What To Know
- The MSI Alpha 15 offers a battery life of up to 6 hours, while the ASUS TUF A15 boasts a longer battery life of up to 8 hours.
- The MSI Alpha 15 has a starting price of $1,299, while the ASUS TUF A15 starts at a more affordable $1,199.
- After carefully comparing the MSI Alpha 15 and the ASUS TUF A15 in all key aspects, the ASUS TUF A15 emerges as the victor.
In the realm of gaming laptops, two powerhouses stand tall: the MSI Alpha 15 and the ASUS TUF A15. Both machines boast impressive specs, but which one emerges as the ultimate victor? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and overall value to determine the champion.
Performance Showdown: Processor and Graphics
Processor: Intel Core i7-10750H vs. AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
The MSI Alpha 15 utilizes the Intel Core i7-10750H, a 6-core, 12-thread processor with a base clock of 2.6GHz and a turbo boost up to 5.0GHz. On the other hand, the ASUS TUF A15 features the AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, an 8-core, 16-thread processor with a base clock of 2.9GHz and a turbo boost up to 4.2GHz.
In terms of raw performance, the Ryzen 7 4800H holds a slight edge due to its higher core count. It excels in multi-threaded tasks such as video editing and rendering. However, the Core i7-10750H offers better single-core performance, which is crucial for gaming.
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 vs. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
The MSI Alpha 15 is equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, a mid-range GPU with 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM. The ASUS TUF A15, on the other hand, features the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, a newer GPU with 4GB of GDDR6 VRAM.
Despite having less VRAM, the RTX 3050 Ti outperforms the RTX 2060 thanks to its improved architecture and higher clock speeds. It delivers higher frame rates and better image quality in demanding games.
Display: Refresh Rate and Resolution
Refresh Rate: 144Hz vs. 165Hz
Both the MSI Alpha 15 and the ASUS TUF A15 offer IPS displays with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and responsive gameplay. However, the ASUS TUF A15 has a slight advantage with its 165Hz refresh rate, which further reduces motion blur and enhances the gaming experience.
Resolution: 1920×1080 vs. 2560×1440
The MSI Alpha 15 comes with a Full HD (1920×1080) display, while the ASUS TUF A15 offers a higher resolution of 2560×1440. The latter provides sharper images and more detailed visuals, but it also demands more graphical power.
Build Quality and Design
Build Quality: Aluminum vs. Plastic
The MSI Alpha 15 features a sturdy aluminum chassis that gives it a premium and durable feel. The ASUS TUF A15, on the other hand, utilizes a combination of plastic and metal, resulting in a slightly less robust build.
Design: Stealthy vs. Bold
The MSI Alpha 15 has a sleek and stealthy design with minimal branding and a matte black finish. The ASUS TUF A15, in contrast, sports a bolder aesthetic with aggressive angles and RGB lighting accents.
Battery Life and Portability
Battery Life: Up to 6 Hours vs. Up to 8 Hours
The MSI Alpha 15 offers a battery life of up to 6 hours, while the ASUS TUF A15 boasts a longer battery life of up to 8 hours. This difference is primarily due to the ASUS TUF A15’s larger battery capacity.
Portability: 4.63 lbs. vs. 5.07 lbs.
The MSI Alpha 15 weighs 4.63 lbs., making it slightly more portable than the ASUS TUF A15, which weighs 5.07 lbs. However, both laptops are still relatively heavy for gaming laptops.
Price and Value
Price: Starting at $1,299 vs. Starting at $1,199
The MSI Alpha 15 has a starting price of $1,299, while the ASUS TUF A15 starts at a more affordable $1,199. However, it’s important to consider the specific configurations and features of each model when comparing prices.
Value: Performance vs. Price
In terms of value, the ASUS TUF A15 offers a better price-to-performance ratio. It provides comparable performance to the MSI Alpha 15 at a lower starting price. However, if you prioritize build quality and a premium design, the MSI Alpha 15 may be worth the extra cost.
The Verdict: Which Gaming Laptop Wins?
After carefully comparing the MSI Alpha 15 and the ASUS TUF A15 in all key aspects, the ASUS TUF A15 emerges as the victor. It offers better performance, a higher refresh rate display, and a longer battery life at a more affordable price.
While the MSI Alpha 15 has a premium build quality and a sleek design, these factors alone cannot outweigh the advantages of the ASUS TUF A15. For most gamers, the ASUS TUF A15 provides an exceptional balance of performance, value, and portability.
Information You Need to Know
Q1: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The ASUS TUF A15 offers a longer battery life of up to 8 hours, compared to the MSI Alpha 15’s battery life of up to 6 hours.
Q2: Which laptop has a better display?
A: Both laptops offer 144Hz IPS displays, but the ASUS TUF A15 has a slight edge with its higher 165Hz refresh rate.
Q3: Which laptop is more portable?
A: The MSI Alpha 15 is slightly more portable, weighing 4.63 lbs., while the ASUS TUF A15 weighs 5.07 lbs.
Q4: Which laptop has a better build quality?
A: The MSI Alpha 15 features a more robust aluminum chassis, while the ASUS TUF A15 utilizes a combination of plastic and metal.
Q5: Which laptop offers a better price-to-performance ratio?
A: The ASUS TUF A15 provides a better price-to-performance ratio, offering comparable performance to the MSI Alpha 15 at a lower starting price.
