Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 vs MSI Bravo 15: Which Budget Gaming Laptop Reigns Supreme?

In the realm of budget gaming laptops, two powerhouses emerge: the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 and the MSI Bravo 15. Both laptops offer impressive specs and features that cater to gamers on a budget. However, which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these two gaming machines, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The IdeaPad Gaming 3 sports a sleek and understated design with a black chassis and angular accents. The MSI Bravo 15, on the other hand, exudes a more aggressive aesthetic with its red accents and hexagonal design elements. Both laptops are made of plastic, but the Bravo 15 feels slightly more sturdy.

Display

The IdeaPad Gaming 3 features a 15.6-inch IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution. The Bravo 15 also has a 15.6-inch IPS display, but it boasts a higher 144Hz refresh rate and a 1920×1080 resolution. Both displays offer vibrant colors and good viewing angles, but the Bravo 15 has a slight edge in terms of sharpness and smoothness.

Performance

At the heart of the IdeaPad Gaming 3 lies an Intel Core i5-11300H processor, paired with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card. The MSI Bravo 15, on the other hand, is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card.

In terms of CPU performance, the Ryzen 7 5800H in the Bravo 15 has a slight edge over the Core i5-11300H in the IdeaPad Gaming 3. However, the RTX 3050 Ti in the Bravo 15 offers significantly better graphics performance than the GTX 1650 in the IdeaPad Gaming 3, providing smoother gameplay at higher settings.

Battery Life

Battery life is not a strong suit for either laptop, but the IdeaPad Gaming 3 has a slightly longer endurance than the Bravo 15. In real-world usage, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 can last for about 4-5 hours on a single charge, while the Bravo 15 typically lasts for 3-4 hours.

Connectivity and I/O

Both laptops offer a comprehensive set of ports and 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 headphone/microphone jack. Additionally, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 has an Ethernet port, while the Bravo 15 has a microSD card slot.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The IdeaPad Gaming 3 has a full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad, while the Bravo 15 has a more compact keyboard without a numeric keypad. Both keyboards offer decent key travel and feedback, but the Bravo 15’s keyboard feels slightly more responsive. The touchpads on both laptops are large and responsive, providing a good user experience.

The Bottom Line: The Battle of Budget Gaming Laptops

Ultimately, the choice between the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 and the MSI Bravo 15 depends on your specific needs and preferences.

If you prioritize CPU performance and battery life, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a solid choice. However, if you demand superior graphics performance for smoother gaming, the MSI Bravo 15 is the clear winner.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The MSI Bravo 15 has a slightly better display with a higher refresh rate and resolution.

Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has a slightly longer battery life.

Q: Which laptop has a more powerful graphics card?
A: The MSI Bravo 15 has a more powerful RTX 3050 Ti graphics card compared to the GTX 1650 in the IdeaPad Gaming 3.

Q: Which laptop has a more compact design?
A: The MSI Bravo 15 has a more compact design without a numeric keypad.

Q: Which laptop has better connectivity options?
A: Both laptops offer a comprehensive set of ports and connectivity options, but the IdeaPad Gaming 3 has an additional Ethernet port.