For everyday tasks like web browsing and office work, both the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and MSI Prestige 15 are suitable, but the Prestige offers better graphics performance for activities such as gaming and video editing due to its dedicated graphics card. However, the IdeaPad's lower cost makes it an attractive option for those on a tighter budget. If superior color accuracy is essential, for example for photo editing, the MSI Prestige's display covers a broader range of color spaces. The Prestige also has a slightly better portability score, despite a larger battery providing longer typical usage battery life. On the other hand, if a higher screen resolution and an aspect ratio more conducive to productivity are priorities, the IdeaPad has a higher pixel density and a 16:10 aspect ratio which might make it preferable for reading and document work. Both have good quality keyboards, but if security features like facial recognition are important, only the MSI Prestige includes this option. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 15
Very good speakers
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.4/10
6.8/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
315.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
298.0 nits
The MSI Prestige 15 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i for general use, and engineering and design.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i offers a display that's adequate for everyday tasks and productivity, with reasonable resolution and brightness suitable for casual use and office work. However, for engineering and design professionals, the display's color accuracy and range might not meet the standards required for precise color work. For gaming and 3D applications, the refresh rate—which is crucial for smooth visuals and fast-paced action—is lower than ideal, compromising the viewing experience for fast-moving graphics.
Cost
$828
$1,044
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has a price of $828 and the MSI Prestige 15 costs $1,044.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and MSI Prestige 15 are both good for general use.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i is valued for general use due to its high-quality keyboard, respectable screen clarity, and adequate performance with an Intel i5 processor and integrated graphics, balanced by a light build and decent battery life. On the other hand, the MSI Prestige 15, while also offering solid general-use features like a robust Intel i5 CPU and dedicated graphics card, excels with a higher screen color coverage, making it superior for visual tasks, plus it is slightly lighter enhancing portability, though it compromises slightly on battery life compared to the Lenovo.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.3/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Prestige 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i is limited in gaming and 3D applications due to its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, which typically offer lower performance compared to dedicated graphics options, and it has a standard 60Hz screen refresh rate.
Engineering and Design
7.0/10
7.2/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.1/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Prestige 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for engineering and design.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i is equipped with an Intel CPU and Iris Xe graphics, which are adequate for engineering tasks, and the 16-inch screen with a higher resolution ensures good screen quality for design work. In contrast, the MSI Prestige 15 offers a more powerful Nvidia GPU for engineering visuals and heavy design applications, while still maintaining decent portability and screen quality with its slightly smaller display.
Content Creation
7.4/10
7.5/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.1/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Prestige 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i 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.
Software Development
7.4/10
7.2/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and MSI Prestige 15 are both 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
8.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has 8 hours of battery life. The MSI Prestige 15 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Prestige 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.6/10
7.4/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and MSI Prestige 15 both have good 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 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and the MSI Prestige 15 compare to other laptops
"The device is made for average work loads and if your work has a lot to do with online browsing, using apps that are not power-hungry and streaming videos. The looks are really good and the device in itself is not a heavy one. And with Intel 11th-gen Core processor, you might sail through most of your work without complaints."
"The MSI Prestige 15 offers a dazzling 4K image quality, and solid performance. The MSI Prestige 15 appears to consistently implement the guiding principle of throttling the solid and efficient hardware to such an extent that content creation succeeds perfectly. Performance-hungry tasks, on the other hand, are slowed down a little by the reduced power consumption. Conversely, this means that the case remains relatively cool and the dual fan subdued. The battery life also benefits somewhat. So the losses aren't really dramatic because full performance is still available for short bursts."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i or the MSI Prestige 15
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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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