MSI Sword 15 review
The MSI MSI Sword 15 ranks as the #709 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 66. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #380-ranked connectivity among 681 laptops. Consider the MSI Summit E15 or MSI Stealth 15M, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Sword 15 is a decent laptop with a strong spec sheet, including an 11th gen i7 and RTX 3060. However, its build quality is cheap, with a plastic chassis that feels flimsy. The IO is manageable, but the inclusion of a USB 2 port seems odd. Battery life is the biggest issue, with inconsistent results ranging from one to three hours on a single charge. Despite its strengths, the Sword 15's battery woes make it hard to recommend, especially at its price point where competitors offer better value.
Build
The MSI Sword 15's build quality is somewhat lacking, with a predominantly plastic construction that feels cheap and prone to flexing. While the back panel has a satin finish, making it resistant to scratches, the overall feel of the laptop is not reassuring. The IO ports are well-placed, but the lack of any ports on the rear is notable. The power button's placement in the top-right corner, while familiar for MSI fans, feels somewhat cramped and lacks a dedicated power button. Overall, the build quality is underwhelming, especially considering the laptop's mid-range price point. If you're after top-notch build, consider MSI Thin 15.
Display
The MSI Sword 15's display is a mixed bag. The 15.6-inch IPS panel boasts a crisp 144Hz refresh rate and decent brightness levels. However, color accuracy is lacking, making it less ideal for creative professionals. Viewing angles are wide, but the screen can look fuzzy in low-light conditions. The webcam, while not terrible, appears somewhat grainy and loses detail in bright lighting. Overall, the display is serviceable for everyday use and gaming, but those seeking a more accurate color representation may find themselves disappointed. It’s worth checking out MSI Thin 15, delivering remarkable display.
Performance
The MSI Sword 15's performance is its strong suit, with an 11th Gen i7 and RTX 3060 delivering smooth gameplay in demanding titles like Battlefield 1 and Cyberpunk 2077. The laptop's cooling system also helps to keep temperatures in check, even during intense gaming sessions. However, the inconsistent battery life and loud fan noise may detract from the overall experience. Overall, the Sword 15 is a powerful machine that excels at gaming, but its battery life needs improvement. Give MSI Pulse GL66 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled performance.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Sword 15's battery life is its most significant letdown. I've experienced inconsistent results, ranging from one to three hours of usage while performing the same tasks. Even in power-saving mode or using the laptop's own battery-saving profile, the machine struggled to reach a consistent four-hour mark. This is disappointing, given the laptop's specs and potential uses for students or professionals who need to get through a full workday on a single charge.
Connectivity
The MSI Sword 15's connectivity options are manageable, with a headphone jack, microphone combo, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A and Type C port, HDMI out, and Gigabit Ethernet. However, the inclusion of a USB 2 port is unusual. Port placement on the sides is decent, but the back is surprisingly empty, with two massive air exhaust vents taking up most of the space. Consider discovering the power of MSI Thin 15, featuring the latest advancements in connectivity.
Features
The MSI Sword 15 features an 11th gen i7 processor, RTX 3060 graphics, and a 144Hz IPS display. It has 16GB RAM, a 500GB NVMe drive, and a headphone jack, microphone combo, USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, HDMI out, and gigabit Ethernet. The laptop also boasts two massive air exhaust vents for cooling. You might prefer MSI Katana A15 AI, designed with an upgraded features for a better experience.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Sword 15's build quality is somewhat cheap with a plastic chassis that shows flex. The IO layout is manageable but the inclusion of a USB 2 port seems odd. The biggest issue is inconsistent battery life, lasting anywhere from one to three hours despite similar tasks, making it hard to recommend for school or work use.
Pros
1. The machine has an 11th gen i7 and an rtx 3060, making it a powerful laptop for gaming and other demanding tasks.
2. The keyboard is very familiar to the reviewer, who has owned previous MSI laptops, although they find the keys slightly condensed.
3. The trackpad is perfectly fine for web browsing, despite having some flex when pressing the keys.
4. The 144Hz IPS display provides a good viewing experience, with adequate brightness even in daytime use.
5. The laptop's internal components are well-cooled, with two downwards-facing speakers and a 52 watt hour battery providing a good balance of performance and power management.
Cons
1. The build quality is fairly cheap, with most of the material being used as plastic and plenty of flex in the chassis.
2. The IO ports are limited, with no ports on the back and only a headphone jack, microphone combo, usb 3.2 gen 1 type a and type c port, hdmi out, and gigabit ethernet available.
3. The battery life is extremely disappointing, with inconsistent results ranging from one to three hours even while doing the same task.
4. The webcam is relatively naturally lit, but appears fairly fuzzy and may not be suitable for serious video conferencing or content creation.
5. The laptop gets fairly loud while gaming, which may be a problem for users who prefer quiet computing.
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features