At a Glance
- The MSI Modern 15 claims to offer up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 promises up to 8 hours.
- If you’re looking for a sleek and stylish laptop with a high-resolution display, powerful performance, and discrete graphics, the MSI Modern 15 is a great choice.
- However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need as much graphical power, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a solid option that offers good value for the price.
In the competitive world of budget laptops, the MSI Modern 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 stand out as formidable contenders. Both offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and affordability, making them attractive options for students, casual users, and budget-conscious professionals. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of each laptop to help you make an informed decision about which one is the right choice for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The MSI Modern 15 boasts a sleek and stylish design with a thin profile and a lightweight aluminum chassis. Its minimalist aesthetic is complemented by a subtle brushed finish, adding a touch of sophistication to its overall look. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with a plastic body and a slightly thicker profile. It’s still a sturdy and well-built laptop, but it may not be as visually appealing to some users.
Display
Both laptops feature 15.6-inch displays, but there are some key differences in terms of resolution and panel type. The MSI Modern 15 offers a Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel with excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3, however, has a lower resolution TN panel (1366 x 768), which may result in less sharp images and narrower viewing angles.
Performance
Under the hood, the MSI Modern 15 is powered by 11th-generation Intel Core processors, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with 10th-generation Intel Core processors. While both laptops offer adequate performance for everyday tasks, the MSI Modern 15 has a slight edge in terms of processing power. It also features faster NVMe SSD storage, which can significantly improve load times and overall responsiveness.
Graphics
For users who need a bit more graphical power, the MSI Modern 15 offers the option of discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics. This dedicated GPU provides a significant boost in performance for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3, on the other hand, relies on integrated Intel UHD Graphics, which is suitable for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding games or software.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for laptops that are often used on the go. The MSI Modern 15 claims to offer up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 promises up to 8 hours. In real-world usage, both laptops should provide decent battery life for most users, but the MSI Modern 15 may have a slight advantage in this regard.
Connectivity and Features
In terms of connectivity, both laptops offer a similar set of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone/microphone jack. The MSI Modern 15, however, has the added benefit of a microSD card reader, which can be useful for expanding storage capacity. Both laptops also feature built-in webcams and microphones for video conferencing and online classes.
Price and Availability
The MSI Modern 15 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 are both available in a range of configurations with varying prices. The starting price for the MSI Modern 15 is around $600, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 starts at around $450. The price may vary depending on the specific configuration and retailer.
Which Laptop is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best laptop for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a sleek and stylish laptop with a high-resolution display, powerful performance, and discrete graphics, the MSI Modern 15 is a great choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need as much graphical power, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a solid option that offers good value for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The MSI Modern 15 has a higher-resolution IPS display with better color accuracy and viewing angles.
Q: Which laptop is more powerful?
A: The MSI Modern 15 has more powerful 11th-generation Intel Core processors and faster NVMe SSD storage.
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: Both laptops claim to offer similar battery life, but the MSI Modern 15 may have a slight advantage due to its more power-efficient components.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has a lower starting price than the MSI Modern 15.
Q: Which laptop has a microSD card reader?
A: The MSI Modern 15 has a microSD card reader, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 does not.