MSI Stealth 17 Studio review
The MSI MSI Stealth 17 Studio ranks as the #75 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 81. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #86-ranked performance among 712 laptops. Consider the MSI Raider GE68 HX or MSI Sword 16 HX, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Stealth 17 Studio is a solid content creation notebook, offering a compelling workstation experience with its fast CPU, speedy SSD, and sleek chassis. While the mini LED display excels for consuming content, it may be problematic for color-critical work without an external display. The laptop's battery life falls short, lasting only three and a half hours away from the wall. Despite this, the Stealth 17 Studio is still a worthwhile investment for those who value its creative capabilities. If you're in the market for a reliable content creation notebook with great IO options, this might be the perfect choice for you.
Build
The MSI Stealth 17 Studio boasts a sleek and sturdy build, ideal for content creators. The laptop's compact design and smooth chassis make it easy to handle and transport. The construction quality is top-notch, with minimal flexing or creaking evident even under heavy use. However, the weight of the device might be a concern for some users, as it tips the scales at around 2.5 kg. Overall, the build quality is exceptional, making this laptop a reliable companion for creative professionals. Consider discovering the power of MSI Vector GP77, featuring the latest advancements in build.
Display
The MSI Stealth 17 Studio's display is a mixed bag. On the plus side, it's absolutely amazing for consuming content, with vibrant colors and crisp details. However, as a color-critical tool for professionals, it falls short. The mini LED panel struggles to accurately represent subtle shades and nuances, making it problematic for tasks like photo editing or video production. A one-zone toggle option for the backlight would be a welcome addition, allowing creators to adapt the display's settings to their specific needs. As it stands, the Stealth 17 Studio's display is more suited to casual use than professional workflows. You might prefer MSI GE66 Raider, designed with an upgraded display for a better experience.
Performance
The MSI Stealth 17 Studio delivers solid performance for content creation workflows. The laptop's generous memory, fast CPU, and speedy SSD provide excellent Photoshop and Premiere Pro performance. The Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU handle demanding tasks with ease, making it a compelling workstation option. However, the mini LED display's color accuracy issues make it problematic for color-critical work without an external display. For a superior performance, MSI Vector GP77 could be the right choice.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Stealth 17 Studio's battery life is somewhat underwhelming, lasting around 3.5 hours away from the wall. Wi-Fi standard tests also didn't impress. While it's expected that a large 17-inch mini LED-equipped notebook won't deliver all-day runtimes, other competing laptops perform better in this regard. Unfortunately, the Stealth 17 Studio's battery life is a notable drawback, making it less ideal for users who require extended periods of portability and mobility.
Connectivity
The MSI Stealth 17 Studio boasts an impressive connectivity setup. The laptop features multiple USB-A ports, a USB-C port with Thunderbolt support, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. This ensures seamless connections to various peripherals and devices. Additionally, the laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, providing reliable wireless connectivity options. Overall, the MSI Stealth 17 Studio's connectivity is one of its standout features, making it a great option for creators who need to stay connected on-the-go. You may find MSI Vector 17 HX a better fit, thanks to its superior connectivity.
Features
The MSI Stealth 17 Studio boasts impressive features, including a sleek chassis, solid I/O, and speedy SSD. It delivers a strong performance in creative workloads, with Photoshop profiting from the generous memory config and fast CPU. The mini LED display is amazing for content consumption, but may not be ideal for color-critical work. A one-zone toggle backlight option would be beneficial for photo editing and video creation. If you’re after a better features, MSI Prestige 16 AI Studio could be the ideal option.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Stealth 17 Studio's support system is somewhat inconsistent, with initial issues related to system stability and keyboard functionality resolved through firmware updates. However, switching between GPU modes can lead to suboptimal idle power consumption and impact battery life. This may require a software update or patch.
Pros
1. The MSI Stealth 17 Studio delivers a very solid experience for video editing and retouching work, especially in Photoshop which profits from the memory config, fast CPU, and Speedy SSD.
2. It has solid I/O and a sleek chassis making it a very compelling workstation option.
3. The mini LED display is amazing for consuming content.
4. The laptop can easily deliver playable frame rates in 1080P, QHD 60fps, and even close to the display's native 144hz refresh rate.
Cons
1. The mini LED display may not be ideal for color-critical work without an external display.
2. Battery life is disappointing with around 3.5 hours of runtime and Wi-Fi standard tests aren't great either.
3. Switching between different GPU modes can result in less than ideal idle power consumption and impact battery life.
4. Fan noise is audible even in low load scenarios, although it's not distracting.
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