Which Laptop Reigns Supreme? Acer Aspire 5 vs MSI Modern 14 Showdown
What To Know
- The MSI Modern 14 features a smaller 14-inch IPS display with the same resolution as the Aspire 5.
- The MSI Modern 14, on the other hand, has a smaller 50Wh battery, but its more efficient components result in a slightly longer battery life of around 8 hours.
- However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a larger screen and longer battery life, the Acer Aspire 5 is a great value.
In the realm of budget-friendly laptops, the Acer Aspire 5 and MSI Modern 14 stand as formidable contenders. Both devices offer a compelling blend of performance, portability, and affordability, making them ideal choices for students, professionals, and casual users alike. However, each laptop has its unique strengths and weaknesses, leaving buyers with the dilemma of choosing the better option.
Design and Build Quality
The Acer Aspire 5 boasts a sleek and understated design, with its brushed aluminum lid and narrow bezels. It weighs around 4.6 pounds, making it reasonably portable for its size. The MSI Modern 14, on the other hand, features a more premium aesthetic, with its thin profile and lightweight magnesium alloy chassis. It weighs just 2.6 pounds, making it one of the lightest laptops in its class.
Display
The Acer Aspire 5 comes with a 15.6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The display offers decent color accuracy and viewing angles, but its brightness is somewhat limited. The MSI Modern 14 features a smaller 14-inch IPS display with the same resolution as the Aspire 5. However, the Modern 14’s display is significantly brighter, with a peak brightness of 300 nits.
Performance
Under the hood, the Acer Aspire 5 can be configured with a variety of processors, including Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 chips. It also offers up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The MSI Modern 14 is powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. In terms of performance, the Aspire 5 and Modern 14 are on par with each other, offering sufficient power for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Battery Life
The Acer Aspire 5 is equipped with a 48Wh battery, which provides an average battery life of around 7 hours. The MSI Modern 14, on the other hand, has a smaller 50Wh battery, but its more efficient components result in a slightly longer battery life of around 8 hours.
Connectivity
Both the Acer Aspire 5 and MSI Modern 14 offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. They both feature two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card slot. The Modern 14 additionally includes a Thunderbolt 4 port, providing faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to external displays.
Software
The Acer Aspire 5 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, while the MSI Modern 14 offers Windows 10 Pro. Windows 10 Pro provides additional features and security enhancements, making it a better choice for business users.
Price
The Acer Aspire 5 is typically priced between $500 and $700, depending on the configuration. The MSI Modern 14, on the other hand, is slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from $600 to $800.
Which Laptop is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Acer Aspire 5 and MSI Modern 14 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability, premium build quality, and a brighter display, the MSI Modern 14 is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a larger screen and longer battery life, the Acer Aspire 5 is a great value.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Considerations
Operating System
The MSI Modern 14 offers Windows 10 Pro, which provides additional features and security enhancements over Windows 10 Home. If you’re a business user or require advanced security features, the Modern 14 is a better choice.
Thunderbolt 4
The MSI Modern 14 includes a Thunderbolt 4 port, which allows for faster data transfer speeds, external display connectivity, and charging. If you frequently connect to external devices or require high-speed data transfer, the Modern 14 is a better option.
Upgradability
Both the Acer Aspire 5 and MSI Modern 14 have limited upgradability options. The Aspire 5 allows you to upgrade the RAM and SSD, while the Modern 14 only allows you to upgrade the SSD. If you anticipate needing to upgrade your laptop’s components in the future, the Aspire 5 is a better choice.
Common Questions and Answers
Which laptop has a better display?
The MSI Modern 14 has a brighter display with a higher peak brightness of 300 nits.
Which laptop is more portable?
The MSI Modern 14 is significantly lighter and thinner, making it more portable than the Acer Aspire 5.
Which laptop has a longer battery life?
The MSI Modern 14 has a slightly longer battery life of around 8 hours, compared to the Acer Aspire 5’s 7-hour battery life.
Which laptop is better for business users?
The MSI Modern 14 with Windows 10 Pro is a better choice for business users due to its additional security features and enhanced functionality.
Which laptop is more affordable?
The Acer Aspire 5 is typically more affordable than the MSI Modern 14, with prices starting at $500 compared to $600 for the Modern 14.
