For tasks that demand more computing power, such as video editing or graphic design, the Dell XPS 15 generally offers superior performance with its larger screen and more robust hardware; however, it's less portable than the MSI Prestige 14 due to its size and weight. On the other hand, the MSI Prestige 14 is more travel-friendly and has a high-resolution screen that's great for everyday tasks or business use. While both devices fall in a similar price range, the tradeoff essentially comes down to whether you prioritize a larger display and more power, or portability and a compact design. Give Feedback
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Advantages of the Dell XPS 15
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo
Very good portability
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.4/10
7.8/10
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
415.0 nits
The Dell XPS 15 has a better screen than the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo for software development, and content creation, while the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo has a better screen for gaming and AI.
For general use, the Dell XPS 15 and MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo both offer high-resolution displays with excellent brightness and panel quality, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals for everyday tasks and media consumption. When it comes to engineering and design, both laptops provide wide color gamuts, resulting in accurate color reproduction that's crucial for detailed and color-sensitive work. However, neither laptop is ideal for gaming or 3D applications, as the screens don't have fast refresh rates, which are essential for smooth motion and immersive experiences in fast-paced and graphic-intensive environments.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell XPS 15 has 10 hours of battery life. The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo has 8 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
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo has very good portability, while the Dell XPS 15 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.4/10
The Dell XPS 15 has very good build quality, while the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,000
$1,300
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell XPS 15 has a price of $1,000 and the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo costs $1,300.
The Dell XPS 15 and MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo are both very good for general use.
The Dell XPS 15 offers a strong CPU and ample RAM, ensuring smooth performance for day-to-day tasks and a high-quality screen for a pleasing visual experience, but it's less portable and has shorter battery life than some lighter options. The MSI Prestige 14, while still delivering solid performance and a quality display, stands out for its lighter weight and longer battery life, making it more suited for users who need to work on the go. Both have adequate storage and decent keyboards and speakers, but their compact designs may affect heat management and operating noise.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.8/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.1/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell XPS 15 and MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 15, with its powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate, offers smoother visuals and better performance for gaming and 3D applications; whereas the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo, while still capable, may not provide the same level of detail or fluidity due to its relatively less powerful GPU and lower refresh rate. Although both have competent CPUs and good screen quality, these factors play a secondary role to the GPU and refresh rate when it comes to an optimized gaming and 3D experience.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.8/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell XPS 15 to be very good for engineering and design, while the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo is good.
The Dell XPS 15, with a robust CPU, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU, excels in handling demanding engineering software and has a high-quality screen for precise design work. In comparison, the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo, also featuring a strong CPU and RAM, provides a balance between performance and portability with a more compact form factor, and while its integrated GPU is less powerful than the XPS's, it maintains a lightweight design that enhances its portability for users who frequently move around.
Content Creation
8.3/10
8.0/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 15 and MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo 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
7.7/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell XPS 15 to be very good for software development, while the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo is good.
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.
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How the Dell XPS 15 and the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo compare to other laptops
"The 2023 Dell XPS 15 is more or less exactly what you'd expect from the company flagship. Its fresh components deliver measurably superior power and longevity, while the machine's premium build and design remain intact. It may not be overly exciting, but XPS loyalists and upgraders should be more than happy."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 15 or the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo
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.
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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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