MSI Modern 15: Ryzen 7 5700U Review
Hey everyone! Today, we’re diving deep into the MSI Modern 15 configured with the AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor. This sleek laptop is designed for those who need a blend of performance and portability. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone who just enjoys on-the-go computing, the Modern 15 aims to be a versatile companion. Let's break down what makes this laptop tick, its strengths, and where it might fall a little short.
Design and Build Quality
When you first lay your eyes on the MSI Modern 15, you'll immediately notice its sleek and minimalist design. The laptop sports a clean, professional look, making it suitable for any environment, from a corporate office to a bustling coffee shop. MSI has opted for a lightweight chassis, which is a huge plus if you're always on the move. The build quality feels solid, though it’s important to remember that to achieve this lightness, some compromises have been made in terms of material rigidity.
The laptop's exterior features a matte finish, which not only looks elegant but also does a decent job of resisting fingerprints and smudges. The MSI logo is subtly placed on the lid, adding to the understated aesthetic. Opening the laptop, you're greeted by a spacious keyboard and a large trackpad, both of which contribute to a comfortable user experience. The hinge feels sturdy, allowing the screen to be positioned at various angles without feeling wobbly. Overall, the design is well-thought-out, balancing aesthetics with practicality.
However, the pursuit of lightness does mean that the laptop can exhibit some flex under pressure, particularly on the keyboard deck. While this isn't a deal-breaker, it's something to be aware of if you tend to type aggressively. The materials used, while visually appealing, don't quite match the premium feel of some higher-end laptops. Nevertheless, for its price point, the MSI Modern 15 strikes a good balance between design, build quality, and portability.
Performance
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: performance. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U is the engine that powers this machine, and it's a fantastic choice for a laptop in this category. This processor features eight cores and sixteen threads, making it incredibly capable for multitasking and handling demanding applications. Whether you're editing documents, browsing the web with multiple tabs open, or even dabbling in some light video editing, the Ryzen 7 5700U can handle it all with ease.
In terms of benchmarks, the Ryzen 7 5700U consistently delivers impressive results. It outperforms many of its competitors in both single-core and multi-core tests, making it a standout performer in its class. The integrated AMD Radeon Graphics is also surprisingly capable, allowing you to enjoy some casual gaming without needing a dedicated graphics card. Games like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Rocket League run smoothly at medium settings, providing a decent gaming experience on the go.
However, it's important to note that the MSI Modern 15 is not a gaming laptop. While the integrated graphics are competent, they won't be able to handle the latest AAA titles at high settings. If you're a serious gamer, you'll want to consider a laptop with a dedicated GPU. That being said, for everyday tasks and light creative work, the Ryzen 7 5700U provides more than enough power. The laptop also benefits from fast SSD storage, which ensures quick boot times and snappy application loading. Overall, the performance of the MSI Modern 15 is one of its strongest selling points.
Display
The display is a crucial aspect of any laptop, and the MSI Modern 15 offers a decent viewing experience. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display, which provides good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. The matte finish helps to reduce glare, making it comfortable to use in bright environments. Whether you're working on spreadsheets, watching videos, or browsing the web, the display delivers crisp and clear visuals.
While the display is generally good, it's not without its limitations. The brightness is adequate for indoor use, but it can struggle in direct sunlight. The color gamut coverage is also not the widest, meaning that professional content creators might find it lacking for color-sensitive work. However, for everyday tasks and general use, the display is more than sufficient. The screen's anti-glare properties are particularly appreciated, as they reduce eye strain during long working sessions.
One thing to note is that the MSI Modern 15 doesn't offer a high refresh rate display. This isn't a major issue for most users, but gamers might miss the smoother visuals that a 120Hz or 144Hz display provides. Considering the laptop's focus on portability and productivity, the standard 60Hz display is a reasonable compromise. Overall, the display on the MSI Modern 15 is a solid performer, offering a good balance of clarity, color accuracy, and viewing comfort.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard and trackpad are essential for a comfortable and efficient user experience, and the MSI Modern 15 doesn't disappoint in this regard. The keyboard features a comfortable key travel and a tactile feedback, making typing a breeze. The keys are well-spaced, reducing the likelihood of accidental keystrokes. The layout is standard, so you won't have to spend time getting used to unusual key placements. The keyboard is also backlit, allowing you to type in low-light conditions.
While the keyboard is generally excellent, it's worth noting that it can exhibit some flex under pressure. This is a common trade-off in lightweight laptops, but it's something to be aware of if you're a heavy-handed typist. The trackpad is large and responsive, providing smooth and accurate cursor control. It supports multi-finger gestures, making it easy to navigate through documents and web pages. The trackpad also has a satisfying click, although it can be a bit noisy at times.
Overall, the keyboard and trackpad on the MSI Modern 15 are well-designed and comfortable to use. They contribute to a positive user experience, whether you're typing up a report, browsing the web, or editing photos. The backlit keyboard is a particularly useful feature, allowing you to work in any environment. While there are some minor drawbacks, such as the keyboard flex and the slightly noisy trackpad click, these are easily overlooked given the overall quality of the input devices.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for any portable device, and the MSI Modern 15 delivers respectable performance in this area. The laptop is equipped with a battery that provides enough juice to get you through a full workday on a single charge. Under typical usage scenarios, such as browsing the web, editing documents, and streaming videos, you can expect to get around 8-10 hours of battery life. This is more than adequate for most users, allowing you to stay productive without constantly searching for an outlet.
Of course, battery life will vary depending on your usage patterns. If you're running demanding applications or playing games, you'll likely see a significant decrease in battery life. However, even under heavy usage, the MSI Modern 15 should still provide several hours of runtime. The laptop also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery when needed. This is a particularly useful feature when you're on the go and don't have much time to spare.
To maximize battery life, you can adjust the power settings in Windows. Lowering the screen brightness, disabling unnecessary background processes, and using the battery saver mode can all help to extend the runtime. Overall, the battery life of the MSI Modern 15 is one of its strengths, making it a reliable companion for work, travel, and entertainment. You can confidently take this laptop with you knowing that it will last through most of your day.
Ports and Connectivity
In terms of ports and connectivity, the MSI Modern 15 offers a decent selection. It features a USB-C port, which supports data transfer, power delivery, and display output. There are also multiple USB-A ports for connecting peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, and external storage devices. An HDMI port allows you to connect the laptop to an external monitor or projector. A microSD card reader is also included, which is useful for transferring files from cameras and other devices.
Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 6, which provides fast and reliable internet access. Bluetooth 5.1 is also supported, allowing you to connect wireless headphones, speakers, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The port selection is adequate for most users, but some might miss the inclusion of a Thunderbolt port, which offers even faster data transfer speeds and additional connectivity options. However, considering the laptop's price point, the port selection is reasonable.
One thing to note is that the MSI Modern 15 doesn't have an Ethernet port. This might be a drawback for some users who prefer a wired internet connection. However, you can always use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter if needed. Overall, the ports and connectivity options on the MSI Modern 15 are sufficient for most users, providing a good balance of wired and wireless connectivity.
Conclusion
So, what's the final verdict on the MSI Modern 15 with the AMD Ryzen 7 5700U? Overall, it's a well-rounded laptop that offers a great balance of performance, portability, and price. The Ryzen 7 5700U processor provides plenty of power for everyday tasks and light creative work, while the lightweight design makes it easy to carry around. The display is decent, the keyboard and trackpad are comfortable to use, and the battery life is respectable.
Of course, the MSI Modern 15 isn't perfect. The build quality could be better, the display isn't the brightest, and the lack of a Thunderbolt port might be a drawback for some users. However, these are minor issues that are easily overlooked given the laptop's overall strengths. If you're looking for a versatile and affordable laptop that can handle a variety of tasks, the MSI Modern 15 is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable and portable computing device. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this one, folks!
