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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated June 28, 2024·
For a balance of performance and portability with a high-quality screen suitable for engineering tasks, consider the Lenovo Legion 9i. It offers a powerful Intel i9 processor and Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU, ensuring top-tier performance for demanding applications. The Mini LED display with a resolution of 3200 x 2000 provides excellent color accuracy and brightness, which is great for detailed work. However, it's slightly heavier and pricier than the MSI. On the other hand, the MSI Creator 16 AI Studio is a solid choice for creators seeking a touchscreen experience with a higher resolution of 3840 x 2400, which is beneficial for tasks that require fine detail observation. It's also more compact and lightweight, making it more portable than the Lenovo. While it matches the Lenovo in GPU performance, it may not be as fast for certain tasks due to its Intel Core Ultra 9 processor. Battery life is longer in the MSI, which is a plus for on-the-go use. Both laptops are equipped with ample RAM and storage, Thunderbolt connectivity, and high-quality keyboards, but the Lenovo has a better port selection and faster screen refresh rate, which is advantageous for smoother visuals in gaming or fast-paced media consumption. The MSI, however, offers facial recognition for added security. Ultimately, choose the Lenovo Legion 9i for its superior performance and display quality, especially if you're into gaming or high-end engineering tasks and don't mind a bit more weight. Opt for the MSI Creator 16 AI Studio if you prioritize portability, a touchscreen, and slightly longer battery life, and if your workload is more general or creative in nature. 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 Legion 9i
- Excellent for gaming and AI
- Very good overall build quality
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Creator 16 AI Studio
- Excellent for content creation
- Good portability
- Good battery life
Key differences
Software Development
8.3
8.9
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
3200 x 2000
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Creator 16 AI Studio and Lenovo Legion 9i are both very good for software development, though the MSI Creator 16 AI Studio 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
9.7
9.7
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
3200 x 2000
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
682.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
1000.0 nits
The Lenovo Legion 9i has a better screen than the MSI Creator 16 AI Studio for gaming and AI, while the MSI Creator 16 AI Studio has a better screen for engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
PerfectRec’s screen quality scores take into account various important factors that are relevant for different use cases.
Battery
3.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Lenovo Legion 9i has 3 hours of battery life. The MSI Creator 16 AI Studio has 9 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
Fair
Good
16.0in
SIZE
16.0in
5.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.3 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Creator 16 AI Studio has good portability, while the Lenovo Legion 9i has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
7.4
The Lenovo Legion 9i has very good build quality, while the MSI Creator 16 AI Studio has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$3,420
$2,999
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Lenovo Legion 9i has a price of $3,420 and the MSI Creator 16 AI Studio costs $2,999.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.4
8.8
3200 x 2000
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
682.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
1000.0 nits
3.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
6.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The MSI Creator 16 AI Studio and Lenovo Legion 9i are both very good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
9.2
8.9
9.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.5/10
3200 x 2000
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo Legion 9i to be excellent for gaming and AI, while the MSI Creator 16 AI Studio is very good.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
9.6
9.5
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
9.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.5/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Lenovo Legion 9i and MSI Creator 16 AI Studio are both best in class for engineering and design.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
8.7
9.1
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
3200 x 2000
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Creator 16 AI Studio to be excellent for content creation, while the Lenovo Legion 9i is very good.
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 Lenovo Legion 9i and the MSI Creator 16 AI Studio compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Lenovo Legion 9i | MSI Creator 16 AI Studio |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$3,420 | $2,999 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2023 | March 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 10.9'' x 1.01'' | 14'' x 10.2'' x 0.79'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.64 lbs | 4.39 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.08" | 14.01" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.93" | 10.22" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i9-13980HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 3 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 99.9 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | Mini LED | Mini LED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3200 x 2000 | 3840 x 2400 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 682 nits | 1000 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 1 | |
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
Lenovo Legion 9i
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Matthew Buzzi | December 2023
"The Lenovo Legion 9i is meant as a top-end flagship showcase for enthusiasts, and on that, it delivers. You'll find flashier designs in this price tier—Razer’s all-metal build in a similarly sized laptop like the Blade 16, or monstrous 18-inch machines—but this is a well-thought-out laptop. The chassis is trim for a 16-inch powerhouse, the lid is unique, and bespoke liquid cooling takes performance to the next level."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo Legion 9i or the MSI Creator 16 AI Studio
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.
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