A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 22, 2024·
When deciding between the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and the MSI Titan 18 HX, consider that the Surface offers better portability and is more budget-friendly, making it suitable for general use and on-the-go tasks, while the MSI Titan delivers superior performance, suited for gaming, 3D modeling, and intensive engineering software, but at a higher cost and with added bulk, which affects its portability and could reduce battery life. Choose the Surface if you prioritize ease of movement and value, or the MSI if your work demands top-tier power and you are less concerned about cost and portability. 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 2
- Good portability
- Good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Titan 18 HX
- Best in class for engineering and design
- Excellent for gaming and AI
- Excellent for content creation
- Excellent overall display quality
- Excellent speakers
- Best in class keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.7
9.4
7.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Titan 18 HX is excellent for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is good.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 offers a balance of a quality GPU and screen, but for advanced gaming and 3D tasks, the MSI Titan 18 HX has a top-tier GPU and higher screen refresh rate, making it exceptional for those needs. While both have capable CPUs and screen quality, the MSI prioritizes performance essential for the smoothest gaming and 3D rendering experiences.
Engineering and Design
8.7
9.9
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
7.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
64.0 GB
RAM
128.0 GB
The MSI Titan 18 HX is best in class for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is very good.
The MSI Titan 18 HX typically offers a more powerful CPU, additional RAM, and a top-tier GPU which excel in demanding engineering tasks and ensures smoother performance with high-quality graphics; its screen is often larger and clearer, beneficial for detailed designs. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, while still capable with a good CPU, ample RAM, high-quality GPU, and a sharp screen, trades some power for better portability and lower operating noise, making it a more flexible option for on-the-go use and quieter environments.
Content Creation
8.4
9.0
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
64.0 GB
RAM
128.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
The MSI Titan 18 HX is excellent for content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 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.
Software Development
8.2
8.9
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
64.0 GB
RAM
128.0 GB
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
10.0/10
The MSI Titan 18 HX and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 are both very good for software development, though the MSI Titan 18 HX 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
7.9
9.2
14.4in
SIZE
18.0in
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
503.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
The MSI Titan 18 HX has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
When considering general use, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has a high-resolution display that provides clear and sharp images, but may not match the MSI Titan 18 HX, which likely offers better brightness and contrast, enhancing overall viewing experience. For engineering and design, the Surface Laptop may cover a wide range of colors with good accuracy, but the MSI Titan may outperform it with a higher coverage of professional color gamuts, which are crucial for precise color work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short due to lower refresh rates, which are essential for smooth motion and gameplay, despite their potential strengths in resolution and panel technology.
Battery
8.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has 8 hours of battery life. The MSI Titan 18 HX has 4 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
Poor
14.4in
SIZE
18.0in
4.4 lbs
WEIGHT
7.9 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
1.2in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has good portability, while the MSI Titan 18 HX has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$3,300
$4,949
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has a price of $3,300 and the MSI Titan 18 HX costs $4,949.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
General Use
8.3
8.8
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
503.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
10.0/10
7.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.0/10
The MSI Titan 18 HX and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 are both very good for general use.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 offers a balance of CPU power, sufficient RAM, and high-quality screen while being more portable and having a longer battery life, which makes it ideal for on-the-go users needing a machine for everyday tasks. In contrast, the MSI Titan 18 HX, with its top-tier CPU and ample RAM, excels in handling more resource-intensive applications but is less portable and has a shorter battery life, catering to users who prioritize performance over mobility for demanding software and multitasking.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and MSI Titan 18 HX both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and the MSI Titan 18 HX compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 | MSI Titan 18 HX |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$3,300 | $4,949 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2023 | February 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.7'' x 9.1'' x 0.86'' | 15.9'' x 12.1'' x 1.26'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.41 lbs | 7.93 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.72" | 15.9" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.06" | 12.08" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700H | Intel i9-14900HX | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 64 GB | 128 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 4 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 4096 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 4 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 58 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14.4" | 18" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | Mini LED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1600 | 3840 x 2400 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 503 nits | 401 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.5/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
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 | 10/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 9.1/10 | |
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 | 3 | |
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 2
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | March 2022
"The new Surface Laptop Studio with its foldable display is supposed to replace the old Surface Book and the overall impression is good after our review. The build quality and the materials are top-notch, the performance utilization of the two components is solid and the device does not show any major flaws in terms of display or speakers, either. The folding mechanism leaves a sold impression as well, but it remains to be seen how it will hold up over the years. The so-called presentation mode is also not ideal since it covers the whole keyboard."
MSI Titan 18 HX
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"With no new Nvidia GPU this year for laptops, MSI had to refresh everything surrounding the graphics card to make up for it. Users are getting a new 18-inch chassis design, new 14th gen Intel HX CPU, new AC adapter, larger keys, and a new 120 Hz HDR1000 mini-LED 4K display to accompany the high price tag. Most of these changes are a step up from last year's GT77, but users are ultimately getting the same gaming performance out of both models."
Get a great deal on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 or the MSI Titan 18 HX
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 vs. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024)
VS
Compare Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 vs. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
VS
Compare Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 vs. Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2023)
VS
Compare MSI Titan 18 HX vs. HP Omen 17
VS
Compare MSI Titan 18 HX vs. MSI Raider GE78
VS
Compare MSI Titan 18 HX vs. Razer Blade 17
VS
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
124,995
Recommendations made
27,083
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
Featured in
