MSI Status 14 overview: A quick, however flawed laptop computer

msi prestige 14 review olympus digital camera

MSI Status 14

MSRP $1,499.00

“The MSI Status 14 is mighty quick, however its battery life and old-school design maintain it again from greatness.”

Execs

  • Wonderful efficiency
  • Nice keyboard
  • Show has superior distinction
  • Stable construct high quality
  • First rate entry-level gaming

Cons

  • 16:9 show
  • Poor battery life

There are such a lot of 14-inch laptops recently that it takes loads for a brand new machine to face out — particularly in the event you throw the 14-inch MacBook Professional into the combination. You want wonderful efficiency, a stellar show, nice battery life, or some superior mixture of options and performance.

MSI’s Status 14 is an instance of a laptop computer that’s superior in some areas however behind the curve in others. For instance, it provides each 28-watt Intel Twelfth-gen CPUs and a discrete GPU (albeit the entry-level Nvidia RTX 3050), whereas being saddled with an old-school 16:9 show.

I reviewed the high-end configuration of the Status 14, coming in at $1,499 for a Core i7-1260P and the RTX 3050. I discovered it to be a combined bag with each wonderful efficiency and poor battery life. With competitors this tight among the many finest laptops you should purchase, the MSI Status 14 simply doesn’t do fairly sufficient to face out from the pack.

Design

An angled view of the lid on the MSI Prestige 14.
Mark Coppock/Digital Traits

The Status 14 sports activities an easy design, with easy strains and angles and 0 bling including any extra fashion to the all-black chassis. Even the MSI emblem on the lid is darkish and onerous to learn. Given its simplicity, it’s nonetheless a gorgeous laptop computer. Solely the plastic show bezels detract from a premium really feel. Go searching and you will discover extra elaborate designs, just like the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 7 convertible 2-in-1 that sports activities rounded chrome edges and a shocking aesthetic. However most laptops I’ve reviewed recently have been minimalist of their designs, and the Status 14 matches proper in.

It’s constructed of all aluminum, and you must strive onerous to get it to bend, twist, or flex. It’s not fairly as strong because the Yoga 9i Gen 7 or the Dell XPS 15, however it’s shut sufficient. The hinge permits opening the lid with one hand, however it holds the show firmly in place, and it props up the keyboard deck at an aggressive angle for higher airflow and extra snug typing. It’s a function that’s rapidly gone out of trend in trendy laptops.

The Status 14 enjoys skinny bezels on the perimeters, moderately skinny on high, and a bit thick on the underside chin. Given the 16:9 show side ratio, it’s barely wider than different trendy laptops with 16:10 shows however it’s not fairly as deep. In comparison with the Yoga 9i Gen 7, for instance, it’s only a fraction of an inch wider and virtually half an inch shallower. That’s not essentially a bonus, although, as taller shows present more room on the palm relaxation for bigger touchpads.

The Status 14 is 0.63 inches thick and weighs 4.64, making it barely thicker however considerably heavier than the Yoga 9i Gen 7 that’s 0.60 inches and three.09 kilos. Regardless of MSI itemizing similar dimensions for the MSI Summit E14 Flip, the 2-in-1 is lighter at 3.61 kilos.

Ports

Connectivity is a bit restricted for a 14-inch laptop computer. It options two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 assist, a single USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader. I’d wish to see HDMI on machines like this one, and perhaps even a second USB-A port.

Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, nevertheless, do present up-to-date wi-fi connectivity.

Efficiency

A straight on view of the MSI Prestige 14's display and keyboard
Mark Coppock/Digital Traits

My overview unit used the Intel Twelfth-gen Core i7-1260P, a 28-watt, 12-core (4 Efficiency and eight Environment friendly), 16-thread CPU. We’ve reviewed a number of laptops with this chip, most of them 14-inch fashions, and it’s been a powerful productiveness performer with a rise over Intel’s Eleventh-gen CPUs in CPU-intensive inventive duties. The Status 14 additionally geared up an Nvidia RTX 3050 GPU.

The Status 14 carried out nicely in our benchmarks. I used the MSI Middle Professional utility to modify between balanced and efficiency modes, and I recorded each leads to the desk beneath. The change to efficiency mode was extra impactful in some benchmarks than others, and there wasn’t the extraordinarily broad efficiency swing that I noticed within the MSI Summit E14 Flip. I seen some minor throttling in efficiency mode however little or no in balanced mode, and total, the laptop computer’s thermal design was efficient. I seen that the palm relaxation and backside chassis remained heat even when the laptop computer was idle, exceeding 100 degress F. However I didn’t discover both location getting notably scorching throughout benchmarks.

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MSI’s utility features a setting that mechanically matches efficiency to the duty and a function that measures the ambient noise and ensures that the followers don’t get loud sufficient to exceed it. I didn’t formally check these options.

The Status 14 is the quickest laptop computer with this processor we’ve examined.

Just like the Summit E14 Flip, the Status 14’s single-core efficiency was barely behind the remainder of the sector, however its multi-core efficiency led the pack. It took first place in Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R23, and in efficiency mode, it got here in second to the Summit E14 Flip in our Handbrake check that encodes a 420MB video as H.265. The Status 14 additionally took first place within the PCMark 10 Full benchmark, with the best rating we’ve seen from a Core i7-1260P.

I additionally ran the Pugetbench Premiere Professional benchmark that runs in a reside model of Adobe’s Premiere Professional by means of a complete sequence of video enhancing duties. The benchmark can use discrete GPUs, and I used to be curious to see how nicely the RTX 3050 would carry out. It did fairly nicely, scoring 553 in balanced mode and 583 in efficiency mode.

Though that’s beneath the 700+ we often see with laptops operating 45-watt Twelfth-gen CPUs and higher graphics, performance-wise, it actually makes for an honest content material creation machine for a starter. Actually higher than smaller laptops with solely Intel Iris Xe graphics.

In truth, the Status 14 is the quickest laptop computer with this processor we’ve examined. It will possibly deal with demanding productiveness workflows with ease, and it may well sort out some inventive duties as nicely.

Geekbench
(single / multi)
Handbrake
(seconds)
Cinebench R23
(single / multi)
PCMark 10
Full
MSI Status 14
(Core i7-1260P)
Bal: 1,505 / 10,041
Perf: 1,477 / 10,604
Bal: 114
Perf: 97
Bal: 1,553 / 8,734
Perf: 1,567 / 10,450
6,201
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7
(Core i7-1260P)
Bal: 1,650 / 8,080
Perf: 1,621 / 8,544
Bal: 116
Perf: 120
Bal: 1,587 / 7,682
Perf: 1,611 / 8,078
5,537
MSI Summit E14 Flip
(Core i7-1260P)
Bal: 1,485 / 7,732
Perf: 1,472 / 10,276
Bal: 152
Perf: 94
Bal: 1,536 / 6,793
Perf: 1,536 / 9,124
4,910
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 7
(Core i7-1260P)
Bal: 1,717 / 9,231
Perf: 1,712 / 10,241
Bal: 130
Perf: 101
Bal: 1,626 / 7,210
Perf: 1,723 / 8,979
5,760
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1
(Core i7-1255P)
Bal: 1,703 / 6,520
Perf: 1,685 / 6,791
Bal: 153
Perf: 141
Bal: 1,729 / 6,847
Perf: 1,773 / 7,009
5,138
Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED
(Ryzen 7 6800U)
Bal: 1,417 / 6,854
Perf: 1,404 / 7,223
Bal: 112
Perf: 111
Bal: 1,402 / 8,682
Perf: 1,409 / 8,860
5,647
HP Spectre x360 14
(Core i7-1165G7)
Bal: 1,214 / 4,117
Perf: N/A
Bal: 236
Perf: 189
Bal: 1,389 / 3,941
Perf: 1,404 / 4,847
4,728

The Status 14 did nicely within the 3DMark Time Spy check, virtually matching the Dell XPS 15 with an RTX 3050 Ti. Nevertheless, in Fortnite, it managed simply 23 frames per second (fps) at 1080p and Epic graphics. That’s just a few fps quicker than Intel’s Iris Xe graphics and fewer than half the fps that the XPS 15 achieved. I ran Murderer’s Creed Valhalla at 1080p and extremely excessive graphics, and the Status 14 hit 20 fps (29 fps in efficiency mode).

That’s much like the MSI Summit E16 Flip with an RTX 3050 that hit 19 fps (17 fps in efficiency mode). The MSI Status could be counted on to run trendy titles at 1080p in the event you flip the graphics down far sufficient — however it’s removed from a devoted gaming laptop computer.

3DMark
Time Spy
Fortnite
(1080p/1200p Epic)
MSI Status 14
(RTX 3050)
Bal: 4,438
Perf: 4,451
Bal: 23
Perf: 26
Dell XPS 15 9520
(RTX 3050 Ti)
Bal: 4,470
Perf: 4,520
Bal: 57
Perf: 56
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7
(Intel Iris Xe)
Bal: 1,899
Perf: 1,886
Bal: 17 fps
Perf: 16 fps
MSI Summit E14 Flip
(Intel Iris Xe)
Bal: 1,740
Perf: 1,959
Bal: 15 fps
Perf: 19 fps
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1
(Intel Iris Xe)
Bal: 1,492
Perf: 1,502
Bal: fps
Perf: fps
Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED
(Radeon graphics)
Bal: 2,110
Perf: 2,213
Bal: 19 fps
Perf: 19 fps
HP Spectre x360 14
(Intel Iris Xe)
Bal: 1,457
Perf: 1,709
Bal: 19 fps
Perf: 23 fps

Show

The MSI Prestige 14 display.
Mark Coppock/Digital Traits

Essentially the most disappointing factor in regards to the Status 14’s show is its old-school 16:9 side ratio. It’s bizarre to make use of a premium laptop computer with a show that’s not taller at 16:10 or 3:2. That stated, out of the field, the panel seemed moderately vivid and colourful with deep blacks for an IPS show. It runs at solely Full HD (1920 x 1080), so it isn’t as sharp as many different 14-inch laptops I’ve reviewed recently. There’s additionally a 14-inch Full HD show possibility with a low-power panel that I didn’t overview.

Once I utilized my colorimeter to the show, the outcomes had been common at finest with a few exceptions. First, the panel was simply vivid sufficient at 317 nits, exceeding our 300-nit threshold for shows that may overcome typical ambient lighting. Colours had been common for a premium show at 97% of sRGB and 72% of AdobeRGB, however accuracy was a disappointing Delta-E of three.67 (lower than 2.0 is nice sufficient for inventive work).

This show isn’t perfect for creators.

The one vivid spot was the distinction ratio, which got here in at 1,820:1 — significantly exceeding our most well-liked 1,000:1 ratio and excessive for an IPS show. As you’ll be able to see from the pill beneath, this was largely a lower-quality panel in comparison with aggressive laptops.

The MSI Status 14’s show is nice sufficient for productiveness work, particularly for anybody who works with black textual content on a white background. It isn’t perfect for creators, although, with too slim and inaccurate colours. That’s too unhealthy, as this machine has the efficiency to again up that form of work.

Brightness
(nits)
Distinction sRGB gamut AdobeRGB gamut Accuracy DeltaE
(decrease is healthier)
MSI Status 14
(IPS)
317 1,820:1 97% 72% 3.67
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7
(IPS)
386 1,900:1 100% 81% 0.78
MSI Summit E14 Flip
(IPS)
516 1,320:1 100% 89% 1.10
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 7
(OLED)
406 28,380:1 100% 95% 0.87
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Professional
(IPS)
369 1,340:1 100% 80% 1.65
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Carbon
(OLED)
397 27,590:1 100% 96% 0.88

Two downward-firing audio system present the audio with DTS assist. They put out adequate quantity to fill a small workplace, with clear mids and highs and little bass. Nothing to jot down house about, however they’re adequate for the occasional YouTube video and Netflix present.

For something extra concerned, you’ll need a good pair of headphones for music and lengthy binging classes. It sounds measly in comparison with laptops just like the Dell XPS 15 and MacBook Professional 14-inch.

Keyboard, touchpad, and webcam

Close up on the MSI Prestige 14's keyboard.
Mark Coppock/Digital Traits

The keyboard has massive keycaps and wonderful key spacing, occupying virtually all out there area. The switches are gentle and springy, with a cushty bottoming motion that’s exact and responsive. It’s a wonderful keyboard that ranks up with the most effective Home windows variations, together with Dell’s XPS and HP’s Spectre strains.

The touchpad may be very broad and slim, giving it loads of horizontal floor space. It’s an uncommon dimension, however it works. The floor was snug for swiping, with Microsoft Precision drivers for dependable Home windows 11 multitouch gesture assist. Nevertheless, the floor was additionally a tiny bit free and made a faint noise when tapped, and the button clicks had been just a little loud.

The show isn’t touch-enabled, and that’s disappointing. So far as I can inform, there’s no possibility for a contact show on this mannequin.

Close up on the MSI Prestige 14's webcam.
Mark Coppock/Digital Traits

Home windows 11 Whats up passwordless assist is offered by a fingerprint reader embedded within the touchpad, which is my least favourite location for that sensor. It does, nevertheless, embody facial recognition through an infrared digital camera. Each strategies labored rapidly and persistently.

The webcam is simply 720p, and its picture high quality was simply okay. Many premium laptops have switched to 1080p webcams, so the Status 14 is behind the curve right here once more.

Battery life

The bottom left corner of the MSI Prestige 14's screen.
Mark Coppock/Digital Traits

The Status 14 has 52 watt-hours of battery capability, which isn’t loads for a 14-inch laptop computer. I’ve not seen any indication that the Core i7-1260P is a very environment friendly CPU in comparison with Intel’s Eleventh-gen, however the Status can be geared up with a Full HD show that shouldn’t be too power-hungry.

Because it seems, battery life was disappointing. In our internet looking check that cycles by means of a handful of standard and complicated web sites, the Status 14 managed simply 5 hours. That’s nicely beneath common and on the backside of our comparability group, most of which had greater decision shows and, within the case of the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 7 and Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED, way more demanding OLED panels.

It carried out even worse, comparatively talking, in our video check that loops an area Full HD Avengers trailer, hitting simply six hours. Most laptops final 10 hours or longer on this check, and it’s stunning to see the Status 14 carry out so poorly given its low-res show. I ran the check twice with a reboot in between simply to verify there wasn’t some rogue job operating within the background, and I bought the identical consequence. It’s doable that there’s a show driver or different subject at play, and it’s one thing MSI will wish to look into.

Lastly, I ran the PCMark 10 Purposes battery check, the most effective indication of productiveness longevity. The Status 14 hit seven hours on this check, which is lower than the 10-hour or so common throughout all of the laptops we’ve examined and the bottom amongst our comparability group.

General, battery life is disappointing. You’re unlikely to get near a full day’s work even operating a easy productiveness workflow. Push the CPU onerous, and also you won’t make it to lunchtime.

Net looking Video PCMark 10
Purposes
MSI Status 14
(Core i7-1260P)
5 hours, 11 minutes 6 hours, 2 minutes 7 hours, 2 minutes
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7
(Core i7-1260P)
10 hours, 10 minutes 16 hours, 12 minutes 10 hours, 33 minutes
MSI Summit E14 Flip
(Core i7-1260P)
7 hours, 23 minutes 9 hours, 0 minutes 7 hours, 54 minutes
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 7
(Core i7-1260P)
9 hours, 10 minutes 12 hours, 45 minutes 8 hours, 32 minutes
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1
(Core i7-1255P)
6 hours, 42 minutes 11 hours, 6 minutes 8 hours, 43 minutes
 Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED
(Ryzen 7 6800U)
8 hours, 4 minutes 13 hours, 13 minutes N/A

Worth and configurations

MSI has a variety of configurations out there with the Status 14. My $1,499 overview unit was the costliest mannequin, geared up with the Core i7-1260P, 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM, a 512GB PCIe SSD, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, and the 14-inch 16:9 Full HD IPS show. The least costly mannequin you should purchase is $929 for a Core i7-1240P, 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, a 512GB PCIe SSD, Intel Iris Xe graphics, and a 14-inch 16:9 Full HD low-power IPS show. A number of configurations provide as much as 32GB of RAM (solely with Iris Xe graphics), a Core i7-1280P, and a 1TB PCIe SSD. These costs begin on the midrange and find yourself as premium. They evaluate to the Yoga 9i Gen 7 at $1,449 for a Core i7-1260P, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, a 14-inch Full HD+ show, and Intel Iris Xe graphics. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Carbon is one other competitor that is available in with a $1,220 mannequin with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 14-inch 16:10 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED show.

Our take

The MSI Status 14 provides robust productiveness efficiency and might sort out some inventive duties as nicely. It doesn’t final lengthy on a cost, although and it has a number of old-school design parts. It has the fundamentals lined, even when it’s removed from probably the most cutting-edge laptop computer.

Are there any options?

I’ve reviewed a number of wonderful 14-inch laptops in the previous couple of months, most convertible 2-in-1s. The perfect has been the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 7, which gives robust efficiency, a shocking aesthetic, a strong construct high quality, and a superior show.

I haven’t talked about the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Carbon on this overview as a result of it’s based mostly on the earlier era Ryzen 7 5800U processor. Nevertheless, it’s a well-built and speedy laptop computer with a 90Hz OLED show that’s nonetheless price consideration.

Lastly, you’ll be able to’t ignore Apple’s MacBook Professional 14, which is the most effective 14-inch laptop computer in the event you’re not married to Home windows. It provides the same old MacBook high quality, Apple’s super-fast M1 Professional or M1 Max CPU, and class-leading battery life. It’s costly however price it.

How lengthy will it final?

The Status 14 is sturdy sufficient to final for years of typical use, and it’s geared up with all the suitable parts for years of productive service. The usual one-year guarantee is disappointing, as regular.

Must you purchase it?

Sure, in the event you want the most effective productiveness efficiency however don’t want a laptop computer that can final all day on a single cost.

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