What to know
- The Modern 15 includes a fingerprint scanner for added security, a backlit keyboard for typing in low-light conditions, and a Thunderbolt 4 port for fast data transfer.
- The IdeaPad 5 offers a more comprehensive set of features, including a fingerprint scanner, a backlit keyboard, a numeric keypad, and a USB-C port with Power Delivery for charging and data transfer.
- However, it provides a more powerful graphics card, a larger battery, and a wider range of features, making it a compelling value for users who prioritize performance and versatility.
In the fiercely competitive mid-range laptop market, two titans stand out: the MSI Modern 15 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5. Both devices promise portability, performance, and affordability, making them ideal for students, professionals, and everyday users. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to unravel their strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Build Quality
MSI Modern 15: Boasting a sleek and minimalist design, the Modern 15 features a lightweight aluminum chassis that exudes both style and durability. Its thin profile and narrow bezels give it a modern and compact feel.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5: With its classic yet elegant design, the IdeaPad 5 is crafted from a combination of aluminum and plastic. While not as premium as the Modern 15, it still feels sturdy and well-built. Its slightly thicker profile provides ample space for cooling.
Display and Graphics
MSI Modern 15: The Modern 15 comes with a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1920×1080. Its anti-glare coating minimizes reflections, making it suitable for outdoor use. For graphics, it relies on integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, suitable for basic tasks and light gaming.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5: The IdeaPad 5 also features a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a similar resolution. However, it offers higher refresh rates of up to 120Hz or 144Hz, providing smoother visuals in games and everyday use. For graphics, it employs NVIDIA GeForce MX450 or GTX 1650 dedicated GPUs, delivering enhanced performance for gaming and demanding applications.
Processor and Performance
MSI Modern 15: Powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, the Modern 15 offers solid performance for everyday tasks, office productivity, and light multitasking. Its 8GB or 16GB of RAM ensures smooth operation.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5: The IdeaPad 5 comes with a choice of Intel Core i5 or i7 processors as well. However, it offers up to 16GB or 32GB of RAM, providing more headroom for demanding tasks and multitasking.
Battery Life and Connectivity
MSI Modern 15: With a 50Wh battery, the Modern 15 provides an average battery life of around 6-8 hours. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for fast and stable wireless connectivity.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5: The IdeaPad 5 boasts a larger 70Wh battery, promising longer battery life of up to 10-12 hours. It also features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring reliable wireless performance.
Features and Extras
MSI Modern 15: The Modern 15 includes a fingerprint scanner for added security, a backlit keyboard for typing in low-light conditions, and a Thunderbolt 4 port for fast data transfer.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5: The IdeaPad 5 offers a more comprehensive set of features, including a fingerprint scanner, a backlit keyboard, a numeric keypad, and a USB-C port with Power Delivery for charging and data transfer.
Price and Value
MSI Modern 15: The Modern 15 starts at around $700 for the base configuration. It offers a good balance of features and performance at a reasonable price.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5: The IdeaPad 5 starts at a slightly higher price of around $800. However, it provides a more powerful graphics card, a larger battery, and a wider range of features, making it a compelling value for users who prioritize performance and versatility.
The Verdict: Which Laptop is Right for You?
The MSI Modern 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad 5 are both excellent mid-range laptops with their own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize portability, style, and a sleek design, the MSI Modern 15 is a great option. However, if you value higher performance, longer battery life, and a more comprehensive feature set, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is the superior choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better display for gaming?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 with its higher refresh rate and dedicated graphics card offers a better gaming experience.
Q: Can both laptops handle video editing?
A: Yes, both the MSI Modern 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad 5 can handle basic video editing tasks with their integrated or dedicated graphics cards. However, for more demanding video editing, the IdeaPad 5 with its more powerful graphics card is recommended.
Q: Which laptop is more suitable for students?
A: Both laptops are suitable for students. The MSI Modern 15 is more portable and affordable, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 offers better performance and a wider range of features.