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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell XPS 15 is slightly less expensive than the MSI Prestige 16 and is known for a high-quality keyboard and reliable general performance, making it a sound choice for everyday tasks and multimedia work. It is equipped with dedicated graphics and less storage, suitable for lighter creative work. The MSI Prestige 16, while slightly more expensive, offers double the storage and double the memory, and despite the absence of a dedicated GPU, it performs well in engineering tasks. It offers a higher resolution and better color accuracy, which is ideal for detailed visual work. The Prestige also excels in machine learning and 3D rendering. For users requiring higher portability and long battery life, the XPS 15 is favorable, while for those who prioritize screen real estate and intensive task handling, the Prestige stands out. 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 XPS 15
- Very good overall build quality
- Very good battery life
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 16
- Very good overall display quality
Key differences
Screen Quality
7.4
8.3
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
606.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The MSI Prestige 16 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 15 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
The Dell XPS 15 offers a high-resolution screen with bright and crisp visuals that make it excellent for everyday tasks and professional design work due to its accurate color representation. While the MSI Prestige 16 provides similarly high resolution and superior color gamut coverage, making it an outstanding choice for demanding engineering and design software that relies on precise color accuracy. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both models fall short because they lack high refresh rates, which are crucial for smooth motion and responsive game play.
Battery
10.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell XPS 15 has 10 hours of battery life. The MSI Prestige 16 has 7.5 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.
Build Quality
8.5
7.4
The Dell XPS 15 has very good build quality, while the MSI Prestige 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,000
$1,611
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell XPS 15 has a price of $1,000 and the MSI Prestige 16 costs $1,611.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.2
8.4
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
606.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The MSI Prestige 16 and Dell XPS 15 are both very good for general use.
The Dell XPS 15 provides a solid balance for general use with a capable CPU, sufficient RAM for multitasking, a high-quality screen, average battery life, and reasonable portability. The MSI Prestige 16 stands out with a higher resolution and larger screen, more RAM, and ample storage, but these features are offset by lower battery life; nonetheless, both have top-notch keyboards and manage heat and noise well, though neither is ideal for intensive gaming.
Gaming and AI
6.8
6.7
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.1/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell XPS 15 and MSI Prestige 16 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell XPS 15 is well-suited for gaming and 3D applications thanks to its dedicated Intel Arc A370M GPU, which generally provides better graphics performance than integrated graphics, like the MSI Prestige 16's Intel Iris Xe. However, the MSI Prestige 16 offers a higher screen refresh rate, which can lead to smoother visuals in gaming and 3D scenarios, although its graphics performance may not be on par with the Dell's dedicated GPU.
Engineering and Design
8.1
8.2
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Prestige 16 and Dell XPS 15 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Dell XPS 15, with its moderate GPU, fulfills the basic needs for engineering and design, while the MSI Prestige 16 offers a more potent integrated GPU, and double the RAM and storage, making it more equipped for demanding tasks in those fields. Despite both having quality screens and CPUs, the Prestige's higher screen resolution and additional resources better support extensive engineering and design workloads, yet both laptops maintain similar portability and build quality.
Content Creation
8.3
8.3
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell XPS 15 and MSI Prestige 16 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
8.1
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell XPS 15 and MSI Prestige 16 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
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
4.2 lbs
WEIGHT
4.2 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Dell XPS 15 and MSI Prestige 16 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell XPS 15 and the MSI Prestige 16 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell XPS 15 | MSI Prestige 16 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,000 | $1,611 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | January 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 13.6'' x 9.1'' x 0.71'' | 14.1'' x 10.2'' x 0.66'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.21 lbs | 4.2 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.57" | 14.09" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.06" | 10.18" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700H | Intel i7-13700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 86 Wh | 82 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 606 nits | 400 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.8/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 9.1/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 10/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell XPS 15
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Matthew Buzzi | May 2023
"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."
MSI Prestige 16
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Make Use Of
Paul Antill | June 2023
"The MSI Prestige 16 Evo: 2023's best value 16” thin & light laptop with i7-13700H. One of the top choices for professionals and students seeking a high-performance, portable computing solution in 2023. While the MSI Prestige 16 Evo A13M may not boast the most striking design compared to some other 16" options, its relatively "safe" styling lends itself well to professional and educational environments. Significantly, it doesn't compromise on essential features like port selection or cooling performance, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient thermal management. The 16 Evo A13M offers an excellent combination of performance, portability, and functionality, making it a compelling choice for professionals and students alike."
Get a great deal on the Dell XPS 15 or the MSI Prestige 16
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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