MSI Stealth 15M review
The MSI MSI Stealth 15M ranks as the #707 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 66. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #363-ranked performance among 675 laptops. Consider the MSI Pulse GL66 or MSI Modern 15, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Stealth 15M offers a great balance of performance and portability, but its value hinges on price. At $1,700 or more, it's too expensive compared to similar laptops like the Alienware x14 or Asus Zephyrus G14. However, if you can snag it for under $1,400, the system's trade-offs become more palatable. The Stealth 15M's discreet design and good performance make it a solid choice for those who value understated gaming notebooks, but its short battery life and mediocre display hold it back from being truly exceptional.
Build
The MSI Stealth 15M's build is a masterclass in subtlety. The matte black finish is sleek, if slightly prone to fingerprints. A discreet dragon logo is the sole visual flourish, giving way to a simple, boxy design that exudes understated sophistication. Inside, the spectrum backlit keyboard and big speaker grille add a touch of flair without being ostentatious. The build quality is sturdy, with a weight of just under four pounds making it remarkably portable for a 15-inch gaming laptop. Overall, the Stealth 15M's design is a thoughtful balance of form and function, eschewing flash for a more grown-up aesthetic that will appeal to those who value discretion. You might prefer MSI Katana GF66, designed with an upgraded build for a better experience.
Display
The MSI Stealth 15M's display is a mixed bag. On paper, the 15.6-inch IPS panel with 144Hz refresh rate sounds perfect. However, in practice, it falls short. The colors are somewhat dull and brightness is limited to around 250 nits. This results in movies and games looking lifeless, especially in bright environments. While it may be sufficient for gaming in darker rooms, the mediocre light output makes it difficult to read text in sunny rooms. Overall, a disappointing display performance from MSI's Stealth 15M. For a superior display, MSI Katana GF66 could be the right choice.
Performance
The MSI Stealth 15M delivers a solid performance with its Intel Core i7-1280P CPU and Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU. In games like Shadows of the Tomb Raider and Metro Exodus, it averaged 106 FPS and tied with other laptops at full HD settings. The system's 1TB SSD and 32GB RAM provide ample storage and memory for demanding applications. However, the battery life is underwhelming, lasting just 4 hours and 15 minutes on a video rundown test. Overall, the Stealth 15M's performance is its strongest aspect. A better alternative might be MSI Alpha 15, featuring a next-level performance.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Stealth 15M's battery life is its most significant weakness. With a 53.8Wh power cell, it lasts just 4 hours and 15 minutes in our local video rundown test. This is frustratingly small compared to other gaming laptops of similar size. The Alienware X14, for example, has a 80Wh battery and lasted 9 hours and 45 minutes on the same test. Charging also takes a while, with MSI claiming it can go from 0-50% in just 30 minutes, but this is not enough to make up for its limited battery life.
Connectivity
The MSI Stealth 15M boasts a good selection of ports, including four USB 3.2 ports (two Type-A and two Type-C), one DisplayPort-compatible Type-C port, HDMI 2.1, and a combo headphone/mic jack. This makes it easy to connect peripherals and external displays, making it a solid choice for those who value flexibility. If you’re after a better connectivity, MSI Summit E14 could be the ideal option.
Features
The MSI Stealth 15M boasts a simple, boxy design with a matte black finish that's prone to fingerprints. It features a 15.6-inch IPS panel with 144Hz refresh rate and a matte finish, but its color accuracy is lacking, making movies and games appear lifeless. The laptop also has dual 2W speakers and a 720p webcam, both of which are average at best. MSI GE66 Raider might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded features.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Stealth 15M's performance is strong, thanks to an Intel Core i7 CPU and Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU. However, its battery life falls short, lasting just 4 hours and 15 minutes in testing. The lack of significant upgrades over previous models, aside from a refresh CPU and GPU, may suggest that MSI is coasting.
Pros
1. The Stealth is about as Incognito as it gets with a simple, somewhat boxy build and a matte black finish.
2. The Spectrum backlit keyboard has soft, cushy keys that let just the right amount of light to leak out.
3. The laptop includes a good selection of ports, including four USB 3.2 ports, two type A and two type C, one of which supports DisplayPort.
4. The Stealth is actually a touch lighter than many other 15-inch gaming laptops and some 14-inch systems too.
5. The performance is solid, thanks to an Intel Core i7-1280P CPU and an Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU.
6. The stealth has plenty of oomph, with the ability to play Modern AAA titles at high settings.
7. The price becomes more palatable if you can get it for under $1400.
Cons
1. The Stealth's display has somewhat dull colors and a tested brightness of around 250 nits, making movies and games look lifeless.
2. The battery life is disappointing, with the laptop lasting only 4 hours and 15 minutes on a local video rundown test.
3. The speakers are just okay, lacking bass despite being loud enough.
4. The webcam is serviceable but doesn't deliver full HD quality, making it unsuitable for live streaming.
5. The Stealth's design feels like it has been neglected compared to previous years, with only minor upgrades in the 2022 model.
6. The laptop has a dated look, with a big chin below the display and a lack of visual flair.
7. The price is too high, making the laptop less competitive with other options on the market.
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