The 16-inch laptop market is overflowing with options, making it difficult for any single model to stand out. The MSI Stealth A16 AI+ might appear unassuming at first glance, but a closer look reveals a well-rounded machine capable of handling a variety of tasks. Is it the perfect laptop? No. But for those seeking a versatile device that balances performance, portability, and battery life, the Stealth A16 AI+ deserves consideration.
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ hero IDG / Matthew Smith
Specifications and Features: A Solid Foundation
The MSI Stealth A16 AI+ boasts a potent combination of AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and Nvidia’s RTX 4070 mobile GPU. This pairing, common in performance-focused laptops, aims to deliver strong results in a relatively slim chassis. Key specifications include:
- Model: A3XVEG
- CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 365
- Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x-7500
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 4070 Mobile
- NPU: Integrated (Up to 50 TOPs)
- Display: 2560×1600 16:10 IPS, 240Hz
- Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
- Webcam: 1080p 30fps with IR for Windows Hello, Privacy Shutter
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4/USB-C, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, 2.5GbE LAN
- Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
- Biometrics: Windows Hello (Facial Recognition, Fingerprint)
- Battery: 99.9Wh
- Dimensions: 14.01 x 10.22 x 0.79 inches
- Weight: 4.63 pounds
- MSRP: $1,999.99
MSI has thoughtfully included a range of connectivity options, including a dedicated Ethernet port, a feature becoming increasingly rare. The large battery and biometric login options further enhance the Stealth A16 AI+’s practicality. For a $2,000 laptop, this combination of features represents excellent value.
Design and Build: Understated Elegance
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ design IDG / Matthew Smith
The Stealth A16 AI+ opts for a subtle design, primarily constructed from aluminum and plastic. While its black colorway and slim profile might blend in with competitors like Acer’s Swift X series and Lenovo’s Legion laptops, MSI has paid attention to detail. The aluminum panels possess an attractive metallic sheen, and a subtle glossy accent on the rear adds a touch of sophistication. Build quality feels robust, with minimal display flex and a solid overall feel.
Keyboard and Trackpad: A Mixed Bag
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ keyboard IDG / Matthew Smith
The inclusion of a numpad on the Stealth A16 AI+ is a divisive choice. While offering added functionality for number crunchers, the cramped numpad keys and offset keyboard layout might not appeal to everyone. Despite the layout quirks, the keyboard itself offers good key travel and a pleasant tactile feel. The SteelSeries-branded RGB backlighting, controlled through SteelSeries’ intuitive software, is a welcome addition.
The touchpad is adequate, measuring approximately five inches wide by three inches deep. While not as spacious as some competitors, it provides sufficient room for Windows multi-touch gestures and boasts a smooth, responsive surface.
Display and Audio: A Discernible Weakness and Surprising Strength
The Stealth A16 AI+’s display is its most significant drawback. While the 2560×1600 16:10 panel with a 240Hz refresh rate sounds impressive on paper, the underlying IPS technology feels outdated, especially at this price point. The limited contrast ratio leads to a less vibrant image compared to OLED or Mini-LED alternatives. Brightness also falls short, peaking at 364 nits. While color gamut coverage is decent, it lags behind some OLED competitors. The display isn’t terrible, but it doesn’t match the excellence found in other areas of the laptop.
Conversely, audio quality is a pleasant surprise. The upward-firing speakers deliver clear sound with decent range and a hint of bass. While volume could be louder, the overall audio performance is commendable.
Webcam, Microphone, and Biometrics: Standard Fare
The Stealth A16 AI+ features a standard 1080p webcam with HDR and a dual microphone array. Webcam quality is acceptable but grainy in low light, while the microphone suffers from the hollow sound common in laptops. Biometric login via Windows Hello, using both fingerprint and facial recognition, works reliably. The fingerprint reader’s placement next to the touchpad is a thoughtful design choice.
Connectivity: A Comprehensive Offering
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ connectivity IDG / Matthew Smith
The Stealth A16 AI+ excels in connectivity, offering a comprehensive selection of ports. A Thunderbolt 4 port with USB-C 4, DisplayPort, and USB Power Delivery is complemented by two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, HDMI 2.1, and a 2.5GbE LAN port. This combination caters to both modern and legacy devices. Wireless connectivity is also top-notch, with support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Performance: A Reliable Workhorse
The Stealth A16 AI+’s performance lives up to its hardware specifications. Benchmarks across PCMark 10, Cinebench R23, Handbrake, 3DMark Time Spy, and various games demonstrate solid results. While not always the top performer, the Stealth A16 AI+ consistently delivers respectable scores, making it suitable for demanding content creation, gaming, and productivity tasks.
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ PCMark 10 results IDG / Matthew Smith
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ Cinebench results IDG / Matthew Smith
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ Handbrake results IDG / Matthew Smith
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ 3DMark results IDG / Matthew Smith
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ Shadow of the Tomb Raider results IDG / Matthew Smith
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ Metro Exodus results IDG / Matthew Smith
Battery Life: Impressively Enduring
MSI Stealth A16 AI+ battery life results IDG / Matthew Smith
The Stealth A16 AI+’s near 100Wh battery delivers impressive results, lasting almost 10 hours in testing. While not matching the extreme longevity of some ultra-portables, this result is excellent for a laptop with a powerful dedicated GPU, making it a viable option for work and travel.
Conclusion: A Jack-of-All-Trades
The MSI Stealth A16 AI+ is a versatile laptop that excels in many areas. Its strong performance, comprehensive connectivity, and long battery life make it a compelling choice for users seeking a single machine to handle a variety of tasks. While the display is a noticeable weakness, the Stealth A16 AI+’s strengths outweigh its shortcomings, especially considering its competitive price point. If you’re looking for a well-rounded laptop that doesn’t break the bank, the Stealth A16 AI+ is worth considering.
