A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Gateway 15.6" is positioned at a lower midrange price point and may cost somewhat more than the MSI Modern 14, which is priced as a budget option. The Gateway features an Intel processor and its integrated graphics, suited for everyday tasks but not intensive gaming, whereas the MSI has an AMD Ryzen processor with Vega graphics, which might provide slightly better graphics performance but still not ideal for heavy gaming. Both laptops have the same amount of storage and RAM, meaning they should offer comparable multitasking capabilities. The Gateway's larger screen size could be better for multitasking and entertainment, but it's heavier, making it less portable than the MSI. Despite its superior screen size, the Gateway has lower brightness and color space coverage compared to the MSI, which means the MSI might provide better color reproduction for visual tasks. However, the MSI has a shorter battery life, which could be a downside for on-the-go use. For connectivity, both laptops provide USB-C ports, but the Gateway lacks an additional RAM slot, which limits future upgrade options compared to the MSI. If you value a backlit keyboard and numeric keypad, the Gateway includes these features, while the MSI only offers a backlit keyboard. Consider the Gateway 15.6" if a larger screen and numeric keypad are important and you don't mind carrying a heavier laptop. Choose the MSI Modern 14 for better portability, color reproduction, and future upgradability with an extra RAM slot, but be prepared for shorter battery life. 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 Gateway 15.6"
- The Gateway 15.6" has no clear advantages over the MSI Modern 14.
Advantages of the MSI Modern 14
- Good for software development
- Good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Good speakers
- Good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.1
6.4
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
250.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
311.0 nits
The MSI Modern 14 has a better screen than the Gateway 15.6" for general use, engineering and design, and content creation.
For general use, both the Gateway 15.6" and MSI Modern 14 laptops offer screens with adequate resolution and brightness, but they may not feature the high-end panel types that could provide better viewing angles and color reproduction. For those involved in engineering and design, while the screen resolution allows for precise work, the colors may not be as accurately represented due to a narrower color gamut compared to professional displays that cover a broader range. Gamers and 3D designers may find the screen quality lacking on these models as they typically benefit from higher refresh rates for smoother visuals, which these laptops do not prioritize.
Battery
8.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Gateway 15.6" has 8 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
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
4.8 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The MSI Modern 14 has very good portability, while the Gateway 15.6" has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
5.1
7.0
The MSI Modern 14 has good build quality, while the Gateway 15.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$600
$525
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
The Gateway 15.6" has a price of $600 and the MSI Modern 14 costs $525.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.0
7.2
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
250.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
311.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.6/10
The MSI Modern 14 and Gateway 15.6" are both good for general use.
The Gateway 15.6" offers a larger screen for enhanced viewing pleasure and generally supports everyday tasks efficiently with its capable CPU and sufficient RAM, while also being light enough for carrying around; however, its battery life may not last as long as some users would like. The MSI Modern 14, on the other hand, provides better portability due to its smaller size and usually features a longer battery life for extended use away from power outlets, with a robust keyboard that is a pleasure to type on, yet its smaller display might not be ideal for users who prefer a larger screen.
Gaming and AI
6.0
6.0
3.6/10
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
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The MSI Modern 14 and Gateway 15.6" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
6.2
6.6
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Modern 14 and Gateway 15.6" are both only fair for engineering and design.
The Gateway 15.6" with its capable CPU, ample RAM, and adequate GPU can handle engineering tasks, but with a compromise on screen quality, whereas the MSI Modern 14 offers a balance between performance for engineering software and better portability due to its lighter design, though it may have a less powerful GPU for intensive design work. Both laptops will have tradeoffs with the Gateway leaning towards power at the cost of display finesse and portability, and the MSI offering a more travel-friendly option with a potential sacrifice in graphical performance.
Content Creation
7.0
7.2
4.9/10
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 MSI Modern 14 and Gateway 15.6" 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
6.7
7.1
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Modern 14 to be good for software development, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
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.
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How the Gateway 15.6" and the MSI Modern 14 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Gateway 15.6" | MSI Modern 14 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$600 | $525 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2021 | October 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.8'' x 9.5'' x 0.77'' | 12.7'' x 8.7'' x 0.63'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.8 lbs | 3.08 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.75" | 12.68" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.5" | 8.74" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1135G7 | AMD Ryzen 5 7530U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 1 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | Unknown | 39 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 250 nits | 311 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 5.1/10 | 7/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.3/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 5.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6/10 | 7/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Gateway 15.6"
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Francisco Lahoz | July 2022
"Some concessions have to be made when shopping for a budget laptop. Walmart's Gateway Ultra Slim laptops succeeds on the affordability front and delivers serviceable specs and good battery life, though it's hard to claim it's the best (or even particularly good) at any particular aspect. Its build quality, especially the touchpad, is mediocre, and its performance is decent but doesn't lead the way. The Gateway does undercut the cost of some competitors and offers ample storage with good connectivity, so it's not to be ignored."
MSI Modern 14
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Dig into reviews and images
Rtings
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 Gateway 15.6" or the MSI Modern 14
About Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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.
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Why trust us
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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About the laptop team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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