MSI Modern 14 review
The MSI MSI Modern 14 ranks as the #704 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 66. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #256-ranked performance among 650 laptops. Consider the MSI Claw or Microsoft Surface Book 3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Modern 14 is an excellent productivity machine that delivers on its promise of modern design and seamless performance. Priced at just 3,000 ringgit, this laptop packs a punch with its compact and sleek design, lightweight frame (1.4kg), and impressive features such as a Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB RAM, and a fast 512GB SSD. While it has some drawbacks, including limited battery life (up to 4-5 hours) and lackluster speakers, this laptop is still a great value for its price. Overall, I would say that the MSI Modern 14 is worth considering if you're in the market for a reliable and feature-packed ultrabook at an affordable price point. Its impressive specs and design make it a solid choice for productivity on-the-go.
Build
The MSI Modern 14 boasts a sleek and compact design, weighing just 1.4kg. The laptop's smooth material is pleasant to the touch, but unfortunately, it attracts fingerprints easily. The slimmer bezels allow for a more compact footprint, making it a joy to handle. The keyboard is full-size with huge keycaps and good travel, while the trackpad has been improved over its predecessor, providing smooth navigation. Port selection is generous, including two USB ports, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port supporting USB PD charging. Overall, the build quality of the MSI Modern 14 is impressive, making it a great option for those seeking a lightweight yet feature-packed laptop. MSI Summit E13 Flip might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The MSI Modern 14's display is a highlight of the device. Measuring 14.1 inches, it offers a Full HD resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio. While not the most colorful or accurate screen, it is sufficiently bright for indoor use and produces decent colors. The display quality is good, but not exceptional. It's perfect for productivity and content consumption tasks, making it a great option for those who don't need a high-end visual experience. Overall, the display is a solid choice for its price point. For an improved display, MSI Claw is worth considering.
Performance
The MSI Modern 14 is powered by a Core i5-1235U processor, which performs admirably in most tasks. It boasts two performance cores and eight efficient cores, making it a snappy device even when running on battery power. In my experience, the processor handled demanding tasks with ease, and I was able to open multiple browser tabs without any issues. The 8GB of DDR4-3200 RAM provided sufficient multitasking capabilities, although some users may find it limiting. Overall, the MSI Modern 14's performance is a highlight of this laptop, making it an excellent choice for productivity and everyday tasks. You might want to check out LG Gram 16, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Modern 14's battery life is its Achilles' heel, with a mere 3-cell, 39Wh battery that barely lasts four to five hours in real-world usage. However, the inclusion of USB-C PD charging mitigates this issue somewhat. With a 60W power brick and fast charging capabilities, you can quickly top up the laptop when needed. Despite its limitations, the Modern 14's compact design and lightweight build make it an attractive option for those seeking a portable productivity machine.
Connectivity
The MSI Modern 14 boasts a generous array of ports, including two USB ports (alas, at USB 2.0 speeds) and a micro SD card reader on the right side. A headphone jack and HDMI port are also present. The left side features a USB-C port supporting up to 60W PD charging, making it convenient to top-up power levels. Overall, connectivity is well-covered in this sleek laptop design. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Microsoft Surface Book 3.
Features
The MSI Modern 14 features a compact design with slim bezels, weighing just 1.4kg. It boasts a full-size keyboard with huge keycaps and good key travel, as well as an improved trackpad for smoother navigation. The laptop has two USB ports, a micro SD card reader, and a USB-C port supporting USB PD charging up to 60W. It’s worth checking out MSI Claw 8 AI+, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Modern 14 offers decent display quality, snappy performance from its Core i5 processor, and ample storage options. However, its battery life is underwhelming, lasting up to four hours in real-world usage. The laptop's speakers also disappoint with poor sound quality.
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