresh rate screen suitable for gaming and 3D applications, offering fluid visuals and responsive gameplay. However, the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, with its top-tier GPU and similarly high refresh rate screen, can provide even better performance and graphical detail in demanding gaming and 3D scenarios.
Screen Quality
8.3/10
8.4/10
16.0in
SIZE
18.0in
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
354.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
305.0 nits
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has a better screen than the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio for general use, and engineering and design, while the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio has a better screen for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X boasts a high-resolution, bright display that enhances the viewing experience for general use, and its wide color gamut support makes it ideal for precise engineering and design work. The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio matches the Zenbook in offering a vivid, detailed screen that caters well to general tasks and the needs of professionals in engineering and design who require accurate color representation. However, both laptops may not appeal to gaming and 3D applications due to lower refresh rates, which are crucial for smooth visuals during fast-paced action and rendering.
Portability
Good
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
18.0in
5.2 lbs
WEIGHT
6.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has good portability, while the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,300
$2,900
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has a price of $1,300 and the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio costs $2,900.
The MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio and ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X are both very good for general use.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X and MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio are well-suited for general use due to their powerful CPUs and ample RAM, which ensure smooth multitasking and quick application responses, while their high-quality screens provide crisp and vibrant visuals. However, the Zenbook Pro offers greater portability and longer battery life, making it ideal for on-the-go use, whereas the Stealth's larger screen and advanced heat management might be more appealing for users who prioritize a larger visual workspace and are less concerned about mobility.
Engineering and Design
8.6/10
9.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
6.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio to be excellent for engineering and design, while the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is very good.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X offers solid performance with a high-quality screen, making it suitable for engineering and design tasks, but the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio, with superior CPU, RAM, and GPU, stands out for more demanding workflows in these fields. While both have good keyboards and displays, the MSI might be less portable due to its size and might also produce more noise under heavy loads due to its more powerful hardware.
Content Creation
8.5/10
8.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
OLED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X 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
8.2/10
8.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X 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.
Battery
7.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X has 7 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.
Build Quality
7.6/10
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 Zenbook Pro 16X 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 Zenbook Pro 16X and the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio compare to other laptops
"The new Zenbook Pro 16X is more powerful, quieter and doesn't need to shy away from dedicated workstations and gamers. It is also comparatively compact, and our test device is the best Zenbook that we've reviewed so far. It seems equally suitable for content creators and gamers or anyone looking for a very powerful laptop that is still slim."
Get a great deal on the ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X 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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