Intel’s Thin and Light Push Faces Strengths and Weaknesses in Samsung and MSI Devices

Intel’s latest push for high-end thin-and-light laptops has seen mixed results, with PCWorld’s Adam and Will testing three devices: the Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360, the MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo, and the MSI Claw 8 AI+ handheld. In their latest discussion, they break down their experiences with each device, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in real-world usage. While each laptop offers premium features, performance varies based on design choices, particularly with Intel’s integrated graphics and memory configurations.

Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 A Sleek, Versatile Laptop with Performance Limits

The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 is a large, thin 2-in-1 with a touchscreen and pen support. It features a Core Ultra 7 256V processor but is limited in RAM, making it struggle with heavier workloads like Adobe Bridge and Photoshop. The shared memory between the CPU and GPU further hinders performance for more demanding tasks. However, its standout feature is the large, high-quality display combined with a slim, lightweight design. Battery life is solid, with the laptop lasting a full workday on a single charge.

The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo, despite being smaller, packs more power with a Core Ultra 7 258V processor and 32GB of RAM. This extra memory gives the integrated Arc GPU more breathing room, making it capable of some basic gaming.

The OLED display enhances the experience, and battery life is a major strength, with Will noting that it lasts multiple days thanks to aggressive efficiency settings. While both the Samsung and MSI laptops get warm under load and occasionally require fan cooling, they perform well for their class. The two testers also expressed concerns over Intel’s graphics driver updates, which sometimes override factory settings.

MSI Claw 8 AI Plus a Powerful but Hard to Find Handheld

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a unique gaming handheld that differentiates itself by using an Intel processor and integrated graphics rather than an AMD APU. With an 8-inch screen, it is slightly larger and bulkier than some competitors, yet Adam found it comfortable to use. It features the same Core Ultra 7 258V chip and 32GB of RAM as the Prestige 13, delivering solid performance while remaining surprisingly quiet. However, battery life is a concern, and the device is currently hard to find due to production issues.

Overall, the three devices showcase Intel’s attempts at balancing power efficiency with performance in thin-and-light designs. The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 offers a beautiful display but lacks the power needed for heavier workloads. The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo delivers strong performance and impressive battery life in a compact form. Meanwhile, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a promising but hard-to-find handheld gaming device. As Intel continues refining its approach, potential buyers should consider their specific needs when choosing among these premium options.