The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is more budget-friendly and lighter, making it good for general use and portability. It can handle everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption well. However, the MSI Thin GF63, while pricier, offers a superior performance with higher-end components suitable for more demanding applications like 3D work, machine learning, and gaming. It also has a larger screen, more storage, and memory, and better graphics capabilities, but it's heavier and may have a relatively shorter battery life due to its powerful hardware. Consider the MSI if your work involves intensive computer tasks, but choose the Lenovo for everyday use and easier travel. 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 3 14"
Very good portability
Very good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Thin GF63
Good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.0/10
6.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
5.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The MSI Thin GF63 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the MSI Thin GF63 is somewhat better.
The MSI Thin GF63 provides better gaming and 3D capability primarily due to its superior Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics card and a higher screen refresh rate of 144Hz, in contrast with the Lenovo IdeaPad 3's integrated AMD Vega 7 GPU and a standard 60Hz screen refresh rate. Additionally, while both have IPS screens with equal resolution, the MSI's higher-quality GPU and refresh rate are key for smoother and more immersive gaming experiences.
Engineering and Design
6.1/10
7.5/10
4.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
5.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Thin GF63 is good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is suitable for engineering and design tasks due to its capable processor and ample RAM for moderate workloads, while the MSI Thin GF63 excels with its more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and a dedicated high-performance GPU that significantly boosts tasks demanding graphics power such as 3D rendering.
Screen Quality
6.4/10
6.8/10
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
313.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
The MSI Thin GF63 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
For general use, both the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 and the MSI Thin GF63 offer screens with sufficient resolution and brightness, but the panel type may not offer the best color accuracy or viewing angles. In engineering and design, where precise color representation is crucial, both laptops have shortcomings in displaying the full spectrum of colors within professional color gamuts, affecting the finesse needed for detailed work. However, for gaming and 3D applications that demand smooth motion, both models fall short as their refresh rates aren't high enough to deliver the seamless visuals preferred by gamers and professionals working with fast-moving graphics.
Battery
10.0 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has 10 hours of battery life. The MSI Thin GF63 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
15.6in
3.1 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has very good portability, while the MSI Thin GF63 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$490
$1,400
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has a price of $490 and the MSI Thin GF63 costs $1,400.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Thin GF63 to be good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The MSI Thin GF63 is good for general use due to its higher RAM capacity, stronger processor, and a dedicated GPU, which collectively offer better performance, while its larger screen and higher screen refresh rate enhance visual experience. However, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3's advantages include a lighter build for improved portability and longer battery life, although it compromises on performance with a less powerful CPU, lower RAM, and integrated graphics, alongside a less vibrant screen.
Content Creation
7.1/10
7.4/10
4.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Thin GF63 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 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
7.2/10
4.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Thin GF63 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 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
6.5/10
6.5/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" and MSI Thin GF63 both have only fair 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" and the MSI Thin GF63 compare to other laptops
"The low-priced IdeaPad 3 14 delivers on core functionality. Lenovo's IdeaPad 3 14 meets all the basic requirements for an inexpensive office laptop. The matte IPS display is bright enough, the performance is high for the class, and the input devices are rock solid. In addition, the mostly quiet operation including the useful performance modes, cool surface temperatures, easy maintainability as well as expandable working and mass storage all contribute to the IdeaPad 3 14's value proposition."
"The MSI GF63 Thin 11SC can be an admirable value for gamers and power users on a minimal budget. For just $599 as reviewed in its base model, its Intel Core i5 H-class processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics perform much better than low-wattage CPUs and integrated graphics. That said, this is a light-class gaming laptop. Low scores in our demanding gaming benchmarks indicate using lower visual-quality settings will be required for playable performance."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" or the MSI Thin GF63
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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