MSI Prestige 16 review: Light on your back and wallet

Price When Reviewed

$1,649.99

Best Prices Today: MSI Prestige 16

The sluggish shift in the direction of bigger laptops over the previous 5 years induced a clumsy 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 out there 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 stable state drive. Those specs are key, as they enhance the laptop computer’s worth in opposition to 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 stable 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 (presently $1,600 on Amazon)

MSI gives a number of fashions of the Prestige AI EVO, and the one I acquired for evaluation is among the many costliest. Downgrading to a 1TB stable state drive and IPS show reduces the value to $1,400, for instance. Those options would possibly show interesting for many who don’t want a 2TB drive, although I’d advocate 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 dwell as much as its identify at first blush (I imply “Prestige,” not the alphanumeric salad that follows). It’s a completely mainstream, middle-of-the-road design. Its supplies are enticing, however unremarkable, and there’s no aptitude or twist to make the laptop computer stand out from the group. 

My modest first impression improved after spending a couple of hours with the laptop computer. Build high quality isn’t on the degree of a MacBook Pro or Dell XPS, however it’s good. Flex might be discovered when opening the show panel, however it’s effectively 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 might typically really feel flimsy. 

But the Prestige 16 stays mild and moveable. 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 moveable for a 16-inch machine. It additionally has a small footprint (for its show measurement) at roughly 14 inches deep and 10 inches large, so it would 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 out there house, so there’s sufficient room to supply giant 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 an honest 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 flawed; 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 complete floor, stopping warp and wobble throughout livid social media duels.

The touchpad measures six inches large and almost 4 inches deep, which is common for a contemporary 16-inch laptop computer however nonetheless ample house for Windows multi-touch gestures. It was responsive and correct, as effectively, and the touchpad floor differs sufficient from the encircling palm relaxation to search 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 desire (in reality, I choose to not have a numpad in any respect), however those that desire a numpad needs to be happy.

MSI Prestige 16: Display, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

I’m beginning to run out of how to say that OLED shows look beautiful. And, for those who’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 an almost infinite distinction ratio and may precisely show a remarkably big 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 trying 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 manner above what most individuals might want to edit photographs, digital artwork, or video for social media.

Sharpness is excellent, as effectively. The 3840×2400 decision works out to 283 pixels per inch. That’s way over 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 search out any laptop computer show or desktop monitor with the next pixel density. With that stated, although, this panel just 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 charge of 60Hz. This little doubt has one thing to do with the show’s excessive decision, however it’s nonetheless price mentioning, as many laptops now provide an enhanced refresh charge of not less than 90Hz and sometimes 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 players and it’s a lot thinner and lighter than the Asus.

The Prestige 16’s audio high quality sadly falls wanting 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 need to preserve 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 effectively, providing good worth with some isolation from background noise. 

MSI consists of two strategies of biometric login. A fingerprint reader is constructed into the ability button, which is situated on the keyboard. There’s additionally an IR digicam that helps facial recognition by Windows Hello. Both choices labored effectively 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 fashionable connectivity with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, each of which assist 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 connect 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 remains 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 not less than 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 gadgets much less handy On the opposite hand, although, this reduces cable muddle 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 recent new normal (it was licensed in January of 2024), so it’s wonderful to see assist 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 stable 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 the direction of the CPU. Here the Prestige 16 returns a powerful rating of 6,767, which is healthier than most related laptops we’ve not too long ago 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 the same story in Cinebench R20, a closely multithreaded CPU check. Here the MSI Prestige 16 as soon as once more defeats most related laptops from 2023, however it will 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 received’t beat people who lean extra in the direction of uncooked efficiency. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

Our Handbrake video encoding check, 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 outcome that’s good when in comparison with related 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 enhancing 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 models) with a most graphics frequency of two.25GHz—and it performs fairly effectively.

IDG / Matthew Smith

The MSI Prestige 16 reached a 3DMark Time Spy rating of 3,861. That roughly doubles the efficiency of Intel’s prior built-in graphics answer, 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, for 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 a suitable 1080p gaming expertise in all kinds of older 3D video games, from World of Warcraft to Grand Theft Auto V. In reality, it will possibly deal with a powerful majority of the most well-liked video games on Steam. The MSI Prestige 16 isn’t a gaming laptop computer, however it’ll do in a pinch.

One ultimate 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 price 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 measurement typically have giant 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 normal battery check, which loops a 4K file of the brief movie Tears of Steel. Though not a number one outcome, it’s fairly robust, and customarily 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 average use together with Microsoft Office app or Google Docs. 

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

MSI Prestige 16: Conclusion

The MSI Prestige 16 AI EVO B1MG is a wonderful choose for anybody trying 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 boring and lacks a particular characteristic or flourish to assist it stand out, however it nails the fundamentals.

MSI’s pricing is aggressive, as effectively. Though definitely not low-cost at $1,650, the Prestige is a bit cheaper than equally geared up rivals just like the LG Gram 16 and 17 or Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro. Despite that, the MSI just isn’t at a drawback in comparison in opposition to these laptops, which makes it a transparent selection for budget-conscious patrons.