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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro offers a balance between price, performance for general use, and decent battery life, making it ideal for productivity tasks and light gaming due to its mid-tier graphics card. Its portability is also quite good, but it may not be the best fit for demanding engineering applications or intensive gaming. On the other hand, the MSI GP66 Leopard, while typically more expensive, provides superior performance for 3D work, machine learning, and gaming because of its high-end graphics card, but this also translates to a shorter battery life and a heavier build, decreasing its portability. The choice depends on whether you prioritize portability and value (IdeaPad) or high performance for specialized tasks like gaming and engineering (GP66 Leopard). 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 5 Pro
- Good portability
- Very good battery life
Advantages of the MSI GP66 Leopard
- Good for gaming and AI
- Very good overall build quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.5
7.8
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI GP66 Leopard is good for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro is only fair.
The MSI GP66 Leopard offers a more powerful GPU in the form of the Nvidia RTX 3080 and a higher screen refresh rate at 144 Hz, which are very important for enhanced gaming and 3D performance, compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro's Nvidia RTX 3050 and 120 Hz refresh rate. The GP66 Leopard is better suited for demanding games due to these improved visual capabilities, whereas the IdeaPad 5 Pro will perform fairly but may not deliver as smooth or high-fidelity gaming experiences.
Engineering and Design
7.2
7.9
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI GP66 Leopard and Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro are both good for engineering and design, though the MSI GP66 Leopard is somewhat better.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro, with its AMD Ryzen 5 6600HS processor, Nvidia RTX 3050 GPU, and high-resolution display, is suitable for engineering and design tasks that require reliable performance and detailed visuals. In contrast, the MSI GP66 Leopard offers a more robust Intel i7-11800H processor and superior Nvidia RTX 3080 graphics, making it particularly well-suited for the most demanding engineering simulations and design work, though it's heavier and less portable.
Screen Quality
7.8
7.5
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
409.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
362.0 nits
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro has a better screen than the MSI GP66 Leopard for general use, engineering and design, and software development.
When considering laptops for general use like web browsing and productivity tasks, both the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro and the MSI GP66 Leopard have screens that shine in terms of resolution and brightness, ensuring a crisp and vivid display. For engineering and design work, where accurate color representation is crucial, both laptops have panels that cover a considerable range of color gamuts, providing the precision needed for these specialized tasks. However, for gaming and 3D applications, which demand fast screen refresh rates for smooth visuals, both models fall short as their screens prioritize different aspects over a high refresh rate.
Battery
10.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The MSI GP66 Leopard has 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
Good
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.3 lbs
WEIGHT
5.2 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro has good portability, while the MSI GP66 Leopard has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$860
$1,400
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro has a price of $860 and the MSI GP66 Leopard costs $1,400.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.5
7.5
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
409.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
362.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.8/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro and MSI GP66 Leopard are both good for general use.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro is suitable for general use with its higher battery life affording longer use between charges, a larger, higher resolution screen for sharp and detailed visuals, and lighter weight for portability, but it has a lesser-capable graphics processor compared to the MSI. The MSI GP66 Leopard, although heavier and with a shorter battery life, boasts a more powerful main processor and graphics card which can handle more demanding tasks, and is equipped with better heat management and gaming capabilities, making it a fit for users with high-performance computing needs.
Content Creation
7.5
7.4
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro and MSI GP66 Leopard 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
7.4
7.2
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro and MSI GP66 Leopard 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
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI GP66 Leopard to have very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro has 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro and the MSI GP66 Leopard compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro | MSI GP66 Leopard |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$860 | $1,400 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 9.9'' x 0.67'' | 14.1'' x 10.5'' x 0.92'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.3 lbs | 5.25 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.02" | 14.09" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.88" | 10.51" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 6600HS | Intel i7-11800H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 10 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 75 Wh | 65 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 409 nits | 362 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.7/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 0 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro
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NotebookCheck
Florian Glaser | September 2022
"The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro turns out a successful all-rounder that, aside from 3D applications, always strikes a good or very good figure. This begins with the elegant metal case that isn't particularly light but fairly robust, giving a high-quality impression. The input devices are also better than those of many competitors. Both the keyboard and the touchpad are attractive and comfortable. In addition, the performance of the Ryzen 5 6600HS is easily able to keep up with the Intel competitors."
MSI GP66 Leopard
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Christian Hintze | December 2021
"The MSI GP66 Leopard is a good budget high-performance gamer. The MSI also does a lot right outside of the pure performance despite it's low price. For example, the adaptive cooling system really surprised us positively, even in Extreme Performance Mode. And the display is not a budget panel either, but at least outshines the competition in terms of brightness. Of course, you also have to accept a few compromises in this price category. These include the Leopard's poor battery runtimes and the less than optimal build quality, which is also noticeable in the more complicated maintenance."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro or the MSI GP66 Leopard
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.
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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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