At a Glance
- In terms of storage, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with a 256GB NVMe SSD, while the MSI Modern 15 offers a 512GB NVMe SSD.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable laptop with a basic design and solid performance.
- The MSI Modern 15 has a slightly better battery life than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, lasting for up to 8-9 hours on a single charge.
In the realm of budget-friendly laptops, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 and the MSI Modern 15 emerge as two formidable contenders. Both devices promise a balance of affordability and performance, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, specifications, and user experiences to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 sports a sleek and understated design with a plastic chassis. Its weight of around 4.1 pounds makes it relatively portable, while the thickness of 0.9 inches ensures a slim profile. On the other hand, the MSI Modern 15 boasts a more premium construction with an aluminum chassis. It is slightly heavier at 4.4 pounds but offers a more durable and stylish appearance.
Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 features a 15.6-inch TN panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. While it provides decent color accuracy and viewing angles, the brightness levels are somewhat underwhelming. The MSI Modern 15, however, comes with a superior 15.6-inch IPS panel with the same resolution. This display excels in brightness, color reproduction, and viewing angles, making it ideal for content creation and entertainment.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is powered by the Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, while the MSI Modern 15 utilizes the Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor. Both processors belong to the same generation but differ in their core count and clock speed. The i5-1135G7 offers a significant performance advantage, particularly in multi-threaded applications.
RAM and Storage
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is sufficient for basic multitasking and web browsing. However, if you plan on running more demanding applications, you may want to consider upgrading to the 16GB model. The MSI Modern 15 also offers 8GB of DDR4 RAM, but it has the option to be upgraded to 32GB, providing ample headroom for future performance enhancements.
In terms of storage, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with a 256GB NVMe SSD, while the MSI Modern 15 offers a 512GB NVMe SSD. Both storage solutions provide excellent read and write speeds, making them ideal for storing and accessing large files.
Battery Life
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has a 3-cell, 45Wh battery, while the MSI Modern 15 has a 3-cell, 52Wh battery. In real-world usage, the IdeaPad 3 can last for around 6-7 hours on a single charge, while the Modern 15 can stretch to 8-9 hours. Both devices support fast charging, allowing you to quickly juice them up when needed.
Connectivity
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 and the MSI Modern 15 offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. Both devices feature Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort capabilities. Additionally, the IdeaPad 3 has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader, while the Modern 15 has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI port, and a USB 2.0 port.
User Experience
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with Windows 10 Home pre-installed, while the MSI Modern 15 offers a choice between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro. Both operating systems provide a familiar and user-friendly experience. The IdeaPad 3’s keyboard offers decent key travel and feedback, but the Modern 15’s backlit keyboard provides a more premium typing experience.
Which Laptop is Right for You?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable laptop with a basic design and solid performance. It is suitable for students, casual users, and those who primarily perform web browsing and light productivity tasks.
The MSI Modern 15, on the other hand, offers a more premium experience with its stylish design, superior display, and enhanced performance. It is ideal for professionals, students, and content creators who demand a versatile and portable laptop that can handle demanding applications.
Answers to Your Questions
1. Which laptop has a better battery life?
The MSI Modern 15 has a slightly better battery life than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, lasting for up to 8-9 hours on a single charge.
2. Which laptop is more portable?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is slightly lighter and thinner than the MSI Modern 15, making it more portable.
3. Which laptop has a more powerful processor?
The MSI Modern 15 features the Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which is more powerful than the i3-1115G4 processor in the Lenovo IdeaPad 3.