Lenovo vs. MSI: Which One’s the Best Choice For Gaming and Work?
The main difference between an average laptop and a gaming laptop is HUGE. From the hardware to its display quality, CPU/GPU processor, and any possible comparison you can make.
Are you looking for a brand that packs AWESOME features for playing games?
Or, do you need a laptop with intense durability and performance efficiency for your work and other activities?
If you’re searching for what you want for your next laptop, don’t worry.
Let me help you choose which MSI vs. Lenovo legion laptops are more suitable for you.
A Closer Look at MSI vs. Lenovo Legion
The two products that I’ll be comparing for today are the MSI GS65 Stealth and the Lenovo Legion 5.
The main difference between these two comes in many forms, but performance and battery life are HEAVY factors you might consider.
To help you search which of these two brands is the BEST to use, let’s look at their hardware specifications and make a SOUND comparison based on what they can offer.
MSI GS65 Stealth
This thin, stylish and powerful laptop packs a LOT of punches for a gaming laptop.
Many people typically compare gaming laptops to a HUGE brick that you can’t carry around so easily.
While there’s a gaming laptop that would fit that description, the MSI GS65 Stealth is the opposite.
This laptop, which is only 1.16 inches thick and weighs 4.19 pounds, already carries a high-end Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card without much weight on your back.
Additionally, its beautiful all-black design comes with RGB lights. It also has a built-in full HD webcam and crisp audio speakers, so video calls and watching movies turn out better.
While you can search for details on the MSI website, read up on the detailed specifications below.
Technical Specifications:
- CPU: intel core i7 processor
- Resolution: 15.6-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) anti-glare, wide-view 144Hz panel
- Dimensions: 15.6″ in total
- Storage: 256GB – 512GB M.2 SSD
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 – RTX 2080 GPU
- RAM: 16GB – 32GB
- Display refresh rate: 144Hz
This laptop model also runs under the Windows 10 operating system and maybe UPGRADED to Windows 11 for business purposes.
The MSI GS65 Stealth also features a Thunderbolt 3 port, fulfilling the USB-C connector’s promise that allows ANY dock, display, or data device to connect smoothly.
Need high-end parts specifications designed for a laptop that you can still play games in full HD? It would be best if you buy the MSI GS65!
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro makes many tasks appear SIMPLE.
It boasts a FANTASTIC 16-inch QHD (officially WQXGA, because the resolution is 2560 x 1600) quality display IDEAL for multiple applications!
This screen, in particular, has a 16:10 aspect ratio display, which gives my eyes the luxury of having MORE things to look at without having to adjust to fit within my view.
Even if you don’t realize it YET, Lenovo’s combination of a taller, full HD screen is what you might be looking for and a cutting-edge AMD Ryzen processor.
The Lenovo legion 5 Pro’s Four-Zone RGB keyboard was designed to ENHANCE the laptop’s look vs. Lenovo ThinkPad.
Other than taking a look at their website, check out the specifications for this model right here:
Technical Specifications:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor
- Resolution: 16-inch WQXGA 2560 x 1600 IPS display
- Dimensions: 14.02 x 10.41 x 1.07 inches screen, 5.4 pounds
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (user-replaceable)
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU
- RAM: 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- Display refresh rate: 165Hz
- Webcam: 720p
Unlike the MSI GS65 Stealth, the Lenovo Legion Pro doesn’t have a Thunderbolt port. HOWEVER, the two USB Type C ports with DisplayPort 1.4 and an ethernet jack are there.
The Lenovo legion 5 also features one HDMI 2.1 port and a 3.5 mm combo headphones jack. If you want your next laptop to have this much port capacity, THIS is the one!
The Boss Battle: Laptop Edition
In this fierce search for flippable high-powered gaming laptops, will the first contender, namely MSI GS65 Stealth take the crown?
Or will the other challenger, the Lenovo legion 5 Pro, step up its game and shoot into your possession?
From the hardware, and graphics card down to the processor and other categories, let’s dive into the comparison between MSI vs. Lenovo.
Hardware Specs Winner: MSI GS65 Stealth
After evaluating the specs of MSI vs. Lenovo legion, BOTH laptops are on par in hardware specifications.
Let’s elaborate on why I declared the MSI laptop the WINNER in this category.
The ADVANTAGE MSI GS65 Stealth has is its Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, which is good, especially for people who are particular about full HD visuals on their laptops.
Its RAM is SUPER GREAT, running at a powerful 16GB – 32GB of RAM in comparison to the Lenovo legion 5 Pro that has 8GB GDDR6 only.
The CPU also boasts of an INCREDIBLY FAST intel core i7, so loading files, programs and games will run smoothly.
If you’re down for a BIGGER screen size, the MSI laptop surely wins over the Lenovo legion 5 with a display size of 15.6 inches, allowing you to see a bit more on the screen.
Price Champion: MSI GS65 Stealth
The price of gaming laptops varies according to brand, and that is a given. With the increase in GPU and storage capacity, the price increase follows.
While that’s typically the issue, manufacturers have made an effort to make gaming laptops affordable but still packed with incredible specs.
The MSI GS65 Stealth wins this round.
I chose this model because of its cost-effectivity for a laptop like this, compared to other laptops with similar specs.
The Lenovo legion 5 may bear awesome hardware, but its Amazon price is HIGH. However, the MSI GS65 Stealth cost is lower than the Lenovo legion 5 on Amazon.
It’s a bit understandable that price comes first when weighing out what laptop brand to choose, so I deem the MSI GS65 Stealth worth your money, despite both models being equally expensive.
User-Friendly Weapon: Lenovo Legion 5
A new user who chooses the ideal laptop wants a simple-looking model designed for work and casual use.
The Lenovo legion 5 Pro contains HDMI, 3.5 mm audio, and USB Type jacks to handle an external connector for USB-Type C cables.
The advantage of the Lenovo legion 5 Pro in memory and storage is that you can upgrade its RAM and SSD.
Unlike thinner laptop models, you’re left with no choice but to stick to what they have because of size constraints.
Its AMD CPU may differ from the widely popular intel core i7 variety. This CPU runs just as generously fast as its counterpart.
This model is also available on Amazon if you’re interested in buying it.
Lord of Customer Service: Lenovo Legion 5
I know, I know. You might be thinking, “Would this laptop withstand my rage if I hit it?”
The answer is YES, and at the same time, MAYBE don’t?
The armor of this laptop still doesn’t give you a free pass to make this precious thing a punching bag if you encounter a lot of gamer rage moments or, worse, the lag.
However, Lenovo has more service centers accessible to customers if they search for a place to utilize their warranty or get regular services/repairs.
Meanwhile, MSI doesn’t have a lot of service centers available, so it might be a bit difficult in that case.
Amazon won’t be liable for any damages incurred on the laptops, so be gentle with your laptop even in heated times, and don’t do a minus 100 HP on it, please.
Let the desk take all the emotional damage instead!
GPU Supremacy: Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
Isn’t it annoying when you’re in the middle of an FPS game, the low frame rate sends you into an intense gamer rage?
Because of the poor graphics card, does it makes you cut down on the quality to avoid any FPS drop?
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro’s refresh rate sends you into a feel-good frenzy because you can aim right and see enemies better, plus you won’t have to hold back on the graphic settings.
Because of its powerful graphics card, the experience as you play won’t ever be the same again in comparison to the standard frame rate from normal laptops with an ordinary GPU.
This product is also available on Amazon.
Storage Upgradeability: Lenovo Legion 5
As it has already been said, the MSI GS65 RAM and SSD were designed for compact convenience and considering the aspect of defying the typical laptop bulkiness.
However, if you prefer laptops that can be upgraded, Lenovo Legion 5 might be better since its RAM and SSD can be added to their existing capacity.
So, when it comes to capacity level up, Lenovo Legion 5 Pro wins! Just look for an additional SSD on Amazon if you feel like increasing the SSD on your Lenovo laptop.
Intel Core vs. AMD Ryzen: King of Processors
Lenovo’s more on making laptops focused on everyday professional uses, with a processor that ranges from i3 to i5.
Their gaming laptop, however, has quite a limit.
There are no i3 laptops available under the MSI brand. They have more expensive versions, such as the i7 processor.
General Performance: AMD Ryzen vs. Intel Core
Choosing between Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 will ultimately come down to your line of work and how you use your computer daily.
Both AMD Ryzen 7 and the MSI GS65 Stealth’s Intel Core i7 have eight cores and eight threads.
AMD Ryzen 7 processor against Intel Core i7 had a dismal performance in modern gaming.
Some of the latest AMD Ryzen laptops are a lot better for playing games, but the processors alone aren’t optimal for gaming without additional gear.
Both processors match performance equally between the intel core i7 of the MSI GS65 Stealth and the AMD Ryzen 7 of the Lenovo Legion 5.
Winner
Intel Core i7 processor is good for gaming and multimedia use, unlike the AMD processor; its killer refresh rate puts all the other average laptops to shame.
The Victor
From the full HD display specs, the SSD upgrade capacity, keyboard and screen quality comparison, Lenovo rises above all.
If you want to increase the SSD storage, you can find a few stuff on Amazon.
Its AMD processor may fall short compared to the popular intel core processor, but it can still handle heavy-duty programs and simultaneously run tasks.
The graphics card Lenovo has surely outweighs the one MSI has, and it also comes with an HDMI port.
Frequently Asked Questions
I know, my friend, the indecisiveness doesn’t stop here, so go ahead and check these FAQs for any other inquiries you may still have regarding MSI vs. Lenovo legion 5 laptops.
How Can I Take Care of My Laptop’s Battery Life?
Make sure you plug the charger before the battery life reaches 10% and unplug once it’s on 95 0r 100 since it’s the optimal range for the laptop battery.
Your laptop charger serves as the lifeline of your device. If you don’t pay attention to it, the costs for repair or replacement will surely be expensive.
REMEMBER: You might not be able to play for longer periods if it drains too easily or the battery melts from constantly overcharging!
Do I Still Need to Get the Hardware Cleaned?
Over time, the laptop collects dust, and in case you have a pet, fur will surely clog the fan.
The longer they gather around your laptop’s exhaust fans, it might pose a problem later on, as it will induce overheating, depending on the severity of the dirt.
If they can, ask the service center to get your keyboard cleaned or attached with a silicone covering to protect it from dust.
End of Story
Sure, all laptops have flaws, but the Lenovo legion 5 Pro can be overlooked compared to other models.
You can also find and search some of its parts on Amazon.
The speakers’ audio quality, SSD capacity, powerful AMD processor and smooth screen make up for the price that might be quite high but still delivers.