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Updated January 10, 2024·
If performance is a priority, especially for tasks such as 3D rendering, machine learning, or intensive gaming, the MSI Raider GE78 with its more powerful processor and GPU will outperform the Lenovo Legion 7, but at a higher cost and with slightly lower portability due to its larger size and weight. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion 7 offers a balance between cost and performance, being less expensive and having a smaller screen, which may benefit those who prefer a more portable device for general use or engineering tasks without the need for top-tier graphics capabilities. Both laptops have ample storage and high-quality IPS displays, but the MSI Raider GE78 has a higher refresh rate, which contributes to smoother visuals. Battery life is similar, and both models come with a RGB backlit keyboard and a range of ports, including USB-C and Ethernet. If budget is less of a concern and the heftier build is acceptable, the MSI Raider GE78 is a robust choice for power users, whereas the Lenovo Legion 7 is a more cost-efficient option that still delivers solid performance for a variety of tasks. 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 Legion 7
- Good portability
Advantages of the MSI Raider GE78
- Very good for general use
- Excellent for engineering and design
- Best in class for gaming and AI
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Best in class speakers
- Best in class keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.9
8.7
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
469.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
6.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
7.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for general use, while the Lenovo Legion 7 is good.
The MSI Raider GE78 outshines the Lenovo Legion 7 for general use, as it offers superior CPU power with a high-end Intel processor and double the RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and demanding application performance; the Raider also boasts a higher resolution display with a larger screen, although its heavier weight and dimensions may hinder portability compared to the slightly more compact Legion 7. While both have good screen quality and ample storage, the Legion 7's lower weight and size advantage may appeal to those prioritizing ease of carrying, though the Raider GE78 leads with its cutting-edge GPU and larger battery, yet these features result in a heavier system with potential implications for battery life and portability.
Gaming and AI
7.8
9.5
8.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is best in class for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo Legion 7 is good.
The MSI Raider GE78 is considered best for gaming and 3D because it features a more powerful Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU and a higher screen refresh rate of 240, compared to the Lenovo Legion 7's Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU and 165 refresh rate. While both have high-quality IPS screens, the superior GPU and refresh rate in the MSI Raider GE78 offer better performance for graphics-intensive tasks, although the Lenovo Legion 7 still provides a solid gaming experience at a potentially lower price point.
Engineering and Design
8.2
9.4
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
8.4/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Raider GE78 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Lenovo Legion 7 is very good.
The MSI Raider GE78 surpasses the Lenovo Legion 7 in engineering and design due to its higher-tier CPU and GPU, more RAM, and larger, more vivid screen, promising enhanced performance for demanding tasks like 3D rendering and complex simulations. However, this superior power comes with reduced portability and potentially more operating noise, which are important considerations for users who need to work in different locations or quiet environments.
Content Creation
7.9
8.8
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo Legion 7 is good.
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
7.6
8.5
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for software development, while the Lenovo Legion 7 is good.
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
8.3
8.6
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
469.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
The MSI Raider GE78 has a better screen than the Lenovo Legion 7 for gaming and AI, content creation, and software development.
The Lenovo Legion 7 and MSI Raider GE78 both have high-resolution displays with panels that offer vivid colors and brightness, making them ideal for general use where text clarity and image quality are valued. For engineering and design, they provide wide color coverage, ensuring that professionals who require accurate color representation for tasks like photo editing or CAD work are satisfied. However, their lower refresh rates make them less suitable for gaming and 3D applications, where a smoother experience is crucial for fast-paced action and rendering.
Portability
Good
Poor
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
5.5 lbs
WEIGHT
6.8 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
1.1in
The Lenovo Legion 7 has good portability, while the MSI Raider GE78 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,500
$4,386
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Lenovo Legion 7 has a price of $1,500 and the MSI Raider GE78 costs $4,386.
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Key similarities
Battery
6.5 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Lenovo Legion 7 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Raider GE78 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.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Lenovo Legion 7 and MSI Raider GE78 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Lenovo Legion 7 and the MSI Raider GE78 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Lenovo Legion 7 | MSI Raider GE78 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,500 | $4,386 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 10.3'' x 0.86'' | 15'' x 11.7'' x 1.13'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.5 lbs | 6.83 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.01" | 14.97" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.27" | 11.73" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H | Intel i9-13980HX | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 2048 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.5 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 80 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 17.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 240Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 469 nits | 384 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 3 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 4 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Lenovo Legion 7
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | September 2022
"The Lenovo Legion 7 is a fast 16-inch gamer with 165 Hz display. The new Lenovo Legion 7 is a very good gaming notebook that, despite its comparatively compact compact 16-inch case, does not have to do without the most powerful components. Thanks to good cooling, no compromises are made in terms of performance. Both the Core i9-12900HX and the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti perform at a very high level."
MSI Raider GE78
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | March 2023
"Performance-wise, the GE78 offers a significant boost over the GE77 for just slightly higher power consumption. You'll have to get the RTX 4080 or 4090 configurations to see the performance advantages, however, as the RTX 4070 is closer in performance to the older RTX 3080 Ti. In terms of design, some users might prefer the 16:9 minimalistic look of the older GE77 over the 16:10 retro-inspired GE78 and vice versa. We wouldn't call one better than the other in terms of aesthetics, but we'll give the edge to the GE78 for its stronger hinges and larger keys and clickpad."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo Legion 7 or the MSI Raider GE78
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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