Testing the MSI Prestige 14

For the past 2 years or so, the pandemic has drastically changed the way we live, to say the least. However, we’ve recently had more pleasure and liberty in going out now that cases have relatively gone down, vaccination has become more widespread, and people are getting more acclimated to this new normal.

Of course, for certain people, going back to normal means that their fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle is likewise back in full swing, whether they like it or not.

What better way to reinstate yourself into normalcy with a device that can match that active and bustling day-to-day of yours?

Enter the Prestige 14, MSI’s laptop that blends elements of business and productivity in order to address that perfect balance between work and life. With the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor, as well as GeForce RTX3050 graphics powering this device, it’s safe to say that both work and life aspects could greatly benefit from this gem.

Design

MSI’s main vision for the Prestige 14 in terms of its design is for it to be conducive to productivity and mobility. Firstly, its ultra-sleek and lightweight composition (weighing at only 1.29kg and only 15.9mm thick) make it quite the portable device; whether packed inside your bag or simply being brought by hand, the Prestige 14 is a delight to bring around. 

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It’s evident how MSI truly tries to execute that aforementioned vision, even in the lesser details. With a more ergonomic approach in mind, the Prestige 14’s keyboard is lifted at a 5° angle and its touchpad a lot wider. I, personally, wouldn’t view the raised keyboard and wider touchpad with as much value, although I’m sure it would be otherwise for those whose activities would benefit from such.

Although its appearance may not necessarily have the same emphasis as productivity and mobility, the Prestige 14 has a look that is professional yet youthful. Coming in two, monochromatically designed versions, namely Carbon Gray (which honestly seems more like a black) and Bluestone, it even showcases both work and play with its minimalist, modern and straightforward design.

From working from home, studying in coffee shops, out of town trips for work and/or leisure, to simply lounging on your couch, the Prestige 14’s thorough design makes these activities more of a treat.

Display

MSI equipped this device with a 14-inch FHD (1920×1080) display, 100% sRGB color coverage and a 60Hz refresh rate. Although these specs aren’t necessarily mind-boggling, these aspects are more than respectable and serviceable, nevertheless, especially for a laptop that’s not tailor-made for gaming.

In terms of size, its display is sufficiently vast enough to support those multitaskers or those with different windows open side-by-side, without having its layout looking too cramped or small. On a small side note, however, I encountered that its maximum brightness could still be insufficient when in very bright environments, such as when outdoors under direct sunlight.

Processor

Of course, with MSI aiming to break boundaries of work and play with this laptop, it wouldn’t be remotely possible without equipping it with the necessary key cogs in its system. In this case, the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor powers the Prestige 14, supported by NVIDIA GeForce RTX3050 graphics which, all in all, facilitate up to 14 cores and up to an impressive twice as much performance boost.

During long, gruesome days on the laptop consisting of an amalgam of activities–from work overload, binging on Peaky Blinders, scouring through the internet, to streaming the NBA Finals –I barely noticed any dip in terms of its performance, efficiency and productivity, which could very well be the defining characteristic for devices of this ilk. 

Battery

One of the most hassle and infuriating things when it comes to laptops (or any device, for that matter) meant to support productivity is having a small or weak battery. Fortunately, the Prestige 14 has a power-packed battery that can bear more than 8 hours of productivity.

Even during extensive use, doing heavy tasks and with multiple programs open simultaneously, its battery can definitely more than hold up. Pairing this very capable battery with MSI’s fast-charging technology takes one less worry off your list; no scrambling for a charger since your laptop’s battery is suddenly drained and no impatiently waiting for your device to recharge, as it took me roughly less than just 2 hours for a full charge.

Verdict

In the now fast-paced world that’s only getting faster and faster, the demand for dynamic, efficient and powerful devices will only grow higher and higher. Whether on business trips, working from home, back-to-back-to-back meetings in the office or simply streaming your favorite K-Drama series on Netflix, a workhorse like the MSI Prestige 14 is a dream companion for the on-the-go, “work is life” go-getter.