If you're looking for a more affordable option for everyday tasks like browsing and document editing, the Lenovo IdeaPad might suit you well with the added benefit of being lighter for travel. However, if your work involves engineering software, 3D modeling, or video editing, investing in the MSI Creator will give you better performance and a higher quality display, although it is heavier and will cost more. The MSI also generally offers better battery life, which can be crucial for long work sessions away from power outlets. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
Very good portability
Good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Creator M14
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good for software development
Very good for content creation
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Good speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.1/10
8.0/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
239.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.5 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The MSI Creator M14 is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
While the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 provides basic functionality with modest processing power and memory for everyday tasks, its lower screen quality and battery life may limit extended or intensive use; on the other hand, the MSI Creator M14 offers a more powerful CPU and additional RAM, which enhances performance for demanding applications, and boasts superior screen quality for crisp visuals, though it may be less portable and have a higher price point. Better storage, keyboard, and speakers on the MSI also contribute to a more premium experience, though both laptops manage heat and operating noise effectively.
Gaming and AI
5.5/10
7.3/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.7/10
The MSI Creator M14 is good for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a less powerful GPU and a lower screen refresh rate, making it less suitable for gaming and 3D applications where graphics and smooth visuals are crucial. Conversely, the MSI Creator M14 comes with a superior GPU and higher refresh rate display, offering enhanced performance and a better visual experience needed for these demanding tasks.
Engineering and Design
5.5/10
8.4/10
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
4.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Creator M14 is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has less powerful CPU, RAM, and GPU capabilities which may not handle demanding engineering software efficiently, and its screen quality falls short for precision design work. In contrast, the MSI Creator M14 offers robust processing power and superior graphics performance, a high-quality screen for detailed visuals, and sufficient memory to smoothly run complex engineering applications, though it's less portable and could have a louder operating noise.
Content Creation
6.2/10
8.0/10
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
4.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Creator M14 is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
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
6.4/10
7.8/10
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.9/10
4.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The MSI Creator M14 is good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" 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.
Screen Quality
5.3/10
7.5/10
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
239.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
The MSI Creator M14 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" likely falls short on display resolution and brightness, which are crucial for clarity and visibility in general use, while a limited color range would affect detail and accuracy needed in engineering and design. The MSI Creator M14's screen likely offers higher resolution and better color reproduction, serving general tasks and ensuring precision for professional design work. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is key, the MSI Creator M14 may lack a high refresh rate, leading to less fluid visuals compared to screens optimized for these activities.
Battery
9.0 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Creator M14 has 4.5 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
Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has very good portability, while the MSI Creator M14 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.0/10
7.8/10
The MSI Creator M14 has good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$153
$1,500
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a price of $153 and the MSI Creator M14 costs $1,500.
"The IdeaPad 1 14 is a simple machine, but it’s well-designed and has nearly everything you’d expect from a no-nonsense laptop that allows you to check emails and get schoolwork or other light tasks done with relative ease. A "true" 128GB SSD (as opposed to an eMMC drive) and a roomy 14-inch full HD display are arguably the star attractions, with the comfortable keyboard and reasonably modern styling playing important backup roles."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" or the MSI Creator M14
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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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