Quick notes
- The ZenBook features a classic silver finish with a concentric circle pattern on the lid, while the Modern 14 sports a more subdued gray color scheme with a brushed aluminum chassis.
- In our battery life tests, the ZenBook lasted for approximately 10 hours on a single charge with moderate use, while the Modern 14 managed to last for about 8 hours under similar conditions.
- The ASUS ZenBook and MSI Modern 14 are both available at a wide range of retailers, with prices varying depending on the configuration.
In the realm of premium laptops, the ASUS ZenBook and MSI Modern 14 stand out as two exceptional choices that seamlessly blend style, performance, and portability. Both laptops boast sleek designs, powerful hardware, and a plethora of features that cater to the needs of discerning users. However, subtle differences between these two devices may influence your purchase decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of the ASUS ZenBook and MSI Modern 14, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your specific requirements.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS ZenBook and MSI Modern 14 exude sophistication with their sleek and elegant designs. The ZenBook features a classic silver finish with a concentric circle pattern on the lid, while the Modern 14 sports a more subdued gray color scheme with a brushed aluminum chassis. Both laptops are incredibly thin and lightweight, making them ideal for professionals and students who are constantly on the go.
In terms of build quality, both laptops are constructed from premium materials and exhibit excellent craftsmanship. The ZenBook’s aluminum chassis feels sturdy and durable, while the Modern 14’s magnesium-aluminum alloy construction provides a similar level of durability. Both laptops have passed military-grade durability tests, ensuring their resilience in various conditions.
Display
The ASUS ZenBook and MSI Modern 14 offer vibrant and immersive displays that are perfect for work, entertainment, and creative pursuits. The ZenBook features a 13.3-inch NanoEdge display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, while the Modern 14 boasts a slightly larger 14-inch IPS-level display with the same resolution.
Both displays offer excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making them ideal for photo and video editing. The ZenBook’s NanoEdge display has a slightly higher screen-to-body ratio, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. However, the Modern 14’s larger display provides more screen real estate for multitasking and working with multiple applications simultaneously.
Performance
The ASUS ZenBook and MSI Modern 14 pack powerful hardware that delivers smooth and responsive performance for a wide range of tasks. The ZenBook is powered by up to an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, while the Modern 14 features up to an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor. Both laptops come with integrated graphics, with the ZenBook featuring an Intel Iris Xe GPU and the Modern 14 equipped with an AMD Radeon Vega 8 GPU.
In terms of real-world performance, both laptops handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and office productivity with ease. They can also handle more demanding tasks like photo and video editing, graphic design, and light gaming. The ZenBook’s Intel Core i7 processor provides slightly better performance in single-threaded applications, while the Modern 14’s AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor excels in multi-threaded workloads.
Battery Life
The ASUS ZenBook and MSI Modern 14 offer impressive battery life that can power you through a full day of work or study. The ZenBook boasts a 67Wh battery, while the Modern 14 comes with a slightly larger 52Wh battery.
In our battery life tests, the ZenBook lasted for approximately 10 hours on a single charge with moderate use, while the Modern 14 managed to last for about 8 hours under similar conditions. Both laptops support fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when you’re short on time.
Features and Connectivity
The ASUS ZenBook and MSI Modern 14 come equipped with a comprehensive set of features and connectivity options to enhance your productivity and convenience. Both laptops feature backlit keyboards, fingerprint scanners, and a variety of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a microSD card reader.
The ZenBook includes a few additional features that set it apart from the Modern 14. These include a dedicated NumberPad, which can be activated by tapping on the touchpad, and a Harman Kardon-certified audio system for superior sound quality.
Price and Availability
The ASUS ZenBook and MSI Modern 14 are both available at a wide range of retailers, with prices varying depending on the configuration. The ZenBook typically starts at around $1,000, while the Modern 14 is slightly more affordable, starting at around $800.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
The ASUS ZenBook and MSI Modern 14 are both excellent laptops that offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and portability. The ZenBook stands out with its sleek design, NanoEdge display, and additional features like the NumberPad and Harman Kardon audio system. The Modern 14, on the other hand, offers a larger display, a more affordable price tag, and solid performance with its AMD Ryzen processor.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a premium design, a more immersive display, and additional features, the ASUS ZenBook is a great option. If you’re looking for a more affordable laptop with a larger display and solid performance, the MSI Modern 14 is a compelling choice.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Q: Which laptop has a better display, the ASUS ZenBook or the MSI Modern 14?
A: Both laptops offer excellent displays, but the ASUS ZenBook’s NanoEdge display has a slightly higher screen-to-body ratio and slightly better color accuracy.
2. Q: Which laptop has better performance, the ASUS ZenBook or the MSI Modern 14?
A: Both laptops offer good performance for everyday tasks and light productivity. However, the ASUS ZenBook‘s Intel Core i7 processor provides slightly better performance in single-threaded applications, while the MSI Modern 14’s AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor excels in multi-threaded workloads.
3. Q: Which laptop has better battery life, the ASUS ZenBook or the MSI Modern 14?
A: The ASUS ZenBook offers slightly better battery life than the MSI Modern 14, lasting approximately 10 hours on a single charge compared to the Modern 14’s 8 hours.