The Dell Latitude 7490 is less expensive and offers better battery life, durable construction, and Windows 10 Pro, making it suitable for business environments and users who need longevity and are comfortable with older hardware. However, it is heavier and thicker than the MSI Modern 14. The MSI Modern 14 runs on Windows 11 Home with a newer AMD processor, featuring a thinner and lighter design that enhances portability, which is beneficial for users who travel frequently or prefer a modern aesthetic. For intensive graphics tasks like gaming or design, neither laptop is ideal since both have integrated graphics that provide basic performance. Choose Dell for cost savings and extended usage off the charger, or MSI for a newer system with enhanced portability. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Dell Latitude 14 7490
Very good speakers
Advantages of the MSI Modern 14
The MSI Modern 14 has no clear advantages over the Dell Latitude 14 7490.
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.7/10
6.4/10
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
305.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
311.0 nits
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has a better screen than the MSI Modern 14 for general use, and engineering and design.
If you value sharp and vivid displays for tasks like word processing and web browsing, the Dell Latitude 14 7490's higher resolution and brightness may be more appealing, but when it comes to engineering and design, its superior color coverage will ensure more accurate color representation which is crucial for those fields. However, for gaming and 3D applications where the fluidity of motion is key, the MSI Modern 14 may not offer the high refresh rate desired for a smooth experience, and while the resolution and panel type contribute to image quality, they can't compensate for a lower refresh rate. Both laptops may not provide the optimal gaming experience, but for general productivity and professional creative work, the Dell has a clear advantage due to its display characteristics.
Battery
9.5 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has 9.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Modern 14 has 6 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.1 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The MSI Modern 14 and Dell Latitude 14 7490 both have very good portability, though the MSI Modern 14 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$300
$525
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has a price of $300 and the MSI Modern 14 costs $525.
The MSI Modern 14 and Dell Latitude 14 7490 are both good for general use.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490, with a strong CPU and ample RAM, is reliable for general tasks; its higher battery capacity and solid build quality support long-lasting performance and durability. The MSI Modern 14, also equipped with ample RAM and a capable CPU for routine tasks, offers a lighter build and a quieter usage experience, which might appeal to users prioritizing comfort and portability over extended unplugged use.
Gaming and AI
5.9/10
6.0/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Modern 14 to be only fair for gaming and AI, while the Dell Latitude 14 7490 is poor.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 and MSI Modern 14 have GPUs that are adequate for light gaming and 3D tasks, with the Dell having an Intel UHD Graphics 620 and the MSI equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 7530U Vega 7 integrated graphics. However, neither is optimal for high-end gaming or professional 3D work as both feature standard screen refresh rates of 60Hz, which is lower than the higher refresh rates preferred in those applications.
Engineering and Design
6.5/10
6.6/10
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Modern 14 and Dell Latitude 14 7490 are both only fair for engineering and design.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490's older Intel i7 processor with integrated graphics and MSI Modern 14's AMD Ryzen 5 with Vega graphics might not handle the most demanding engineering applications as smoothly as high-end dedicated GPUs, but they still perform adequately for lighter or moderate workloads. Both have decent screen quality with a standard full HD resolution and IPS panels, making them suitable for design tasks; however, the Dell's slightly better color space coverage could be a small advantage for color-sensitive work, while the MSI's stronger contrast ratio might offer crisper visuals, though the difference might not be very noticeable in practical use. Both laptops are fairly portable and offer good keyboards, but neither are standout choices for those seeking the ultimate in display fidelity or computational power for intensive engineering tasks.
Content Creation
7.3/10
7.2/10
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 and MSI Modern 14 are both good for content creation.
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.
Software Development
7.1/10
7.1/10
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 and MSI Modern 14 are both good for software development.
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.
Build Quality
7.4/10
7.0/10
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 and MSI Modern 14 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Dell Latitude 14 7490 and the MSI Modern 14 compare to other laptops
"The Dell Latitude 7490's got the speed you need (and then some), a keyboard that's comfortable enough for writing all day long and a battery that supports a full 8-hour workday. If only the display were brighter and it managed heat better. If you need every minute of battery life you can get, the extended-battery version of the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 lasts 8 hours longer than the Latitude 7490, but its display is much less colorful."
Alexander Tozzi, Ryan Lim, and John Peroramas | October 2023
"The MSI Modern 14 is okay for school use. It's very compact, so it's easy to carry around. It has a sharp display, a spacious keyboard, and a reasonably large touchpad. Its Intel 13th Gen CPU and integrated graphics can handle general productivity tasks like text processing and web browsing; however, don't expect to do anything intensive like 3D modeling or physics simulations. Unfortunately, the battery lasts less than five hours of light use, and the display doesn't get bright enough to combat glare."
Get a great deal on the Dell Latitude 14 7490 or the MSI Modern 14
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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