Apple MacBook Air (2020) vs MSI Thin GF63

The MacBook Air (2020) is less suited for 3D and gaming primarily because it uses an integrated GPU that is not as powerful as dedicated gaming GPUs, and it has a screen refresh rate of 60Hz, which is lower than what is preferred for smooth gameplay. In contrast, the MSI Thin GF63 is equipped with a dedicated Nvidia GPU, better suited for gaming and 3D applications, and features a higher screen refresh rate of 144Hz for a more fluid visual experience, making it more capable for these purposes.

PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.

The Apple MacBook Air has a high-resolution display that offers vivid colors and sharp details, making it suitable for general use and engineering tasks that require accurate color representation, but the screen's lower refresh rate limits its effectiveness for 3D work where smooth motion is critical. The MSI Thin GF63's display may not be as bright or color-accurate as the MacBook's, leading to a less vibrant experience for general use and less precise color work in engineering and design, and its refresh rate is also not optimal for the fast-paced visuals required in gaming and 3D applications. Thus, the MacBook Air excels in display quality for general use and professional design, while the MSI Thin GF63 offers a more modest screen experience across the board.

Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.

The MacBook Air (2020) with its Apple M1 processor, ample RAM, and high-resolution screen is a solid option for general users who value portability and long battery life, while the MSI Thin GF63 offers a stronger CPU, more storage and RAM, plus a high refresh rate display, which makes it attractive for users who may require more power and are less concerned about carrying a heavier laptop with shorter battery life. The MacBook Air leads in screen color accuracy, which could be a bonus for those who do media work, whereas the MSI Thin GF63, with its dedicated graphics card, might appeal more to users interested in occasional gaming or graphical tasks.

The Apple MacBook Air (2020) is favored for engineering and design work due to its high-quality IPS display and efficient Apple M1 CPU, which handles tasks silently without a fan, while the MSI Thin GF63 offers a more powerful Intel CPU and dedicated Nvidia GPU combo that's better suited for high-performance engineering tasks, despite its increased weight and louder operating noise. The MacBook Air excels in portability and has a superior screen quality, as reflected by higher color accuracy for design work, whereas the GF63 provides more RAM for complex tasks and a higher screen refresh rate that can be beneficial for certain design applications.

PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.