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Updated January 12, 2024·
If economy is a priority and you primarily engage in general computing tasks like browsing, Office applications, and media consumption, then the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3's lower cost may appeal to you. It offers modest performance suitable for everyday use, and its compact design is beneficial for portability. However, if you require higher performance for tasks like gaming, 3D rendering, or engineering software, the MSI Stealth 14 Studio, despite being more expensive, provides a powerful processor, advanced graphics capabilities, and a higher resolution display to handle such demands. The MSI model also tends to offer a better battery life and build quality but is heavier, making it less portable. 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 Go 3
- Excellent portability
- Good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Stealth 14 Studio
- Very good for engineering and design
- Good for gaming and AI
- Good overall display quality
- Best in class speakers
Key differences
General Use
7.2
7.8
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
337.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
9.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both good for general use, though the MSI Stealth 14 Studio is somewhat better.
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio outperforms the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 for general use, largely because the MSI has a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and better screen quality, featuring a higher resolution, which contributes to a sharper image and overall better user experience. However, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is more portable with a lighter weight and smaller size, and it offers better battery life than the MSI, making it suitable for users who prioritize mobility and longer use on a single charge.
Gaming and AI
6.1
7.8
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.1/10
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is good for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is only fair.
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio offers a more advanced GPU suited for gaming and 3D tasks, as well as a higher screen refresh rate compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, providing a smoother visual experience which is essential for these activities. While the Surface Laptop has a decent GPU for lighter tasks, its capabilities and screen refresh rate are lower, resulting in it only providing a fair experience for gaming and 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
6.8
8.5
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is very good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is only fair.
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio boasts a more powerful processor, double the RAM, and a superior dedicated GPU compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3's less robust CPU, integrated graphics, and lower RAM, making it a stronger performer for engineering and design tasks. While the Surface Laptop Go 3 is more portable with a lighter weight and smaller dimensions, the Stealth 14 Studio offers better screen quality and resolution for detailed work, but is heavier and less portable as a tradeoff.
Content Creation
7.3
7.9
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both good for content creation, though the MSI Stealth 14 Studio is somewhat better.
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.
Screen Quality
6.8
7.6
12.4in
SIZE
14.0in
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
337.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
300.0 nits
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 offers a vibrant and sharp display suitable for tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, which are common in general use. Its ability to accurately reproduce colors makes it useful for engineering and design applications where precision in color representation is crucial for visuals and graphics work. However, for gaming and 3D rendering, where smooth motion is key, it falls short due to a lower refresh rate that can lead to less fluid visual experiences compared to laptops specifically tailored for these activities.
Battery
8.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has 8 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio has 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
Excellent
Good
12.4in
SIZE
14.0in
2.4 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has excellent portability, while the MSI Stealth 14 Studio has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$789
$1,432
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has a price of $789 and the MSI Stealth 14 Studio costs $1,432.
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Key similarities
Software Development
7.1
7.4
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Stealth 14 Studio and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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.
Build Quality
7.8
7.6
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 and MSI Stealth 14 Studio 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 Go 3 and the MSI Stealth 14 Studio compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 | MSI Stealth 14 Studio |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$789 | $1,432 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2023 | February 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11'' x 8.1'' x 0.62'' | 12.4'' x 9.7'' x 0.75'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.49 lbs | 3.75 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 10.95" | 12.4" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.12" | 9.69" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1235U | Intel i7-13620H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 72 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 12.4" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1536 x 1024 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 337 nits | 300 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Joe Osborne | October 2023
"When it comes to affordably priced laptops, the numbers after the dollar sign are crucially important—more so than in any other price category. By increasing the starting price of its Laptop Go line by $200 and not changing much else, Microsoft irrevocably altered the calculus surrounding the decision of whether to buy the Surface Laptop Go 3. Sure, it has a newer processor and longer battery life, but don’t think for a second you’re not paying dearly for that extra RAM and SSD capacity at that new price."
MSI Stealth 14 Studio
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Francisco Lahoz | June 2023
"You'll find a versatility in the MSI Stealth 14 Studio that isn’t matched by many content-creator laptops we've tested of late. The small frame allows you to (potentially) work from anywhere with an outlet and, if noise isn’t a concern, run your most demanding of programs, thanks to some powerful hardware inside. The MSI Stealth 14 Studio is an attractive and powerful option if you want a portable laptop to be the center of your content work setup."
Get a great deal on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 or the MSI Stealth 14 Studio
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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