Performance: Overall this laptop's performance was excellent. Tasks like email, word processing and web browsing will be speedy. Compared to other tested laptops, it was fast for common tasks such as web browsing and video conferencing. Applications start up quickly. It was among the fastest when composing multiple documents with images, calculating large complex data spreadsheets, and running other demanding productivity tasks, and it was among the fastest for manipulating filters on multiple images, converting and editing videos, and rendering 3D models and calculating simulations. In addition, demanding video games will show smooth graphics and have a quick response. Graphical tasks run faster among other models with only integrated graphics.
Portability: This laptop is an excellent choice for traveling. Battery life lasted 16.25 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 15.25 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results were outstanding enough to last well beyond a typical day of mixed use, lasting longer than most other similar laptops. At 3.6 lbs, weight was typical for a laptop of this size category. To help with long-term battery health, this laptop has adjustable charge options, such as modifying when and how much to charge the battery.
Ergonomics: The laptop features, such as its keyboard, touchpad, and labeling were well-designed, making it comfortable and convenient to use. The keyboard has large keys and was comfortably sized. Its high contrast letters were easy to read, and the backlighting can be useful in dark rooms. The power button was well labeled and conveniently located. The touchpad was among the largest of those tested, and provides ample space for different touch gestures. The Smart gestures on touchpad can be used as an alternate input method. The touchscreen is smooth enough for fast swipes, and fingerprints clean off easily. Smart gestures can be used on the touchpad for additional controls.
Display: The display quality was excellent overall. Colors were accurately reproduced, realistic, and natural looking. The display was anti-reflective, so there was little or no glare when viewing in a brightly lit room or outdoors. It has HDR settings that can show fine detail and is helpful for use in dark rooms. The display has a wide viewing angle, especially important if more than one person needs to see the screen at a time, say, for a video or presentation. Its OLED display has better contrast than on most other tested laptops.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: Laptop has a touchscreen. The spacious 1TB solid-state drive offers plenty of room for storing your music, photos, and movies. You can connect common external devices such as hard drives and Blu-ray burners using USB4 Gen 3x2 (40 Gbps) for maximum performance. The fingerprint reader lets you log into your computer without typing in a password. This laptop has a full-size HDMI port and supports DisplayPort over USB-C for connecting to an HDTV or monitor. At about 11.3 ft length, the power cable is longer than most others, so you can worry less about power outlet locations.
Downsides: There is no memory-card reader, so you'll need to buy an external reader or connect your digital camera directly to this laptop to transfer photos. Based on results of a CR member survey, MSI laptops of a similar price to this model stood out as being meaningfully worse than typical for experiencing certain problem areas such as battery life never being good to begin with, and poor screen quality.
