The Ultimate Showdown: MSI Modern 14 vs VivoBook 14 – Which One Reigns Supreme?

In the realm of ultraportable laptops, two contenders stand tall: the MSI Modern 14 and the VivoBook 14. Both devices boast impressive specifications and sleek designs, but which one emerges as the ultimate choice? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to unravel their strengths and weaknesses.

Design and Build Quality

The MSI Modern 14 exudes a minimalist aesthetic with its brushed aluminum chassis. Its slim profile and lightweight construction make it an ideal companion for professionals on the go. On the other hand, the VivoBook 14 features a more playful design with its textured lid and vibrant color options. Its plastic construction may not be as durable as aluminum, but it keeps the weight down.

Display

Both laptops offer 14-inch IPS displays with Full HD resolution. However, the Modern 14 has a slight edge with its higher brightness and wider color gamut, resulting in more vibrant and accurate visuals. The VivoBook 14’s display is still decent, but it may not be as impressive in bright outdoor conditions.

Performance

Under the hood, the Modern 14 packs the latest Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor, while the VivoBook 14 comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U. Both CPUs provide ample performance for everyday tasks, but the Modern 14 has a slight advantage in multi-core applications. However, the VivoBook 14 offers an optional NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics card, which gives it an edge in gaming and video editing.

Storage and Memory

The Modern 14 comes with a 512GB NVMe SSD and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, which provide lightning-fast storage and multitasking capabilities. The VivoBook 14 offers similar options, but it also has a less expensive model with a 256GB SSD and 8GB of RAM.

Battery Life

Battery life is crucial for ultraportable laptops. The Modern 14 boasts a larger 50Wh battery, while the VivoBook 14 has a smaller 42Wh battery. In real-world usage, the Modern 14 delivers around 8-9 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the VivoBook 14 lasts for about 6-7 hours.

Ports and Connectivity

The Modern 14 offers a comprehensive set of ports, including two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a microSD card slot. The VivoBook 14 has a similar selection of ports, but it lacks an HDMI port. Both laptops support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.

Features and Extras

The Modern 14 comes with a fingerprint scanner for added security. It also has a backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in low-light conditions. The VivoBook 14 lacks a fingerprint scanner but offers a wider touchpad with NumberPad 2.0, which can be activated for a numeric keypad function.

Price and Value

The MSI Modern 14 starts at around $800, while the VivoBook 14 starts at around $600. The Modern 14 offers a better display, performance, and battery life, but the VivoBook 14 is more affordable and has a more playful design.

Verdict: The Ultimate Choice

The MSI Modern 14 and the VivoBook 14 are both excellent ultraportable laptops, but they cater to different preferences and needs. If you prioritize performance, display quality, and battery life, the Modern 14 is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for an affordable laptop with a more playful design and ample features, the VivoBook 14 is a solid option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which laptop has a better camera?
Both laptops have 720p webcams.

2. Which laptop is lighter?
The VivoBook 14 is slightly lighter, weighing around 1.4kg compared to the Modern 14’s 1.5kg.

3. Which laptop has a longer warranty?
Both laptops come with a 1-year standard warranty.

4. Which laptop is better for gaming?
The VivoBook 14 with the NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics card offers better gaming performance than the Modern 14.

5. Which laptop has a more comfortable keyboard?
Both keyboards are backlit, but some users may prefer the wider touchpad with NumberPad 2.0 on the VivoBook 14.