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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 12, 2024·
The Dell Precision 5470 offers better performance with its specialized graphics card, making it more suitable for intensive engineering tasks. However, it is not as portable and has a higher cost. The MSI Thin GF63 is less expensive and offers a higher refresh rate screen, which is good for gaming. It is also more portable but less powerful for demanding professional applications. Consider the Dell if you require professional-grade power and can handle a less portable option with a higher price tag. Opt for the MSI if you prioritize gaming, portability, and budget-friendliness. 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 Dell Precision 5470
- Good overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Good battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Thin GF63
- The MSI Thin GF63 has no clear advantages over the Dell Precision 5470.
Key differences
Software Development
7.7
7.2
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Precision 5470 and MSI Thin GF63 are both good for software development, though the Dell Precision 5470 is somewhat better.
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
7.3
6.8
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
500.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
The Dell Precision 5470 has a better screen than the MSI Thin GF63 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell Precision 5470's display offers higher resolution and brighter visuals, making it suitable for tasks like browsing and document editing, which are common in general use. Engineers and designers benefit from its wider color gamuts, providing more accurate color reproduction for detailed work such as CAD and photo editing. However, its standard refresh rate limits its effectiveness for 3D applications and gaming, where smoother motion provided by higher refresh rates is crucial for an optimal experience.
Battery
9.0 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Dell Precision 5470 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Thin GF63 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.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
3.2 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Dell Precision 5470 has very good portability, while the MSI Thin GF63 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
6.5
The Dell Precision 5470 has very good build quality, while the MSI Thin GF63 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,669
$1,150
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Precision 5470 has a price of $1,669 and the MSI Thin GF63 costs $1,150.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.7
7.4
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
500.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.5 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.4/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Dell Precision 5470 and MSI Thin GF63 are both good for general use.
The Dell Precision 5470 is known for its balance between power and portability with a strong CPU, enough RAM for multitasking, a high-quality screen, and a long battery life, which suits various general use cases; however, it may cost more due to its premium features. In comparison, the MSI Thin GF63 also offers a strong CPU and sufficient RAM, coupled with a larger screen for better viewing, but its portability and battery life are not as optimized as the Dell, trading some convenience for a more attractive price point.
Gaming and AI
6.7
6.9
4.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
5.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The MSI Thin GF63 and Dell Precision 5470 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Precision 5470's Nvidia RTX A1000 GPU and a screen refresh rate of 60Hz cater well to 3D applications, while the MSI Thin GF63's Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU and a higher refresh rate of 144Hz make it better suited for gaming scenarios where fast motion is key. Both laptops will handle gaming and 3D tasks competently, but the MSI's higher refresh rate may offer a smoother visual experience in fast-paced games.
Engineering and Design
7.8
7.5
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
4.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
5.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Precision 5470 and MSI Thin GF63 are both good for engineering and design.
The Dell Precision 5470 is equipped with a high-quality Nvidia RTX A1000 GPU and Intel i7-12700H CPU, providing robust performance for engineering and design software, supported by a screen with excellent color coverage, essential for precise design work.
Content Creation
7.8
7.4
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Precision 5470 and MSI Thin GF63 are both 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.
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How the Dell Precision 5470 and the MSI Thin GF63 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Precision 5470 | MSI Thin GF63 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,669 | $1,150 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.2'' x 8.3'' x 0.74'' | 14.1'' x 10'' x 0.85'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.26 lbs | 4.1 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.22" | 14.13" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.27" | 9.99" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-12700H | Intel i7-12650H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 4.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 72 Wh | 51 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 500 nits | 262 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | Yes | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 4 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 4 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Dell Precision 5470
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Brian Westover | August 2022
"The Dell Precision 5470 is a mobile workstation that's far more portable than most alternatives. Between its slim 14-inch design and top-quality MIL-STD 810H build, it's one of the best options around for taking professional-grade performance on the road or to the job site. There are tradeoffs for its portability, and users of the most demanding, graphics-intensive applications will need to carry something heavier. But the Dell's exceptional battery life underscores its desirability as the most portable workstation we've seen."
MSI Thin GF63
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Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Hardware
Charles Jeffries | November 2022
"The MSI GF63 Thin 11SC can be an admirable value for gamers and power users on a minimal budget. For just $599 as reviewed in its base model, its Intel Core i5 H-class processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics perform much better than low-wattage CPUs and integrated graphics. That said, this is a light-class gaming laptop. Low scores in our demanding gaming benchmarks indicate using lower visual-quality settings will be required for playable performance."
Get a great deal on the Dell Precision 5470 or the MSI Thin GF63
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
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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