MSI Summit E16 Flip review

MSI Summit E16 Flip

The MSI MSI Summit E16 Flip ranks as the #333 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 75. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #139-ranked features among 695 laptops. Consider the MSI Summit E16 AI Evo or MSI Stealth GS66, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.

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Key takeaways
The MSI Summit E16 Flip's performance is somewhat confusing with the GPU-CPU pairing, requiring balance mode for optimal use.
The MSI Summit E16 Flip boasts solid build quality with a spacious interior, impressive overall construction.
The MSI Summit E16 Flip's stunning QHD+ display boasts impressive brightness, color accuracy, and versatility features overall.
The MSI Summit E16 Flip boasts a robust feature set with high-end Nvidia graphics and Intel Core i7 CPU.

Is it Worth it?

The MSI Summit E16 Flip is a unique convertible ultrabook that combines a powerful dedicated GPU with a fast CPU. While its performance is adequate for 2D artwork and light tasks, the Intel Core i7 11th gen CPU feels underpowered compared to gaming laptops or mobile workstations. This "parts mismatch" can be frustrating, especially in performance mode. However, the display is bright and colorful, and the battery life is decent for light tasks. At $2000-$2300, this laptop is a pricey option that may not be worth it for everyone. Its niche appeal and high price point make it a hard sell.

Build

The MSI Summit E16 Flip boasts a robust CNC aluminum chassis that stays cool to the touch despite its size. The build quality is solid, with a spacious interior that accommodates two fans for CPU and GPU cooling. Unfortunately, RAM is soldered in place, limiting customization options. A fingerprint scanner adds a layer of convenience. The microSD card slot, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and headphone jack provide ample connectivity options. A compact charger isn't provided, but an 82 Wh battery promises decent battery life for light tasks. Overall, the build quality is impressive, making it suitable for content creation and business use. For an improved build, MSI Prestige 16 is worth considering.

Display

The MSI Summit E16 Flip boasts a stunning 16-inch convertible display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 446-nit brightness level. The QHD+ panel supports touch and pen input, making it ideal for creative work. The display's color gamut is impressive, covering 100% of Adobe RGB, sRGB, and P3. While the MSI Pen that comes with the laptop is adequate, it may not be suitable for fine art or photo editing. Overall, the display is a highlight of this laptop, offering excellent brightness, color accuracy, and versatility. You might want to check out MSI Vector 16 HX, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.

Performance

The MSI Summit E16 Flip's performance is somewhat confusing due to the pairing of an Intel Core i7 11th gen CPU with an Nvidia RTX 3050 graphics card. While the GPU provides decent acceleration for tasks like Adobe Premiere, a faster CPU would be beneficial for more demanding applications. The system can handle 2D artwork and basic gaming, but may struggle with CPU-intensive tasks. Performance mode boosts performance but generates excessive heat and fan noise, making balance mode a better option. Take a look at MSI Summit E16 AI Evo - its improved performance sets a new standard.

Battery and Charging

The MSI Summit E16 Flip boasts an 82Wh battery capacity for its size, and with the integrated Iris Xe graphics, light tasks can yield up to six hours of usage. However, more demanding tasks like Adobe Premiere or gaming may reduce battery life significantly. The 90W charger is not particularly compact, but it's sufficient for keeping the device powered during prolonged use.

Connectivity

The MSI Summit E16 Flip boasts excellent connectivity options. It features Wi-Fi 6e with Bluetooth 5.2, a fingerprint scanner, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one of which is used for charging. There's also a micro SD card slot, two USB-A ports, and a headphone jack. It’s worth checking out MSI Prestige 16, delivering remarkable connectivity.

Features

The MSI Summit E16 Flip features a 16-inch convertible display with touch and pen support, Nvidia RTX graphics, and an Intel Core i7 CPU. It also has a CNC aluminum chassis, Killer Wi-Fi 6e, and a fingerprint scanner. The laptop includes a micro SD card slot, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a headphone jack. Give MSI Prestige 16 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled features.

Support and Maintenance

The MSI Summit E16 Flip's keyboard has decent tactile feel but is slightly soft. The trackpad behaves well, although the surface can be slippery. The laptop features a fingerprint scanner and backlit keys. Port selection is geared towards content creators, with a micro SD card slot and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Battery life varies greatly depending on usage, ranging from six hours for light tasks to less than an hour for more demanding activities.

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