If you prioritize durability and a robust build for business environments, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 offers enhanced security features and a better keyboard that's comfortable for long typing sessions. However, if affordability is key and you'll use the laptop for everyday tasks such as browsing and office work, the MSI Modern 14 provides ample performance at a lower cost, with a sleek design that's easier to carry. The ThinkPad usually has better battery life, making it more suitable for those constantly on the move without access to 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 ThinkPad X13
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall build quality
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Modern 14
The MSI Modern 14 has no clear advantages over the Lenovo ThinkPad X13.
Key differences
General Use
8.4/10
7.2/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
321.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
311.0 nits
8.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.6/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good for general use, while the MSI Modern 14 is good.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13, with its superior CPU and RAM, ensures swift performance for demanding tasks, and features a high-quality screen and durable build, making it a robust choice for those needing reliability and clarity on the go, along with a long battery life. On the other hand, the MSI Modern 14 offers decent performance for everyday tasks, with sufficient storage, a comfortable keyboard, and is lighter for better portability, though it may trail behind in battery endurance and screen vibrancy compared to the ThinkPad.
Gaming and AI
6.7/10
6.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and MSI Modern 14 are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is somewhat better.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and the MSI Modern 14 both offer dedicated GPUs suitable for light gaming and 3D tasks, but they may not handle high-end gaming as smoothly due to their modest screen refresh rates. While the CPUs and the screen quality on these laptops are decent for general use and productivity, they are not the pinnacle choice for demanding gaming or professional-grade 3D work where top-tier graphics and faster screen refreshes are crucial.
Engineering and Design
8.0/10
6.6/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI Modern 14 is only fair.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 offers a robust CPU, ample RAM, and a high-quality screen, making it beneficial for engineering tasks that require processing power and clear visuals; its professional-grade keyboard also contributes to a comfortable workflow for extended periods. Meanwhile, the MSI Modern 14's dedicated GPU gives it an edge for design work where graphics performance is crucial, but it maintains a lightweight design for better portability, balancing power with the convenience of mobility.
Content Creation
8.2/10
7.2/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good for content creation, while the MSI Modern 14 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
8.1/10
7.1/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good for software development, while the MSI Modern 14 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
6.9/10
6.4/10
13.3in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
321.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
311.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has a better screen than the MSI Modern 14 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13’s panel type, resolution, and brightness provide clear visuals and good color representation, while the MSI Modern 14, although fair, doesn't match the clarity and vibrancy offered by the X13. Engineering and design work benefit from the wider color gamuts of the ThinkPad X13, allowing for more accurate color work, whereas the MSI Modern 14's color ranges are suitable but not ideal for professional color work. When it comes to 3D and gaming, both laptops have screens that lack high refresh rates, making them less suitable for fast-paced visuals required by many modern games.
Battery
8.5 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has 8.5 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.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has very good build quality, while the MSI Modern 14 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,241
$748
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has a price of $1,241 and the MSI Modern 14 costs $748.
"The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 has very good input devices, a wide array of security features and ports as well as 5G in the tested configuration. It is more compact and lightweight compared with its predecessor, and it has improved speakers and a slightly better webcam. On the other hand, the fan is more annoying and the performance is barely improved. The battery is worse as well, but this is primarily attributable to the OLED screen - if this aspect is important, buyers should choose the IPS Low Power LCD."
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 Lenovo ThinkPad X13 or the MSI Modern 14
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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