MSI Prestige 13 review
The MSI MSI Prestige 13 ranks as the #26 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 83. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #129-ranked features among 648 laptops. Consider the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 or Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Prestige 13 is a lightweight powerhouse with exceptional performance, great thermals, and respectable battery life. It's a standout in the premium 13-inch laptop market, but some questionable design choices hold it back from perfection. The display is high-quality, IO ports are plentiful, and performance is smooth. However, the trackpad feels cheap, the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz, and the speakers are abysmal. Despite these flaws, this laptop is still a respectable choice for those seeking a lightweight, high-performance device with all-day battery life.
Build
The MSI Prestige 13's build is a mixed bag. On one hand, it's incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just under 2 pounds, making it an ideal choice for those who want a portable laptop. The IO ports are plentiful and well-placed, with a USB-C port, HDMI out, and two standard USB-A ports. However, the trackpad is subpar, feeling cheap and unresponsive. Additionally, the display's 60Hz refresh rate is underwhelming, especially when compared to other laptops in this class. A better alternative might be MSI Claw 8 AI+, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The MSI Prestige 13 boasts a stunning display with a peak brightness of up to 500 nits. Although it's a shame that MSI opted for a 60Hz refresh rate instead of the more standard 120Hz, the color accuracy is still impressive with a 100% sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. The HDR content also shines with vibrant colors and good contrast. However, the lower refresh rate may not be ideal for gaming or fast-paced activities. Overall, the display is a highlight of this laptop, but it's a pity that MSI didn't take advantage of the new Intel Arc graphics to deliver a smoother experience. You may find MSI Summit E13 AI Evo a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The MSI Prestige 13 delivers impressive performance with Intel's Core Ultra 7 28v processor and 32GB of LP DDR5x memory. General productivity tasks, such as web browsing and document editing, are fluid experiences. The device also handles demanding activities like programming, coding, and 3D modeling with ease, thanks to ample system resources. However, gaming performance is somewhat concerning, with games running at 30 FPS due to potential software optimization issues. Nevertheless, the laptop remains a viable option for those seeking a lightweight, high-performance 13-inch device. If you’re after a better performance, Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Prestige 13's battery life is impressive, lasting up to 14 hours on a single charge with general productivity use case. This makes it perfect for long days without needing to recharge. The 75Wh hour battery also provides sufficient power for demanding tasks. In terms of charging, the device supports fast charging and can go from 0-80% in just 30 minutes. However, the absence of a USB-C charger is a minor drawback. Overall, the MSI Prestige 13's battery and charging performance are commendable.
Connectivity
The MSI Prestige 13 boasts an impressive array of connectivity options, including Intel's core Ultra 7 28v processor, 32 GB LP ddr5x memory, and Intel's integrated arc graphics. It also features a 100% sRGB rating and a 60 Hz display. For an improved connectivity, Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is worth considering.
Features
The MSI Prestige 13 boasts a lightweight design, high-quality display, and abundant I/O ports. It's equipped with Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB LPDDR5X memory, and integrated Arc graphics. The laptop features 16:10 aspect ratio, 100% sRGB rating, and DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. You might want to check out Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Prestige 13's support and maintenance features are somewhat lacking. The system memory and connectivity module are soldered in place, making upgrades difficult. Only the M.2 slot can be upgraded with another NVMe drive. This is a common issue with many modern laptops. While not ideal, it's worth considering for those who prioritize lightness and high performance over upgradability.
Pros
1. This is truly a lightweight 13-inch laptop something that every premium 13-inch laptop should aspire to do and MSI executed flawlessly.
2. I appreciate the high-quality display, abundance of IO ports over here, and also the fact that you get some fantastic performance great thermals and respectable battery life.
3. The device has impressive thermal management, with a maximum average surface temperature of 38°C under unrealistic peak loads and around 35°C with more realistic sustained loads.
4. The system memory and Intel Core i7-1280V processor combination provides excellent general productivity, programming, and coding performance.
5. The laptop's battery life is impressive, lasting up to 14 hours on a single charge with general productivity use cases.
Cons
1. The trackpad is cheap and not up to par with the rest of the device's quality.
2. The display has a 60Hz refresh rate, which is below what most users expect from a high-end laptop.
3. The speakers are absolutely terrible, with the reviewer joking that they could be found on a budget laptop.
4. Gaming performance is not great, with games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive running at 30 FPS, which is about 50% less than other similar laptops.
5. Some components, such as system memory and the connectivity module, are soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
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