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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 13, 2024·
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio generally offers a larger screen and a unique hinged design that allows it to switch between a laptop, stage, and studio modes, making it versatile for creative tasks such as drawing or design work. Its build quality and display are typically praised for being top-notch but it may come at a higher price and be a bit heavier, which can affect portability. The MSI Prestige 14, on the other hand, tends to be more affordable and lighter, making it easier to carry around, and often comes with powerful internals suitable for business professionals and content creators, though it might not have the same level of build quality or screen versatility as the Surface Laptop Studio. If battery life is a priority, the MSI Prestige 14 usually offers a longer-lasting battery than the Studio. Consider the Surface Laptop Studio if you value a flexible design and superb display for creative work, but if cost, portability, and battery life are more critical, the MSI Prestige 14 may be a better choice. 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 Studio
- Very good overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo
- Very good for general use
- Very good for content creation
- Very good portability
Key differences
General Use
7.4
8.0
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
491.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
415.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.5/10
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo is very good for general use, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is good.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio offers versatile screen modes and a comfortable keyboard, making it a good choice for everyday tasks, but if superior CPU performance and RAM are pivotal for handling more demanding applications, the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo stands out. Despite this, the MSI's higher performance may lead to shorter battery life than the Surface, which might be a decisive factor for those who prioritize working unplugged for extended periods.
Engineering and Design
7.3
7.8
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
4.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both good for engineering and design, though the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo is somewhat better.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, with its powerful CPU, ample RAM, and high-quality GPU, is well-equipped for demanding engineering software and design tasks, and its high-resolution screen enhances visual work, but it's heavier than some competitors. In comparison, the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo also offers strong performance with a robust CPU and enough RAM, in a more portable design which makes it easier to carry, yet its GPU and screen may not match the Surface's, particularly for intensive graphics work.
Content Creation
7.4
8.0
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo is very good for content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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.
Screen Quality
8.0
7.8
14.4in
SIZE
14.0in
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
491.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
415.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has a better screen than the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo for general use, and engineering and design, while the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio offers high resolution and brightness, making it suitable for general tasks where clarity and visibility are crucial. Its color gamut coverage is extensive, benefiting engineering and design professionals who require accurate color representation. However, its lower refresh rate compared to gaming-specific laptops makes it less ideal for 3D applications, where smooth motion is critical.
Portability
Good
Very Good
14.4in
SIZE
14.0in
4.0 lbs
WEIGHT
3.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo has very good portability, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
7.4
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has very good build quality, while the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,700
$1,300
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has a price of $1,700 and the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo costs $1,300.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.6
6.8
4.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo both provide GPUs that can handle gaming and 3D tasks, but they won't deliver top-tier performance compared to specialized gaming rigs. While both have quality screens, their refresh rates aren't optimized for high-end gaming, which may affect the smoothness of fast-paced visuals.
Software Development
7.3
7.7
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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
8.0 Hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has 8 hours of battery life. The MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo has 8 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.
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How the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,700 | $1,300 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2021 | February 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.7'' x 9'' x 0.75'' | 12.3'' x 7.5'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4 lbs | 3.7 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.72" | 12.3" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.98" | 7.46" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-11370H | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 58 Wh | 90 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14.4" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1600 | 1920 x 1200 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 491 nits | 415 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Tom Brant | October 2021
"There’s no doubt that the Surface Laptop Studio is groundbreaking. We’ve come to expect such things from the Surface lineup, so it’s always nice to see a product that exceeds our expectations. The pull-forward laptop-screen concept has been tried before, but never in a device that’s so stylish and packed with innovative features like a haptic touchpad and robust digital stylus support."
Get a great deal on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio or the MSI Prestige 14 AI Evo
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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