With the advent of the new generation of mobile platforms, a plethora of new laptops from various manufacturers have flooded the market. These laptops are not only categorized into different segments such as gaming, all-purpose, ultraportable, creative, and business, but each manufacturer also offers distinct product lines, making it challenging to discern between them.
Recently, MSI held a technical exchange event specifically to showcase its lineup of new notebooks for the year 2024. The showcase featured an impressive array of 40 different models spanning across 10 major series!
In the past, MSI laptops were typically named using English names or alphanumeric sequences, which were not very intuitive.
However, starting from 2024, MSI has undergone a rebranding of its laptop product line. They have adopted Chinese names combined with size, features, and other characteristics for naming, giving the lineup a fresh new look. Some of the new series include:
Among these numerous models, some have already been released, some are freshly unveiled, and others are still in the pipeline, waiting to be launched.
In the realm of gaming laptops, the Titan series stands out as the top-tier flagship, with the Titan 18 Ultra being hailed as the ultimate powerhouse. Below it, you have models like the Titan 18 Pro, Titan GE78/68 HX, and Titan 17/16, all offering performance-oriented gaming experiences.
On the other hand, the Zephyrus series represents a lineup of sleek and versatile laptops. They all boast NVIDIA Studio professional certification and feature Intel Core Ultra processors, with AI capabilities enhancing their performance. That's why you'll notice the "AI Studio" suffix across this year's models.
For mainstream gamers, there's a wealth of options available. This includes high-performance gaming laptops like the Strix, Scar, and Blade series, as well as the more budget-friendly options or those with a focus on portability, such as the VivoBook gaming series.
In the realm of business and design, MSI's Creator Series is tailored for high-end designers, while the Summit Series targets upscale business users. The Prestige Series emphasizes ultra-thin business laptops, and the Modern Series caters to mainstream business professionals. The distinctions are clear-cut.
If a model includes "AI," it indicates it's equipped with an Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen 8040 series processor.
If "Studio" is part of the model name, it signifies the inclusion of an NVIDIA RTX discrete graphics card certified for professional applications, providing significant acceleration.
If "Evo" is present, it means the laptop has passed stringent Intel Evo certification, indicating higher quality.
These three identifiers can coexist, and "AI" may also accompany the other two.
Regarding the rationale behind such detailed product segmentation and numerous model variations, MSI states it aims to meet the needs of all users, allowing them to find the most suitable model in terms of design, configuration, and price. Additionally, MSI is committed to listening to user and player feedback, continuously improving aspects such as model naming and after-sales service.
In this era of AI-powered computing, MSI laptops have fully embraced the trend, offering a range of models including the Prestige 18/16/14 AI Studio, Creator 16 AI Studio, Summit E16/E13 AI Evo, and Prestige 16/14/13 AI Evo, among others.
These laptops are equipped with AI processors such as the Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen 8040 series. Additionally, MSI's AI notebooks come with a suite of exclusive AI software tailored for various purposes, spanning AI applications, optimization, and content creation services like SI Artwork Generator.
The AI smart engine can intelligently match the most suitable performance scheduling based on user usage habits and different scenarios (gaming, work, meetings, entertainment), and the longer the usage time, the more accurate the matching, thus balancing optimal performance and battery life.
The AI artist is an incredibly user-friendly and intuitive text-to-image application. We hope to add more features in the future, such as image-to-image generation, image scaling/repairing/enhancement, video creation, and more.
The AI Noise Reduction Pro not only reduces background noise during video calls but also enhances audio purity with studio-grade equalization. It enables directional or omnidirectional audio capture and enhancement during video conferences.
Next, let's dive into the specifics of each model, with the Intel platform version as the representative, as the Ryzen version mainly differs in the processor and some other minor specifications.
Titan 18 Ultra 2024 - This is the flagship, equipped with a 14th Gen Core i9-14900HX processor and RTX 40 series graphics for laptops. It boasts a vacuum chamber vapor cooling system and CPU single baking power consumption exceeding 200W. Under MSI's Super Boost Mode "Ultra," it can achieve a performance release of up to 270W with dual baking. Currently, it should have no competitors.
Other specifications are also top-notch: an 18-inch 4K/120Hz miniLED high-quality screen, four DDR5 memory slots, three M.2 SSD slots, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, Cherry MX mechanical keyboard, and the world's first seamless RGB touchpad, among others.
Of course, the price is also top-tier: i9-14900HX, RTX 4090, 64GB RAM, 4TB storage priced at ¥39,999, and i9-14900HX, RTX 4080, 64GB RAM, 2TB storage priced at ¥32,999.
The Titan 18 Pro 2024 is stepping down a notch, but still packs a punch with its MSI Frostbite cooling system, dual baking power of 250W, SteelSeries RGB keyboard, and Aurora Matrix light bar.
For 29999 CNY, you get an i9-14900HX processor, RTX 4090 graphics card, 64TB of storage, and a 2TB SSD. For a slightly lower price of 25999 CNY, you can opt for the same i9-14900HX processor but with an RTX 4080 graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD.
In the coming months of April or May, they'll also be introducing a Ryzen version.
The Titan GE78/68 HX 2024, the only model still sticking to the old naming convention, simply because it hasn't switched to the new molds. Next year, it won't be called that anymore—just goes to show, MSI is staying true to its roots.
The dual-oven power consumption remains at 250W, but the size has shrunk to 17/16 inches, featuring a 2.5K 240Hz P3 wide color gamut gaming screen and dual hard drive slots.
GE78 HX 2024 with i9-14900HX, RTX 4090, 32GB RAM, 2TB storage is priced at 25999 CNY, with RTX 4080 it's 20999 CNY, and with RTX 4070 it's 15999 CNY for 32GB RAM and 1TB storage.
GE68 HX 2024 with i9-14900HX, RTX 4090, 32GB RAM, 2TB storage is priced at 26999 CNY, with RTX 4080 it's 21999 CNY.
Yes, the 16-inch model is slightly more expensive than the 17-inch one.
In 2024, the Titan 17/16 series offers variations in graphics card and storage options. Despite a slightly lower GPU configuration and smaller hard drive, the standard i9-14900HX processor remains consistent across models, with dual baking releasing up to 250W. Notably, the design features a Nebula Blue axis.
Titan 17 2024:
Titan 16 2024:
Introducing the Resolute Shadow 18 AI Studio 2024, an exceedingly rare 18-inch top-of-the-line Core Ultra gaming laptop. It boasts a 4K 120Hz Mini LED display, weighing in at just 2.9kg. With the assistance of a vacuum chamber thermal plate, the RTX graphics card can unleash up to 140W of power, with an additional 45W of dynamic headroom.Moreover, it features an enlarged touchpad, 6 Bang & Olufsen speakers, and a massive 99.9Whr battery. Set to hit the market soon, its price is bound to be steep, with the top-tier configuration estimated to be around 35,000 RMB or even higher.
绝影16 AI Studio 2024: A high-performance laptop model for 2024, featuring a 16-inch display. It offers the choice between a 4K 120Hz display paired with either the top-tier RTX 4090 or RTX 4080 graphics card, or a 2.5K 240Hz display coupled with the RTX 4070 or RTX 4060 graphics card. Remarkably lightweight at only 1.99kg and thin with a thickness of just 19.95mm. Additionally, it boasts three side speakers for enhanced audio experience.
Ultra 9 185H: This variant of the Ultra 9 series comes with an impressive RTX 4090 graphics card, 64GB of RAM, and a spacious 2TB storage, priced at 29,999 CNY. Alternatively, there's another configuration with the same display, the RTX 4080 graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB storage, priced at 24,499 CNY. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, there's the Ultra 9 185H with the RTX 4070 graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB storage, priced at 16,999 CNY.
Ultra 7 155H: This model, part of the Ultra 7 series, offers a balance between performance and affordability. It features the RTX 4060 graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB storage, priced at 11,999 CNY.
Introducing the Resolute 14 AI Studio 2024, a compact powerhouse featuring a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display, weighing just 1.7kg with a thickness of 19mm. It boasts four Danah speakers and a 72Whr battery.
Specs:
Price: ¥11,799
The MoYing 17/16 AI 2024 comes equipped with an Intel Core Ultra processor, boasting a QHD+ 240Hz high-resolution, high-refresh-rate, and high-brightness display. It supports dual-display and three-mode connectivity, with two PCIe 4.0 SSD slots, Wi-Fi 6E capability, and Nahimic/Hi-Res speakers for immersive audio. Additionally, it features a 24-zone RGB keyboard for customizable lighting effects.
2024神影17 (Shadow 17)
2024神影16 (Shadow 16)
Blade Shadow 17/16 2024, with configurations similar to the God Shadow series and priced similarly, but the deep space gray exterior gives it a more stable and understated look. For domestic gamers, this series is very suitable.Blade Shadow 17 2024: i7-14700HX, RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, priced at 9999 CNY. Also available with i7-14700HX, RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, priced at 8899 CNY.
Blade Shadow 16 2024: i7-14700HX, RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, priced at 9699 CNY. Also available with i7-14700HX, RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, priced at 8499 CNY.
The StarShadow 15 Air AI 2024 features an Intel Core Ultra processor, focusing on lightweight design and mainstream gaming. With its cyber-mechanical style, it exudes a futuristic vibe, measuring just 21.95mm thin and weighing a mere 1.98kg.
It boasts a 144Hz high-refresh-rate screen, PCIe 4.0 SSD, RJ-45 Ethernet port, and WASD semi-transparent keys with blue backlighting. The touchpad has been enlarged by a significant 31%, and it's equipped with DTS/Hi-Res dual speakers.
Pricing for the Ultra 7 configuration with an RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD starts at 8899 RMB.
The StarryShadow 15/14 Air 2024 comes with a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor from the H series (hence, no "AI" designation in the model). The 15.6-inch model features a 2.5K display with a refresh rate of 165Hz, while the 14-inch model has an HD+ display with a refresh rate of 1440Hz. Both models are incredibly lightweight at just 1.6kg and thin, measuring only 18.6mm, boasting a mechanical aesthetic.
Additionally, the 14-inch model includes an RJ-45 Ethernet port.
The StarryShadow 15 Air 2024 configuration includes an i5-13420H processor, an RTX 4050 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Its price is listed at 8999 CNY, but there's a promotional offer bringing it down to 6299 CNY.
The Starlight 15 Thin 2024 comes with the standard 13th generation Intel Core H processor, with a downgrade in memory to DDR4. It boasts a relatively simple design in cosmic gray, featuring blue backlighting and semi-transparent WASD keys. It measures 21.7mm in thickness and weighs 1.86kg.
There are two variants available: one with an i7-13620H processor, RTX 4050 GPU, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage priced at 6599 CNY, and another with an i5-13420H processor, RTX 4050 GPU, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage priced at 6299 CNY.
Additionally, there will be a Ryzen version available.
Introducing the Z17 HX Studio 2024, the top choice for elite designers. Featuring a 17-inch 2.5K 165Hz True Pixel/True Color high-quality screen with support for ten-finger touch, housed in a sleek 19mm thick body. It's the world's first Windows design laptop certified with dynamic lighting.
Powered by the 14th Gen Intel Core i9 HX processor, Studio-certified RTX 40 graphics card, and equipped with triple-fan cooling, PCIe 5.0 SSD, and a hefty 90Whr battery. It boasts Thunderbolt 4 ports, a single-key RGB SteelSeries keyboard, four Bang & Olufsen speakers, infrared facial recognition, and precise fingerprint recognition, achieving security level 2 standards. Plus, it's equipped with Wi-Fi 7 for high-speed connectivity.
Options:
Creator Z16 AI Studio 2024 now features an upgrade to the Intel Core Ultra processor, with a screen downsized by one size to a MiniLED panel boasting a 4K resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. It supports ten-point touch functionality and offers an upgraded graphics card option with the choice of RTX 4090/4080.The overall thickness of the device is 19.95mm, and it weighs 1.99kg. It comes equipped with PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, six speakers spanning three sides, a white backlit keyboard, and a massive 99.9Whr battery.
The M16 2024 Creator model comes in a sleek Deep Space Gray color, featuring discreet dual ventilation ports on the top and rear edges.
Under the hood, it boasts a 14th generation Intel Core HX processor, a 2.5K display with a refresh rate of 165Hz, dual SSD storage with PCIe 5.0 support, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and high-fidelity DTS/Hi-Res speakers.
Introducing the Summit E16 AI Evo 2024 – a sleek and high-end business laptop designed for professionals on the go. With its 360-degree flip design and second-generation stylus with natural touch sensitivity, it's a versatile tool for productivity. Weighing just 2.1kg and measuring between 16.9mm to 17.35mm thin, it's exceptionally portable.
Under the hood, it boasts an Intel Core Ultra processor paired with integrated Iris Xe graphics, delivering powerful performance. The stunning 2.5K display with a refresh rate of 165Hz ensures crisp visuals, while LPDDR5 memory guarantees smooth multitasking. Plus, it's equipped with Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7 for blazing-fast connectivity, and a long-lasting 82Whr battery to keep you powered throughout the day.
This model retains its traditional English name, leveraging its already established reputation within the high-end business community. However, a suitable Chinese name may be considered in the future.
Available in the configuration Ultra 7 155H, featuring 32GB of RAM and a spacious 1TB SSD, priced at 12,399 CNY.
The Summit E13 AI Evo 2024 is a sleek and compact business laptop featuring a gold-trimmed design and a 70Whr battery.
Introducing the Zenith 16 AI Evo 2024, weighing a mere 1.5kg with a whopping 99.9Whr battery, delivering over 16 hours of video playback.
Meet the Zenith 13 AI Evo 2024, weighing only 990g, incredibly lightweight with a stunning 2.8K OLED display. Despite its size, it boasts a maximum 75Whr battery, ensuring over 16 hours of video playback.
Then there's the Zenith 14 AI Evo, weighing 1.7kg and measuring just 18.9mm thick. With its 144Hz display, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a robust 90Whr battery, it comes in two configurations: Ultra 7 with 125H, 32GB RAM, 1TB storage for ¥9399, and Ultra 5 with 125H, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage for ¥8299.
The New Gen 15 2024 has garnered honors like the Red Dot Design Award, but it's still powered by the 13th generation Intel Core H45 high-performance processor, lacks a dedicated graphics card, and features the Cooler Boost 3 cooling system.
Measuring at 19.9mm thin and weighing between 1.8-1.9kg, it supports up to 64GB of RAM with dual memory slots and packs a 39.3Whr battery. It also includes USB-C ports and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
The New Generation 14 in 2024 has undergone a size reduction, now weighing 1.6kg and measuring 18.6mm thick. However, it still features Thunderbolt 4 and an RJ-45 interface. The configuration includes an i5-13420H processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, all for 5199 CNY.
With this information, do you feel like you have a better understanding of MSI laptops? Have you found a model and configuration that meet your preferences?
Finally, we can't forget about the MSI Claw handheld gaming console, which happens to be the first one based on the Intel Core Ultra. Compared to other Windows handheld consoles on the market, it pays more attention to ergonomic details, providing a comfortable grip. It features Hall effect joysticks and triggers, enabling more precise control with zero dead zones and ensuring durability. With a large 53WHr battery, it delivers longer battery life for extended gaming sessions.
In terms of performance, it's recommended to enable XeSS for a noticeable boost. Intel's Iris Xe Graphics driver is also receiving frequent updates, with roughly two new versions every month. These updates bring significant performance improvements, injecting some serious performance enhancements into your system.
For the pricing:
