What To Know
- The MacBook Air M1 has a more limited selection of ports, with only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack.
- However, if you prefer a wider selection of ports, a customizable design, and a more affordable price point, the MSI Modern 14 is a compelling option.
- The MacBook Air M1 excels in performance, battery life, and display quality, while the MSI Modern 14 offers a more customizable design, a wider range of ports, and a lower price point.
In the world of ultraportable laptops, the MSI Modern 14 and the MacBook Air M1 stand as formidable contenders. Both devices boast sleek designs, powerful performance, and exceptional battery life. However, deciding which one is the right choice for your needs can be a daunting task. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the MSI Modern 14 and the MacBook Air M1, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality:
The MSI Modern 14 exudes a professional and sleek aesthetic with its aluminum chassis and diamond-cut edges. It comes in a variety of colors, including gray, white, and pink. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, maintains its iconic wedge-shaped design with a unibody aluminum construction. It is available in silver, space gray, and gold.
In terms of build quality, both laptops are well-crafted and durable. The MSI Modern 14’s aluminum chassis provides excellent rigidity, while the MacBook Air M1’s unibody design ensures a seamless and robust construction.
Display:
The MSI Modern 14 features a 14-inch IPS-level display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It offers a bright and vibrant picture, with accurate colors and wide viewing angles. The MacBook Air M1 also sports a 13.3-inch IPS display, but with a higher resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. This results in a sharper and more detailed image quality.
Additionally, the MacBook Air M1’s display supports P3 wide color gamut, providing a more accurate representation of colors.
Performance:
The MSI Modern 14 is powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, paired with 8GB or 16GB of RAM. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, is equipped with Apple’s M1 chip, which features an 8-core CPU and 7-core or 8-core GPU.
In terms of raw performance, the MacBook Air M1 outperforms the MSI Modern 14 in most tasks. Its M1 chip delivers exceptional speed and efficiency, handling demanding applications with ease.
Battery Life:
Battery life is a crucial factor for ultraportable laptops. The MSI Modern 14 boasts a 50Wh battery that provides up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge. The MacBook Air M1, with its M1 chip’s power efficiency, offers an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours.
This significant difference in battery life makes the MacBook Air M1 the clear winner in this category.
Connectivity:
The MSI Modern 14 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, an HDMI port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone/microphone jack. The MacBook Air M1 has a more limited selection of ports, with only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack.
Operating System:
The MSI Modern 14 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home or Pro, while the MacBook Air M1 runs on Apple’s macOS Big Sur. Both operating systems offer a wide range of features and applications, but they differ in their user interface and ecosystem.
Which Laptop is Right for You?
The choice between the MSI Modern 14 and the MacBook Air M1 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize raw performance, exceptional battery life, and a vibrant display, the MacBook Air M1 is the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a wider selection of ports, a customizable design, and a more affordable price point, the MSI Modern 14 is a compelling option.
Final Verdict:
Both the MSI Modern 14 and the MacBook Air M1 are excellent ultraportable laptops with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The MacBook Air M1 excels in performance, battery life, and display quality, while the MSI Modern 14 offers a more customizable design, a wider range of ports, and a lower price point. Ultimately, the best laptop for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which laptop has a better processor?
A: The MacBook Air M1’s M1 chip outperforms the MSI Modern 14’s Intel Core i5 or i7 processor in most tasks.
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The MacBook Air M1 offers an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, significantly longer than the MSI Modern 14’s 10 hours.
Q: Which laptop has a higher resolution display?
A: The MacBook Air M1’s 13.3-inch display has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, while the MSI Modern 14’s 14-inch display has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The MSI Modern 14 is generally more affordable than the MacBook Air M1, especially at the lower configuration levels.
Q: Which laptop has a wider selection of ports?
A: The MSI Modern 14 offers a wider range of ports, including USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, and a microSD card slot, while the MacBook Air M1 has a more limited selection of ports, including only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports.
