MSI's new Prestige 14 / 15 laptops feature up to 6-core Intel Comet Lake-U CPUs

Since Intel has just unleashed the gen 10 Comet Lake-U CPUs, major laptop OEMs across the board are now rushing to announce refreshed compact mid-range models. While MSI is mostly focusing on gaming machines, the company does have mid-range niche series like the Prestige that is aimed at the business sector, but also appeal to content creators and photographers, and it looks like the latest 14 and 15 models are shifting focus towards more premium components.

The premium feel can easily be identified just by looking at the sleek sandblasted aluminum chassis ornated with subtle blue accents. Another indication that these new models are intended for premium users is given by the addition of 4K panels even for the 14-inch version. MSI also offers FHD options and the screens appear to have AHVA LCD matrices that offer 100% RGB color gamut, plus they come factory-calibrated to Delta-E<2 for increased color accuracy.

As far as processing power goes, the new Prestige 14 and 15 models can be configured to feature up to a Core i7-10710U 6-core CPU coupled with Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q GPU. The 14-inch model can be equipped with a maximum of 16 GB of RAM (soldered) and has only one M.2 slot for SATA or NVMe SSDs, while the 15-inch model can integrate up to 64 GB of RAM via two SO-DIMM slots and comes with an additional M.2 storage slot.

Other standard features that can be found on either model include:

• microSD card reader
• WiFi 6 + Bluetooth 5.0
• 2x Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connectors + 2x USB-A 3.1 gen 2 ports
• 720p webcam
• Stereo speakers + dual array mic + audio jack
• Fingerprint sensor

Both models are only 0.63-inch thick. The 14-inch model weighs 2.84 lbs, whereas the 15-inch one weighs 3.64 lbs.

Pricing information for the 14-inch model is not yet available. The Prestige 15, however, is already available for preorder (launching September 10) on Amazon and Newegg, with configurations including the 4K screen, 1 TB NVMe SSD and 32 GB of RAM going for US$1,799.