MSI Delta 15 review

MSI Delta 15

The MSI MSI Delta 15 ranks as the #427 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 73. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #122-ranked connectivity among 686 laptops. Consider the MSI Katana 15 HX or MSI GE66 Raider, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.

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Key takeaways
The MSI Delta 15 delivers decent, yet underwhelming performance for demanding users and creator workloads, however.
The MSI Delta 15's build compromises portability and upgradeability with a flipped motherboard design flaw.
The MSI Delta 15's display is decent, but not exceptional for its price point overall.
The MSI Delta 15 features a fast x8 memory configuration for efficient laptop performance.

Is it Worth it?

The MSI Delta 15 is a mixed bag. On one hand, its battery life is exceptional, making it perfect for long gaming sessions or work commitments. The customization options via the advanced BIOS are also a plus for enthusiasts and tuners. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The lack of Type-C charging and MUX switch are notable omissions, while the MSI Center software can be temperamental. Additionally, the flipped motherboard makes upgrading more difficult than necessary. Despite these issues, the Delta 15's decent screen, faster x8 memory, and impressive battery life make it a compelling option for those seeking a portable gaming laptop.

Build

The MSI Delta 15's build is a mixed bag. The laptop's thin design comes at the cost of a flipped motherboard, making upgrades more complicated than necessary. The absence of Type-C charging is also noticeable, especially considering the laptop's emphasis on portability. Screen wobble and a faulty down arrow key are minor issues, but the real drawback is the lack of an MUX switch, which would allow for a speed boost when using an external monitor. On the plus side, enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced BIOS features and faster x8 memory, which sits the 6700M GPU between an RTX 3060 and 3070 in terms of performance. You might prefer MSI Vector GP66, designed with an upgraded build for a better experience.

Display

The MSI Delta 15's display is decent, but not exceptional. It features a 15.6-inch screen with a 1920x1080 resolution, which provides clear and vibrant visuals for everyday tasks and gaming. However, the screen does suffer from some noticeable wobble, particularly when typing on the laptop's keyboard. Overall, the display is adequate for its price point, but may not impress those seeking top-notch visuals. A more detailed comparison with other laptops would be necessary to determine its relative merits in this regard. For a superior display, MSI Vector GP66 could be the right choice.

Performance

The MSI Delta 15 delivers decent performance with its AMD Radeon RDNA 2 GPU. In games, the laptop's GPU sits somewhere between an Nvidia RTX 3060 and 3070, making it a solid mid-range option. The battery life is impressive, lasting long periods on a single charge. However, in creator workloads like video editing and 3D rendering, the laptop lags behind, even being outperformed by last-gen hardware. Overall, the Delta 15's performance is satisfactory for casual gaming but may fall short for more demanding users. A better alternative might be MSI Prestige 15, featuring a next-level performance.

Battery and Charging

The MSI Delta 15 boasts impressive battery life, one of the best I've encountered. A single charge can last for hours, making it perfect for extended use. However, there's no Type-C charging, which is a notable omission in a laptop prioritizing portability. The 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD provides decent storage, but its read and write speeds fall short of competing models. Overall, the Delta 15's battery life is a significant strength, but its charging options are a letdown.

Connectivity

The MSI Delta 15's connectivity options are somewhat lacking. There is no Type-C charging, which is disappointing for a laptop prioritizing portability. While the laptop does have multiple USB ports and an HDMI output, it falls short in terms of modern convenience features like fast charging and versatile display connections. If you’re after a better connectivity, MSI Katana A15 AI could be the ideal option.

Features

The MSI Delta 15 boasts a slim design with decent battery life, likely one of the best in its class. The laptop features a fast x8 memory configuration, sitting between Nvidia RTX 3060 and 3070 in performance, but lacks Type-C charging and has some screen wobble. MSI Stealth GS66 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded features.

Support and Maintenance

The MSI Delta 15's battery life was impressive, but its reliability was marred by software issues. The MSI Center app frequently malfunctioned, requiring repeated repairs to function properly. This raised concerns about the laptop's support and maintenance capabilities. Flawless gaming performance alone cannot compensate for such shortcomings.

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