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Updated January 12, 2024·
If your primary concern is portability and a lighter device, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" may be the better option as it has a smaller screen and weighs less than the MSI Prestige 16. However, if you require more power and storage for tasks such as video editing or programming, the MSI Prestige 16 offers a more robust processor, twice the memory, and double the storage capacity. It also has a higher resolution display with more color accuracy, beneficial for creative work. The tradeoff, in this case, is a heavier and slightly larger laptop with these increased capabilities. The Surface is also equipped with a touch screen which the MSI lacks, and while the MSI has a newer release date, the Surface's lower weight might appeal more to those who travel frequently or value a lighter carry. 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
- Excellent portability
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 16
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
Key differences
General Use
7.4
8.4
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
400.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
9.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The MSI Prestige 16 is very good for general use, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good.
The MSI Prestige 16 offers more RAM and a higher performance CPU for multitasking and demanding applications, a larger and higher resolution display for better screen real estate, and significantly more storage space, which, combined with its professional build and higher quality keyboard, makes it very good for general use despite being heavier and less portable than the Surface Laptop 5, which offers commendable battery life and portability but with less robust performance and screen size for the same general use. The Surface Laptop 5, however, benefits from a touchscreen and a 3:2 screen aspect ratio which is preferable for productivity tasks, along with better heat management, making it suitable for on-the-go users who value a lighter device with good build quality and solid general performance.
Gaming and AI
6.1
6.7
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Prestige 16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the MSI Prestige 16 is somewhat better.
The MSI Prestige 16 provides a better gaming and 3D experience with its higher screen refresh rate, supporting smoother visuals, and has a more capable integrated graphics unit compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13". While both have quality displays and capable CPUs, the Prestige's superior GPU and refresh rate make it more suited for gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
7.1
8.2
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Prestige 16 is very good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good.
The MSI Prestige 16 outshines the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" for engineering and design due to its superior main processor, double the RAM for multitasking, and a larger high-resolution display, enhancing visual detail and workspace. While the Surface Laptop 5 is lighter and thus more portable, the Prestige offsets this with a significantly better CPU and GPU for heavy tasks, and more substantial screen quality, essential for design precision and engineering simulations.
Content Creation
7.4
8.3
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Prestige 16 is very good for content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is 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.
Software Development
7.2
8.1
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 16 is very good for software development, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" 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.
Screen Quality
7.2
8.3
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
400.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The MSI Prestige 16 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" provides pleasant visuals thanks to its resolution and panel type that offer clear images and good brightness, whereas the MSI Prestige 16, also boasting a high-resolution display and quality panel, delivers excellent brightness and sharpness. In engineering and design, both laptops display vivid colors with the Prestige 16 edging out due to its wider color gamut coverage, which ensures more accurate color representation for professional work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the lower refresh rates of these laptops' displays may lead to less smooth motion and responsiveness, making them less ideal for fast-paced visual content.
Portability
Excellent
Good
13.5in
SIZE
16.0in
2.8 lbs
WEIGHT
4.2 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has excellent portability, while the MSI Prestige 16 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,200
$1,611
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has a price of $1,200 and the MSI Prestige 16 costs $1,611.
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Key similarities
Battery
7.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has 7.5 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
7.8
7.4
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and MSI Prestige 16 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and the MSI Prestige 16 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" | MSI Prestige 16 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,200 | $1,611 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | January 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.1'' x 8.8'' x 0.57'' | 14.1'' x 10.2'' x 0.66'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.86 lbs | 4.2 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.1" | 14.09" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.8" | 10.18" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel i7-13700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.5 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 47.4 Wh | 82 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.5" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2256 x 1504 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 400 nits | 400 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9/10 | 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 | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
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CNET
Lori Grunin | October 2022
"The Surface Laptop 5 remains afloat as a solid machine. It's just not one that stands out in any particular way. Just like the last one. The biggest upgrade were some new components, but they perform in the same range as other laptops with them, and frequently at the bottom of that range. I suspect Microsoft's settings are very conservative to help keep cooling and battery life within reason in the older chassis design."
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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" or the MSI Prestige 16
About Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
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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