MSI Status 16 assessment: Mild in your again and pockets

Value When Reviewed

$1,649.99

Greatest Costs Right now: MSI Status 16

$1629.85

The sluggish shift in the direction of bigger laptops over the previous 5 years prompted an ungainly 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 Status 16 AI EVO B1MG manages to keep away from that downside, 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.

Searching for extra choices? Try PCWorld’s roundup of the greatest laptops out there proper now.

MSI Status 16: Specs and options

The MSI Status 16’s specs are spectacular. It pairs an Intel Core Extremely 7 processor with 32GB of reminiscence and a large 2TB strong state drive. These specs are key, as they enhance the laptop computer’s worth in opposition to its opponents. It additionally has Intel Arc graphics and a 4K OLED show.

• CPU: Intel Core Extremely 7 155H
• Reminiscence: 32GB LPDDR5 6400MHz
• Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc graphics
• Show: 3840×2400 16:10 OLED 60Hz
• Storage: 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe strong state drive
• Webcam: 1080p 60fps
• Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4.0 with USB Energy Supply, 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 provides a number of fashions of the Status AI EVO, and the one I acquired for assessment is among the many costliest. Downgrading to a 1TB strong state drive and IPS show reduces the value to $1,400, for instance. These alternate options would possibly show interesting for many who don’t want a 2TB drive, although I’d suggest sticking to a mannequin with an OLED show if potential.

MSI Status 16: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Matthew Smith

The MSI Status 16 AI EVO B1MG doesn’t stay as much as its identify at first blush (I imply “Status,” 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 just a few hours with the laptop computer. Construct high quality isn’t on the degree of a MacBook Professional or Dell XPS, nevertheless it’s good. Flex may be discovered when opening the show panel, nevertheless 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. 

However the Status 16 stays mild and transportable. It weighs simply 3.31 kilos and measures simply .75 inches thick. You could find lighter laptops just like the LG Gram SuperSlim, however the MSI is transportable 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’ll slot in most backpacks and baggage designed for a 15-inch laptop computer.

MSI Status 16: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

A spacious keyboard with numpad stretches throughout the MSI Status 16’s inside. The laptop computer makes use of the majority of the out there area, so there’s sufficient room to offer massive keys in most conditions. Solely the arrow keys and left-side Alt and Management 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 Status 16 gives good key journey and a good 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 mistaken; this isn’t a mechanical keyboard. However I do suppose it’s louder than most and I prefer it. The keyboard can be inflexible throughout its complete floor, stopping warp and wobble throughout livid social media duels.

The touchpad measures six inches large and practically 4 inches deep, which is common for a contemporary 16-inch laptop computer however nonetheless ample area for Home 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 choice (in actual fact, I want to not have a numpad in any respect), however those that desire a numpad must be happy.

MSI Status 16: Show, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

I’m beginning to run out of how to say that OLED shows look attractive. And, in the event you’re in a rush, that’s all you really want to know. The Status 16’s 3840×2400 OLED show is sharp, vibrant, and immersive. You’ll adore it.

Need extra particulars? Okay, right here goes: the MSI Status’s show has an almost infinite distinction ratio and might precisely show a remarkably wide selection of colour. Collectively, these traits make for a sensible and true-to-life picture that gives a way of depth and dimensionality. It’s extra like wanting by way of a small window than a show. It’s additionally an ideal match for content material creation, because the show’s colour efficiency is means 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 excess of a 27-inch 4K monitor, which packs simply 163 pixels per inch, and higher than an Apple MacBook Professional 16 at 256 pixels per inch. It’s truly fairly onerous to search out any laptop computer show or desktop monitor with the next pixel density. With that stated, although, this panel is just not distinctive to the Status 16, and plenty of high-end 16-inch Home windows laptops have an similar decision.

Movement readability is one potential draw back, because the show is proscribed to a refresh charge of 60Hz. This little doubt has one thing to do with the show’s excessive decision, nevertheless 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 Professional 16X OLED is an effective instance of a laptop computer that higher walks the road between work and leisure. However, to be truthful, the Status 16 isn’t geared toward players and it’s a lot thinner and lighter than the Asus.

The Status 16’s audio high quality sadly falls wanting the show. It has downward-firing audio system that provide modest quantity and lack a low-end to provide any trace of bass. That in flip muddies the sound at excessive quantity. It’s not the worst I’ve heard, nevertheless it’s not nice, and also you’ll wish to hold headphones close by. 

MSI Status 16: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

A 1080p webcam with a bodily privateness shutter hangs out above the MSI Status 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 way of Home windows Howdy. Each choices labored effectively in my time with the laptop computer, although I personally discover facial recognition preferable.

MSI Status 16: Connectivity

IDG / Matthew Smith

The MSI Status 16 leans closely on fashionable connectivity with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, each of which assist USB 4.0, USB Energy Supply, and DisplayPort Alternate Mode. Which means each can cost the laptop computer, be used with a USB-C dock, or hook up with a Thunderbolt or USB-C show. 

These versatile ports are joined by only one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2. It’s good to see USB-A continues to be included, however a further port could be helpful. Thankfully, the Status 16’s further connectivity is nice. It has an HDMI 2.1 port, an SDcard reader, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack.

However there’s a catch, or not less than a trade-off. The majority 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 Then again, although, this reduces cable muddle when the laptop computer is docked at a desk, for the reason that cables are simply routed from the laptop computer’s rear. 

Wi-fi connectivity is superb, 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 Status 16: Efficiency

The MSI Status 16 AI EVO B1MG has Intel’s new Core Extremely 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. Right here it’s paired with 32GB of reminiscence and a 2TB strong 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. Right here the Status 16 returns a powerful rating of 6,767, which is best 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 Extremely.

IDG / Matthew Smith

It’s an identical story in Cinebench R20, a closely multithreaded CPU take a look at. Right here the MSI Status 16 as soon as once more defeats most related laptops from 2023, however it might probably’t squeeze forward of these with a extra power-hungry Core i7-13700H processor.

That, to be truthful, is predicted. The Core Extremely 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 take a look at, one other multithreaded CPU benchmark, reinforces the findings from the primary two benchmarks. The MSI Status 16 transcoded a 1080p film in 21 minutes and 9 seconds, a consequence that’s good when in comparison with related laptops from 2023, however behind bigger and extra power-hungry laptops.

The MSI Status 16’s processor efficiency is unsurprising however robust. It usually defeats laptops with an Intel Core i7-1360P processor, which is what most laptops prefer it provided final 12 months. The Core Extremely 7 155H ought to deal with the majority of duties thrown at it, from 1080p video enhancing to programming to 3D modeling. Solely essentially the most demanding customers will push it limits.

Intel’s Core Extremely processor comes packing Intel’s Arc built-in graphics. It now gives 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 Status 16 reached a 3DMark Time Spy rating of three,861. That roughly doubles the efficiency of Intel’s prior built-in graphics answer, and it usually 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, as an example, averaged 31 frames per second at 1080p and the sport’s Highest’s element settings. Extra demanding video games, like Cyberpunk 2077, are playable solely at low or medium element (relying on the decision and upscaling choices you choose).

Nonetheless, Intel’s Arc built-in graphics gives 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 might probably deal with a powerful majority of the most well-liked video games on Steam. The MSI Status 16 isn’t a gaming laptop computer, nevertheless it’ll do in a pinch.

One closing word: the Status 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 Status 16: Battery life

MSI stuffs an enormous 99 watt-hour battery within the MSI Status 16. That caught me off-guard. Laptops of this measurement typically have massive 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 Status 16. 

In fact, selecting a bigger battery pays off in battery life.

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Status 16 endured for over twelve hours in our normal battery take a look at, which loops a 4K file of the quick movie Tears of Metal. Although not a number one consequence, it’s fairly robust, and usually significantly better than different 16-inch laptops we examined by way of final 12 months. Extra importantly, the Status 16’s battery life is sufficient to final by way of a piece day of sunshine to reasonable use together with Microsoft Workplace app or Google Docs. 

As talked about earlier, the Status 16 has two Thunderbolt 4 ports that assist Energy Supply, and MSI ships the laptop computer with a small 100-watt USB-C charger. Those that wish to lighten their load may go for a compact GaN charger.

MSI Status 16: Conclusion

The MSI Status 16 AI EVO B1MG is a wonderful decide for anybody trying to purchase a robust 16-inch laptop computer with good battery life and a slim design. It additionally has an ideal keyboard, good touchpad, attractive show, and comes with loads of RAM and storage. MSI’s design is uninteresting and lacks a particular characteristic or flourish to assist it stand out, nevertheless it nails the fundamentals.

MSI’s pricing is aggressive, as effectively. Although definitely not low-cost at $1,650, the Status is a bit cheaper than equally outfitted opponents just like the LG Gram 16 and 17 or Samsung Galaxy Book3 Professional. Regardless of that, the MSI is just not at a drawback when put next in opposition to these laptops, which makes it a transparent alternative for budget-conscious consumers.