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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Considering the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and the MSI Prestige 16, the former is ideal for users who favor a touchscreen with a higher refresh rate, which makes for smooth visuals and intuitive interaction. It also offers better build quality suitable for general use. On the other hand, the MSI Prestige 16, equipped with more storage and RAM, would be more appropriate for heavy multitasking and complex engineering workloads. Additionally, the MSI boasts a longer-lasting battery. However, if portability is a concern, the Surface Laptop weighs slightly less, making it easier to carry around. Both laptops offer high-performance capabilities, so deciding between them depends on prioritizing touchscreen convenience and slightly better portability against increased computing power and storage capacity. 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 build quality
- Very good keyboard
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
Key differences
General Use
7.4
8.4
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
491.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.6/10
The MSI Prestige 16 is very good for general use, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is good.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, with its Intel i7 CPU, NVIDIA GPU, and versatile hinge for tablet use, suits general purposes but has shorter battery life and a smaller screen than the MSI Prestige 16, which boasts a larger screen, newer and potentially more powerful Intel i7 CPU, more RAM for multitasking, and longer battery life, making it very good for general use. While the MSI has a newer processor and more memory, which can improve performance, the Surface Laptop's higher resolution and touch capability, along with a unique form factor, provide an adaptable user experience.
Engineering and Design
7.3
8.2
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.9/10
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 Studio is good.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, with a mid-range CPU and GPU, high-res touchscreen suitable for design, and more than adequate RAM, suits engineering and design tasks but has less memory and computing power than the MSI Prestige 16, which also offers a top-tier CPU, ample RAM, and a high-quality, larger screen, albeit without touch functionality making it a very strong option for intensive engineering and design work at the cost of less touch screen interactivity. While both are fairly portable, the MSI Prestige 16 may be slightly heavier and thus, less convenient for frequent travel.
Content Creation
7.4
8.3
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2400 x 1600
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 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.
Software Development
7.3
8.1
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Prestige 16 is very good for software development, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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
8.0
8.3
14.4in
SIZE
16.0in
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
491.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The MSI Prestige 16 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio for gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the Surface Laptop Studio and MSI Prestige 16 boast high resolution and brightness, with panel types that deliver sharp, vibrant visuals, making text and images clear and easy on the eyes. When it comes to engineering and design, these laptops offer wide color gamuts, ensuring precise color representation crucial for professional photo editing and graphic design. However, for gaming and 3D applications, their lower refresh rates can lead to less fluid motion and responsiveness, which is less optimal for fast-paced visuals required in these scenarios.
Build Quality
8.5
7.4
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has very good build quality, while the MSI Prestige 16 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.6
6.7
4.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Prestige 16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The MSI Prestige 16, with a higher screen refresh rate and a more robust GPU, is better suited for gaming and 3D applications than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, which has a lower refresh rate and less powerful GPU. While both have high-quality IPS displays and capable CPUs, the crucial difference lies in the GPU and screen refresh rate, where the MSI excels, crucial for smoother visuals and better gaming performance.
Battery
8.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has 8 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.
Portability
Good
Good
14.4in
SIZE
16.0in
4.0 lbs
WEIGHT
4.2 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and MSI Prestige 16 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,700
$1,611
$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 16 costs $1,611.
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How the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and the MSI Prestige 16 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | MSI Prestige 16 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,700 | $1,611 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2021 | January 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.7'' x 9'' x 0.75'' | 14.1'' x 10.2'' x 0.66'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4 lbs | 4.2 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.72" | 14.09" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.98" | 10.18" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-11370H | Intel i7-13700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 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 | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 58 Wh | 82 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14.4" | 16" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 491 nits | 400 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.9/10 | 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 | 6.8/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 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 | 0 | 2 | |
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."
MSI Prestige 16
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Studio 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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