MSI Creator 17vsMicrosoft Surface Pro 11

We compare these two popular phones to help you decide which one fits your needs and budget better.

MSI
MSI Creator 17
Creator 17

Quick Stats

The MSI Creator 17 delivers exceptional performance with ease, handling demanding tasks smoothly overall.
The MSI Creator 17's build quality is a letdown, lacking polish and being hindered by a bulky power brick.
The MSI Creator 17's stunning 4K display offers vibrant, accurate colors and immersive visuals with high brightness.
The MSI Creator 17 boasts top-notch performance with its powerful Intel i7 processor and RTX graphics card.
Microsoft
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Surface Pro 11

Quick Stats

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11's impressive performance is its standout feature, rivaling traditional laptops with ease always.
The Surface Pro 11 has an impressive build quality with premium materials and substantial yet portable feel overall.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11's OLED display shines with vibrant colors and deep blacks, but falls short in brightness outside.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 boasts a stunning 13-inch OLED display and wireless charging capabilities primarily.
Key Differences

No significant specification differences found between these devices.

Rank
MSI Creator 17
#382
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Winner
#378
Scores by Category
Rankings
Connectivity
MSI Creator 17
#792
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
#783
Winner
Display
MSI Creator 17
#786
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
#282
Winner
Performance
MSI Creator 17
#167
Winner
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
#630
Build
MSI Creator 17
#845
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
#83
Winner
Features
MSI Creator 17
#147
Winner
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
#591

Note: Lower rank number indicates a better position in category.

Specifications Comparison
Specification
MSI MSI Creator 17
Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro 11
up to 64GB
up to 64GB
up to 8000GB SSD
up to 2000GB SSD
Intel Core i7-10875H
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER Max-Q
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Adreno GPU
N/A
1x 2230 M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 

Note: Highlighted specifications show differences between the two devices.

Pros and Cons

MSI Creator 17

Strengths

The MSI Creator 17 has a lot of what a gamer would want in a portable shell, an Intel 10 generation i7 processor, and the RTX 2070 Max Q are in the upper tier of performance specs.
It shows great performance in every game that I've played so far, running smooth as butter on ultra settings with ray tracing put on medium.
The computer is paired well with a few peripherals like Michael said, the keyboard and the speakers are definitely just the weakest part of this package.
The Creator 17 right here is actually the first laptop that I've used that doesn't buckle or even stutter under my 4k workflow.
It's great for video and photo editing processes with the same specifications that drive high powered gaming
The quality of life details of this laptop are good, it's just a shame they don't fit in any of my current bags.
MSI got a lot right with the Creator 17, don't get me wrong, but if you ask me, they did more to create something like a foldable desktop than they did a powerful, portable laptop.
The prices seem awful competitive given the last few laptops I've reviewed.

Weaknesses

Michael said the keyboard and speakers are definitely just the weakest part of this package.
It's not very portable as it doesn't fit in any of my current bags
MSI did more to create something like a foldable desktop than they did a powerful, portable laptop.
The power brick is huge
It would be Michael's first choice if he had the option
The laptop can be overkill for some users who don't need that much power and performance
The MSI Creator 17 has a lot of features but it might not be suitable for all types of users
The prices may vary depending on the configuration which might make it hard to budget

Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Strengths

The Surface Pro 11's hardware is impressive, with a sleek design and premium build quality that feels substantial yet surprisingly lightweight at just 1.97 pounds.
The new flex cover provides a more satisfying typing experience with improved key travel and the optional $350 keyboard cover is well worth it for those who want to upgrade their typing experience.
The Surface Pro 11's AI features, such as Windows co-pilot, live captions, and co-creator in Microsoft Paint, show promise for the future and can be useful for certain tasks.
The stunning OLED display is a definite highlight of the device, providing vivid and detailed visuals.
The Surface Pro 11's performance rivals that of traditional laptops, making it a great choice for those who prioritize portability and performance.
For those who are primarily focused on office tasks or need specific software that isn't optimized for arm processors, the Surface Pro is still an excellent choice.

Weaknesses

The high price tag makes the device a significant investment, especially when factoring in essential accessories like the $350 keyboard cover.
Compatibility issues with some software may be a problem for users who need specific applications to run on their devices.
The removal of certain promised features, such as Recall, due to privacy concerns is disappointing and reduces excitement about the device.
The AI features on the Surface Pro feel like they're at an early stage and not yet essential to the computing experience.
Battery life may be a concern for users who need to use their devices for extended periods of time, with actual battery life dropping to around five hours in some cases.
Certain features, such as Recall, are available on other Windows 11 devices, making the Surface Pro's AI capabilities not exclusive to this device.
Read Full Reviews

MSI Creator 17

The MSI Creator 17 is a behemoth of a laptop, boasting an Intel i7 processor, RTX 2070 Max Q graphics, and a stunning 4K mini LED display. While its gaming chops are undeniable, I found myself drawn to its potential as a creator's tool. With Josh's expert input on the laptop's video editing prowess, it's clear that MSI has shifted its focus towards this burgeoning market. But does the Creator 17 deliver on its promise of portable power and creativity?

Microsoft Surface Pro 11

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 promises an AI-powered future, but is it just a pricey experiment? This hybrid device boasts a sleek design, premium build quality, and impressive performance, rivalling that of traditional laptops. With a stunning OLED display and improved keyboard, it's a powerhouse for those who prioritize portability and performance. But can its AI features live up to the hype, and what are the limitations of this cutting-edge device?

Need help choosing?

Read our detailed reviews to understand which device is better for your specific needs and budget.

Read MSI Creator 17 ReviewRead Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Review

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