Price When Reviewed

$1,649.99

Best Prices Today: MSI Prestige 16

$1629.85

The gradual shift in direction of bigger laptops over the previous 5 years triggered an ungainly rift in laptop computer designs. Many laptops now have 16-inch shows, however not all of these laptops are highly effective and the price-to-performance on provide can show unappealing. MSI’s Prestige 16 AI EVO B1MG manages to keep away from that drawback, offering nice processor efficiency, robust built-in graphics, and lengthy battery life in a mid-range 16-incher that weighs only a hair greater than three kilos.

Looking for extra choices? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops obtainable proper now.

MSI Prestige 16: Specs and options

The MSI Prestige 16’s specs are spectacular. It pairs an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with 32GB of reminiscence and an enormous 2TB strong state drive. Those specs are key, as they enhance the laptop computer’s worth towards its rivals. It additionally has Intel Arc graphics and a 4K OLED show.

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
• Memory: 32GB LPDDR5 6400MHz
• Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc graphics
• Display: 3840×2400 16:10 OLED 60Hz
• Storage: 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe strong state drive
• Webcam: 1080p 60fps
• Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4.0 with USB Power Delivery, Displayport Alternate Mode, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm combo audio, 1x SDcard reader
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Biometrics: Fingerprint reader
• Battery capability: 99.9 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 14.11 x 10.02 x 0.75 inches
• Weight: 3.31 kilos
• MSRP: $1,649.99 (at present $1,600 on Amazon)

MSI affords a number of fashions of the Prestige AI EVO, and the one I acquired for evaluation is among the many most costly. Downgrading to a 1TB strong state drive and IPS show reduces the value to $1,400, for instance. Those alternate options may show interesting for individuals who don’t want a 2TB drive, although I’d suggest sticking to a mannequin with an OLED show if potential.

MSI Prestige 16: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Matthew Smith

The MSI Prestige 16 AI EVO B1MG doesn’t reside as much as its identify at first blush (I imply “Prestige,” not the alphanumeric salad that follows). It’s a totally mainstream, middle-of-the-road design. Its supplies are engaging, however unremarkable, and there’s no aptitude or twist to make the laptop computer stand out from the gang. 

My modest first impression improved after spending just a few hours with the laptop computer. Build high quality isn’t on the stage of a MacBook Pro or Dell XPS, however it’s good. Flex will be discovered when opening the show panel, however it’s nicely managed and the identical is true of the laptop computer’s backside half. MSI has an edge over thinner, lighter laptops like LG’s Gram line, which may typically really feel flimsy. 

But the Prestige 16 stays mild and transportable. It weighs simply 3.31 kilos and measures simply .75 inches thick. You can discover lighter laptops just like the LG Gram SuperSlim, however the MSI is transportable for a 16-inch machine. It additionally has a small footprint (for its show dimension) at roughly 14 inches deep and 10 inches vast, so it’s going to slot in most backpacks and luggage designed for a 15-inch laptop computer.

MSI Prestige 16: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

A spacious keyboard with numpad stretches throughout the MSI Prestige 16’s inside. The laptop computer makes use of the majority of the obtainable area, so there’s sufficient room to supply massive keys in most conditions. Only the arrow keys and left-side Alt and Control keys are considerably undersized. The numpad keys are shaved down a hair, however so little that I didn’t instantly discover.

Typing is a pleasure. The Prestige 16 supplies good key journey and a good tactile sensation with every key’s bottoming motion. That comes alongside a little bit of audible suggestions in a definitive click-clack. Don’t get me improper; this isn’t a mechanical keyboard. But I do suppose it’s louder than most and I prefer it. The keyboard can also be inflexible throughout its total floor, stopping warp and wobble throughout livid social media duels.

The touchpad measures six inches vast and practically 4 inches deep, which is common for a contemporary 16-inch laptop computer however nonetheless ample area for Windows multi-touch gestures. It was responsive and correct, as nicely, and the touchpad floor differs sufficient from the encompassing palm relaxation to seek out it by really feel. MSI positions the touchpad far to the left, although, to maintain it centered with the keyboard. That’s not my choice (in reality, I want to not have a numpad in any respect), however those that need a numpad must be happy.

MSI Prestige 16: Display, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

I’m beginning to run out of the way to say that OLED shows look beautiful. And, when you’re in a rush, that’s all you really want to know. The Prestige 16’s 3840×2400 OLED show is sharp, vibrant, and immersive. You’ll adore it.

Want extra particulars? Ok, right here goes: the MSI Prestige’s show has a virtually infinite distinction ratio and may precisely show a remarkably wide selection of colour. Together, these traits make for a practical and true-to-life picture that gives a way of depth and dimensionality. It’s extra like wanting by a small window than taking a look at a show. It’s additionally a fantastic match for content material creation, because the show’s colour efficiency is method above what most individuals might want to edit pictures, digital artwork, or video for social media.

Sharpness is great, as nicely. The 3840×2400 decision works out to 283 pixels per inch. That’s excess of a 27-inch 4K monitor, which packs simply 163 pixels per inch, and higher than an Apple MacBook Pro 16 at 256 pixels per inch. It’s truly fairly arduous to seek out any laptop computer show or desktop monitor with a better pixel density. With that mentioned, although, this panel isn’t distinctive to the Prestige 16, and plenty of high-end 16-inch Windows laptops have an similar decision.

Motion readability is one potential draw back, because the show is restricted to a refresh fee of 60Hz. This little doubt has one thing to do with the show’s excessive decision, however it’s nonetheless value mentioning, as many laptops now provide an enhanced refresh fee of at the least 90Hz and infrequently 120Hz or extra. Asus’ Vivobook Pro 16X OLED is an effective instance of a laptop computer that higher walks the road between work and leisure. But, to be truthful, the Prestige 16 isn’t geared toward avid gamers and it’s a lot thinner and lighter than the Asus.

The Prestige 16’s audio high quality sadly falls in need of the show. It has downward-firing audio system that supply modest quantity and lack a low-end to supply any trace of bass. That in flip muddies the sound at excessive quantity. It’s not the worst I’ve heard, however it’s not nice, and also you’ll wish to maintain headphones close by. 

MSI Prestige 16: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

A 1080p webcam with a bodily privateness shutter hangs out above the MSI Prestige 16’s show. It delivers mediocre however usable picture high quality that’s greater than acceptable for video conferencing. The microphone additionally does nicely, providing good worth with some isolation from background noise. 

MSI contains two strategies of biometric login. A fingerprint reader is constructed into the ability button, which is positioned on the keyboard. There’s additionally an IR digicam that helps facial recognition by Windows Hello. Both choices labored nicely in my time with the laptop computer, although I personally discover facial recognition preferable.

MSI Prestige 16: Connectivity

IDG / Matthew Smith

The MSI Prestige 16 leans closely on trendy connectivity with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, each of which help USB 4.0, USB Power Delivery, and DisplayPort Alternate Mode. That means each can cost the laptop computer, be used with a USB-C dock, or hook up with a Thunderbolt or USB-C show. 

Those versatile ports are joined by only one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2. It’s good to see USB-A continues to be included, however an extra port could be helpful. Fortunately, the Prestige 16’s extra connectivity is nice. It has an HDMI 2.1 port, an SDcard reader, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack.

But there’s a catch, or at the least a trade-off. The bulk of the ports, together with each Thunderbolt 4 ports and the USB-C port, are discovered on the laptop computer’s badonkadonk. That makes connecting and disconnecting USB units much less handy On the opposite hand, although, this reduces cable litter when the laptop computer is docked at a desk, because the cables are simply routed from the laptop computer’s rear. 

Wireless connectivity is great, because the laptop computer helps each Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Wi-Fi 7 is a contemporary new customary (it was licensed in January of 2024), so it’s wonderful to see help for it right here.

MSI Prestige 16: Performance

The MSI Prestige 16 AI EVO B1MG has Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 155H. It’s a 16-core processor with six efficiency cores, eight environment friendly cores, and two low-power environment friendly cores, in addition to a most Turbo frequency of 4.8GHz. Here it’s paired with 32GB of reminiscence and a 2TB strong state drive, that are robust specs for the value.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Our first benchmark, PCMark 10, is a holistic system benchmark however tends to lean in direction of the CPU. Here the Prestige 16 returns a powerful rating of 6,767, which is best than most comparable laptops we’ve just lately reviewed. It defeats laptops from 2023 with an Intel Core i7-1360P processor or AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, however can’t fairly match these with the Core i7-13700H, such because the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra.

IDG / Matthew Smith

It’s an analogous story in Cinebench R20, a closely multithreaded CPU take a look at. Here the MSI Prestige 16 as soon as once more defeats most comparable laptops from 2023, however it could possibly’t squeeze forward of these with a extra power-hungry Core i7-13700H processor.

That, to be truthful, is anticipated. The Core Ultra 7 155H is a processor that tries to stroll a line between efficiency and energy consumption, so it gained’t beat people who lean extra in direction of uncooked efficiency. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

Our Handbrake video encoding take a look at, one other multithreaded CPU benchmark, reinforces the findings from the primary two benchmarks. The MSI Prestige 16 transcoded a 1080p film in 21 minutes and 9 seconds, a consequence that’s good when in comparison with comparable laptops from 2023, however behind bigger and extra power-hungry laptops.

The MSI Prestige 16’s processor efficiency is unsurprising however robust. It typically defeats laptops with an Intel Core i7-1360P processor, which is what most laptops prefer it provided final 12 months. The Core Ultra 7 155H ought to deal with the majority of duties thrown at it, from 1080p video modifying to programming to 3D modeling. Only essentially the most demanding customers will push it limits.

Intel’s Core Ultra processor comes packing Intel’s Arc built-in graphics. It now supplies 8 Xe cores (the equal of 128 execution items) with a most graphics frequency of two.25GHz—and it performs fairly nicely.

IDG / Matthew Smith

The MSI Prestige 16 reached a 3DMark Time Spy rating of three,861. That roughly doubles the efficiency of Intel’s prior built-in graphics resolution, and it typically defeats laptops with AMD’s Radeon 780M. 

Don’t get too excited. Many AAA video games are playable, however framerates are sometimes on the cusp of playability at excessive element settings. Shadow of the Tomb Raider, as an example, averaged 31 frames per second at 1080p and the sport’s Highest’s element settings. More demanding video games, like Cyberpunk 2077, are playable solely at low or medium element (relying on the decision and upscaling choices you choose).

Still, Intel’s Arc built-in graphics supplies an appropriate 1080p gaming expertise in all kinds of older 3D video games, from World of Warcraft to Grand Theft Auto V. In reality, it could possibly deal with a powerful majority of the preferred video games on Steam. The MSI Prestige 16 isn’t a gaming laptop computer, however it’ll do in a pinch.

One remaining word: the Prestige 16 I reviewed had 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. These specs are much less of a think about our benchmarks however value remembering, as each are wonderful for the value, and can assist the laptop computer age with grace.

MSI Prestige 16: Battery life

MSI stuffs an enormous 99 watt-hour battery within the MSI Prestige 16. That caught me off-guard. Laptops of this dimension typically have massive batteries, however most that go for a 99 watt-hour battery (the biggest allowed in electronics you’ll be able to keep it up to an airplane) are thicker and heavier than the Prestige 16. 

Of course, selecting a bigger battery pays off in battery life.

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Prestige 16 endured for over twelve hours in our customary battery take a look at, which loops a 4K file of the quick movie Tears of Steel. Though not a number one consequence, it’s fairly robust, and usually significantly better than different 16-inch laptops we examined by final 12 months. More importantly, the Prestige 16’s battery life is sufficient to final by a piece day of sunshine to reasonable use together with Microsoft Office app or Google Docs. 

As talked about earlier, the Prestige 16 has two Thunderbolt 4 ports that help Power Delivery, and MSI ships the laptop computer with a small 100-watt USB-C charger. Those who wish to lighten their load might go for a compact GaN charger.

MSI Prestige 16: Conclusion

The MSI Prestige 16 AI EVO B1MG is a superb choose for anybody seeking to purchase a strong 16-inch laptop computer with good battery life and a slim design. It additionally has a fantastic keyboard, good touchpad, beautiful show, and comes with loads of RAM and storage. MSI’s design is uninteresting and lacks a particular characteristic or flourish to assist it stand out, however it nails the fundamentals.

MSI’s pricing is aggressive, as nicely. Though actually not low cost at $1,650, the Prestige is a bit cheaper than equally outfitted rivals just like the LG Gram 16 and 17 or Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro. Despite that, the MSI isn’t at a drawback when put next towards these laptops, which makes it a transparent alternative for budget-conscious consumers.