What To Know
- The Nitro 5 has a 57Wh battery, which provides an average battery life of 4-5 hours on a single charge.
- While it offers a more powerful processor and additional RAM, the lower-tier graphics card makes it a less compelling value proposition compared to the Nitro 5.
- On the other hand, if you prefer a more premium design, a more powerful processor, and additional RAM, the MSI GF63 is a viable option.
In the realm of budget gaming laptops, the Acer Nitro 5 and MSI GF63 stand out as two formidable contenders. Both offer impressive specifications and features at an accessible price point, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Acer Nitro 5:
The Nitro 5 boasts a sleek and aggressive design with sharp angles and fiery red accents. Its sturdy plastic chassis feels solid and durable, with minimal flex.
MSI GF63:
In contrast, the GF63 presents a more subdued and professional aesthetic. Its brushed metal lid and slim profile give it a premium look. However, the plastic base feels slightly less robust than the Nitro 5’s.
Display
Acer Nitro 5:
The Nitro 5 offers a 15.6-inch IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate. This provides smooth and responsive gameplay, especially in fast-paced shooters. The colors are vibrant and accurate, making it suitable for both gaming and content creation.
MSI GF63:
The GF63 comes with a 15.6-inch IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While not as high as the Nitro 5’s, it still delivers a noticeable improvement over standard 60Hz displays. The colors are equally impressive, offering a wide color gamut for immersive gaming experiences.
Processor and Graphics
Acer Nitro 5:
The Nitro 5 is powered by an Intel Core i5-11400H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card. This combination provides ample performance for most modern games at moderate settings.
MSI GF63:
The GF63 utilizes an Intel Core i7-11800H processor, which offers a slight edge in performance compared to the Nitro 5’s i5. However, it is paired with a lower-tier NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card. This results in slightly lower gaming performance than the Nitro 5.
Memory and Storage
Acer Nitro 5:
The Nitro 5 comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD. This provides a good balance of multitasking capabilities and fast storage speeds.
MSI GF63:
The GF63 offers 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD. The additional RAM allows for smoother multitasking, especially when running multiple applications and games simultaneously.
Battery Life
Acer Nitro 5:
The Nitro 5 has a 57Wh battery, which provides an average battery life of 4-5 hours on a single charge. This is sufficient for light usage but may fall short for extended gaming sessions.
MSI GF63:
The GF63 features a slightly larger 59Wh battery. This translates to a marginally better battery life of 5-6 hours, which offers a bit more flexibility for gaming on the go.
Connectivity and Expandability
Acer Nitro 5:
The Nitro 5 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. It also has a dedicated SD card reader.
MSI GF63:
The GF63 provides similar connectivity options, with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. However, it lacks an SD card reader.
Price and Value
Acer Nitro 5:
The Acer Nitro 5 typically retails for around $800-$900, depending on the configuration. This provides excellent value for money, considering its impressive specifications and features.
MSI GF63:
The MSI GF63 has a slightly higher price range of $900-$1,000. While it offers a more powerful processor and additional RAM, the lower-tier graphics card makes it a less compelling value proposition compared to the Nitro 5.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Acer Nitro 5 and MSI GF63 are solid budget gaming laptops with their own strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize high refresh rate gaming and overall value, the Acer Nitro 5 is the clear winner. It offers a faster graphics card, a higher refresh rate display, and a more affordable price point.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more premium design, a more powerful processor, and additional RAM, the MSI GF63 is a viable option. However, keep in mind that the lower-tier graphics card may limit its gaming performance compared to the Nitro 5.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider the factors discussed in this comparison to make an informed decision that suits your gaming and computing requirements.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which laptop has a better processor?
A: The MSI GF63 has a slightly more powerful Intel Core i7-11800H processor compared to the Acer Nitro 5’s i5-11400H.
Q: Which laptop has a better graphics card?
A: The Acer Nitro 5 has a faster NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card compared to the MSI GF63’s GTX 1650 Ti.
Q: Which laptop has a higher refresh rate display?
A: The Acer Nitro 5 has a 144Hz refresh rate display, while the MSI GF63 has a 120Hz refresh rate display.
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The MSI GF63 has a slightly longer battery life of 5-6 hours compared to the Acer Nitro 5’s 4-5 hours.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The Acer Nitro 5 is generally more affordable than the MSI GF63, with a typical price range of $800-$900 compared to $900-$1,000.
