Quick notes
- The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, has a more limited selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a headphone jack, and a MagSafe 3 charging port.
- The Modern 14 is a great choice for users who need a powerful and affordable ultraportable laptop with a wide range of ports and connectivity options.
- The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, is the best choice for users who want the most powerful and efficient ultraportable laptop with the best battery life and display.
In the competitive world of ultraportable laptops, the MSI Modern 14 and MacBook Air M1 stand out as formidable contenders. Both devices offer a sleek design, powerful performance, and impressive battery life. However, each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses that make them suitable for different users. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which laptop is the best choice for your specific needs.
Design and Build Quality
The MSI Modern 14 and MacBook Air M1 share a similar aesthetic, with a thin and lightweight aluminum chassis. However, there are subtle differences in their design. The Modern 14 has a more angular and industrial look, while the MacBook Air M1 is more rounded and streamlined.
In terms of build quality, both laptops are well-constructed and durable. The Modern 14’s aluminum chassis is sturdy and resistant to scratches and dents, while the MacBook Air M1’s unibody design provides exceptional rigidity.
Display
The MSI Modern 14 features a 14-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The display offers good color accuracy and viewing angles, but its brightness is limited to 250 nits, which can make it difficult to use in bright outdoor environments.
The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, has a 13.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels. The display is incredibly bright, with a peak brightness of 500 nits, and it offers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
Performance
The MSI Modern 14 is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which is a quad-core CPU with a base clock speed of 2.4 GHz and a turbo boost speed of 4.2 GHz. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which is an 8-core CPU with a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a turbo boost speed of 3.6 GHz.
In terms of performance, the MacBook Air M1 has a significant advantage over the MSI Modern 14. The M1 chip is much more powerful and efficient than the Core i5-1135G7, and it offers significantly better performance in both single-core and multi-core tasks.
Battery Life
The MSI Modern 14 is equipped with a 50 Wh battery, while the MacBook Air M1 has a 49.9 Wh battery. Despite the slightly smaller battery, the MacBook Air M1 offers significantly better battery life than the Modern 14. This is due to the M1 chip’s superior power efficiency.
In real-world usage, the MacBook Air M1 can easily last for over 12 hours on a single charge, while the Modern 14 typically lasts for around 8-10 hours.
Ports and Connectivity
The MSI Modern 14 has a wide range of ports and connectivity options, including two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone/microphone jack. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, has a more limited selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a headphone jack, and a MagSafe 3 charging port.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Both the MSI Modern 14 and MacBook Air M1 have excellent keyboards and trackpads. The Modern 14’s keyboard has good key travel and feedback, while the MacBook Air M1’s keyboard is known for its smooth and responsive typing experience.
The trackpads on both laptops are large and precise, and they support multi-touch gestures. However, the MacBook Air M1’s trackpad has a slight edge over the Modern 14’s trackpad due to its larger size and more advanced haptic feedback.
The Bottom Line: The Best Laptop for Your Needs
The MSI Modern 14 and MacBook Air M1 are both excellent laptops, but they are best suited for different users. The Modern 14 is a great choice for users who need a powerful and affordable ultraportable laptop with a wide range of ports and connectivity options. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, is the best choice for users who want the most powerful and efficient ultraportable laptop with the best battery life and display.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which laptop is more powerful, the MSI Modern 14 or the MacBook Air M1?
A: The MacBook Air M1 is significantly more powerful than the MSI Modern 14.
Q: Which laptop has better battery life, the MSI Modern 14 or the MacBook Air M1?
A: The MacBook Air M1 has significantly better battery life than the MSI Modern 14.
Q: Which laptop has a better display, the MSI Modern 14 or the MacBook Air M1?
A: The MacBook Air M1 has a significantly better display than the MSI Modern 14.