Dell XPS 16 9640 vs MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025): Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Quick Verdict
The Dell XPS 16 9640 scores 7.8 versus 7.8 for the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) is the cheaper option at $2,999. Choose based on the use cases below: the XPS 16 9640 leads overall, while the Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Key Differences
- Faster overall: MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) (Geekbench multi 13,800 vs 13,400).
- Longer battery: Dell XPS 16 9640 (9h vs 7.2h web).
- Lighter: MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) (1.99 kg vs 2.1 kg).
- Cheaper: MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) (saves about $200 CAD).
XPS 16 9640 vs Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025): Full Breakdown
Performance: the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) is the stronger performer, posting a multi-core Geekbench score of 13,800 against 13,400 for the Dell XPS 16 9640 — roughly 3% faster in CPU-heavy work like exports and compiling. In our 1080p gaming suite, the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) averaged 122 FPS versus 78 FPS. The MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) is the better pick if you game or edit video.
Battery and portability: the Dell XPS 16 9640 lasts longer away from a charger, running 9 hours in our web-browsing test versus 7.2 hours. The MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) is also easier to carry at 1.99 kg versus 2.1 kg, which matters if you commute or travel.
Display: the Dell XPS 16 9640 uses a 16.3-inch OLED panel (3840 x 2400, 90Hz), while the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) has a 16-inch OLED panel (2560 x 1600, 240Hz). The Dell XPS 16 9640 measured brighter at 408 nits, and covered 100% of DCI-P3 — relevant for outdoor use and colour work.
Price and value: the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) is the cheaper option in Canada, about $200 less than the Dell XPS 16 9640. Weighed against our test scores (7.8 vs 7.8 overall), the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) offers the better value for the money, while the Dell XPS 16 9640 is the stronger laptop outright if budget is not the deciding factor.
For the complete testing data, read our full Dell XPS 16 9640 review and MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) review.
Where these laptops rank
Both the XPS 16 9640 and the Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) feature in these BestLaptop.ca rankings:
Winner by Use Case
Specs & Scores Comparison
| Spec | XPS 16 9640 | Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| Price (CAD) | $3,199 | $2,999 ✓ |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (60W) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (110W) |
| RAM | 32GB LPDDR5x | 32GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 1000GB | 2000GB ✓ |
| Display | 16.3" OLED | 16" OLED |
| Brightness | 408 nits ✓ | 392 nits |
| Battery (web) | 9 h ✓ | 7.2 h |
| Weight | 2.1 kg | 1.99 kg ✓ |
| Geekbench multi | 13,400 | 13,800 ✓ |
| Gaming (1080p) | 78 fps | 122 fps ✓ |
| OS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (onsite available) | 1-year limited |
Which Should You Buy?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 scores 7.8 versus 7.8 for the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) is the cheaper option at $2,999. Choose based on the use cases below: the XPS 16 9640 leads overall, while the Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the XPS 16 9640 or the Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025)?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 scores 7.8 versus 7.8 for the MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) is the cheaper option at $2,999. Choose based on the use cases below: the XPS 16 9640 leads overall, while the Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Which is better for school?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 is the better choice for school.
Which is better for business?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 is the better choice for business.
Which is better for gaming?
The MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) is the better choice for gaming.
Which is better for multimedia?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 is the better choice for multimedia.
Which is better for programming?
The MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio (2025) is the better choice for programming.
Which is better for travel?
The Dell XPS 16 9640 is the better choice for travel.
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