You’ve scoured the internet, read countless reviews, and now you find yourself torn between two laptop giants – ASUS and MSI. Both laptop brands have a strong presence and loyal customer base, thanks to their impressive specs and innovation.
ASUS and MSI have been making waves in the laptop market for quite some time. They both offer a wide range of electronic gadgets, but laptops remain their speciality. Now comes the tough part: which one is truly better?
As a leading IT supplier, we know our stuff – and can confidently help you find the perfect PC solution. Here, we take a closer look at both brands and the major comparisons between their laptops.
Overview Of ASUS
If you’ve been in the tech world for a while, you’ve probably heard of ASUS. This Taiwanese electronics giant has been a major competitor in the electronic device and gaming laptop market since 1989.
While ASUS may have a slightly different product line compared to MSI, there are a few similarities between the two. Apart from laptops and tablets, ASUS also manufactures a wide range of world-leading products, from motherboards and graphics cards to notebooks, desktop computers and mobile phones.
Over the years, ASUS has earned a reputation for excellent quality products, and that’s no small feat. The company’s growth and expansion are the reasons why they’ve gained the trust of countless satisfied customers.
One milestone that put ASUS on the map in the tech world was the introduction of their gaming laptop series – the Republic of Gamers (ROG). In 2006, they took the gaming community by storm and, since then, they’ve proudly accumulated over 4,000 awards, including numerous “world’s first” products.
Overview Of MSI
Just like ASUS, MSI (Micro-star International) is a Taiwanese tech powerhouse that’s been active in the computer world since 1986. While ASUS has carved its place in the sector, MSI is no stranger to techies either, particularly in the gaming industry. In fact, they’re a prominent manufacturer of a wide range of computer peripherals and devices.
When it comes to motherboards, MSI is right up there; ranked third among motherboard vendors, just below ASUS and GIGABYTE Technology. But they don’t stop at motherboards. Like ASUS, they also have their hands in graphics cards, PCs, laptops, and communications devices.
Working closely with major brands like Intel and Nvidia, MSI is always ahead of the tech game. So, it’s no wonder why they’ve earned such a dedicated following among tech enthusiasts.
But the biggest reason for MSI’s success is their fantastic collection of gaming laptops. For example, their GS70 Stealth and GT60 2PE Dominator PRO have both garnered awards, making them a go-to choice for professional gamers and eSports teams around the world.
ASUS vs MSI Laptop: The Major Comparisons
After a brief look at these two brands, it’s clear that ASUS and MSI set the bar high when it comes to cutting-edge laptops and computer hardware.
But how do they stack up against one another?
Design
ASUS has always been known for its appealing and elegant designs, with a wide range of choices to suit all budgets. The combination of a sleek design and user-friendly keyboard makes for a satisfying user experience.
While some of their more budget-friendly options may be on the simpler side, their gaming laptops are a whole different story. The ASUS gaming laptops take it to another level with intricate and creative layouts. Plus, the keyboards come with customisable backlighting options, allowing you to sync the colours with other ASUS products.
MSI, on the other hand, focuses mostly on gaming laptops and the brand doesn’t dabble much in entry-level devices. They offer affordable gaming laptops, but their designs are more understated. So, if you prefer a more minimalist and straightforward aesthetic, MSI might be the better choice for you.
MSI puts a major focus on creating lighter laptop designs. Their latest models weigh less than many of their competitors, offering users a more portable option without sacrificing performance.
Build quality & hardware
Both ASUS and MSI laptops have their strengths in build quality and hardware.
ASUS, being one of the most well-known laptop manufacturers, doesn’t disappoint in this department. Their laptops are known for their solid construction, ensuring they withstand the test of time.
In fact, ASUS has earned quite a reputation for its build quality and hardware, earning numerous awards. You get both style and power with their laptops, thanks to robust motherboards and top-of-the-line processors.
MSI also demonstrates impressive build quality. Their laptops are constructed with tough materials, making them capable of withstanding minor drops and bumps. You can certainly count on MSI laptops to handle the demands of everyday use.
While MSI laptops may come with a slightly higher price tag, the investment is reflected in the reliability and superior hardware they offer, much like their ASUS counterparts.
Components & performance
The performance of a laptop all boils down to its intended use (more on this later).
ASUS and MSI use similar components for their laptop internals, so you won’t find much difference in this department between the two brands.
Depending on which model you choose, you can find a combination of components from both Intel and AMD processors to Nvidia and AMD graphics cards.
MSI offers a complete line-up of laptop components, catering to those seeking top-notch performance as well as budget-friendly options. Many of their laptops feature the 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, making them a great choice if you need a laptop for tasks beyond gaming.
MSI also features the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX graphic cards, including powerful GeForce RTX 4090 Ti GPUs, as well as older and more budget-friendly options like the GeForce GTX 16 series.
As for their displays, MSI offers a range of sizes, from 14-inch to 17.3-inch, with resolutions up to 4K for vivid visuals and sharp images.
ASUS also packs a punch with their laptop components. They offer laptops with 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors and Nvidia RTX graphics cards, just like MSI. There’s no doubt that ASUS laptops stand out with their top-end AMD processors.
For displays, ASUS slightly outshines MSI, offering the largest screen size for their laptops at 17.9 inches.
Customer service & warranty
Unfortunately, both ASUS and MSI’s customer service and support have been major let-downs.
For MSI, the website can be misleading and difficult to navigate. Their social media responses are also incredibly slow, and even contacting their customer service via phone may not yield effective solutions.
ASUS customer support is not much different, often falling short in resolving problems; although they do seem to offer better responses through social media so best to avoid relying solely on their website for solutions.
On the slightly brighter side, both offer decent warranties. For example, MSI gaming laptops come with a standard one-year warranty covering manufacturing defects, plus the inclusion of a year’s worth of free tech support.
ASUS gaming laptops come with similar warrantees, typically covering defects in materials and manufacturing for one year. Although, they do offer free two-way shopping for repairs as part of their warranty, unlike MSI, where you have to pay to return their products.
Price
By now, you’ve probably noticed that both MSI and ASUS have some impressive offerings. So, what does this mean for your wallet?
Well, the exact price will vary depending on the specifications of the laptop you choose, including the processor, graphics card, and storage options.
Ultimately, both ASUS and MSI offer budget-friendly laptops and high-end models.
Here at PC International, we stock a wide range of ASUS and MSI laptops to fit any budget. Older ASUS laptops are notably more affordable, starting at around R5,000, while MSI laptops begin at around R14,000.
However, both brands offer options that can reach eye-watering prices, especially when it comes to gaming laptops. The top-of-the-line ASUS and MSI models with the latest high-quality components can go for R50,000 and above.
Ultimately, what you’re willing to spend will come down to what features matter to you most.
Uses
When it comes to deciding between an MSI or ASUS laptop, much of the decision boils down to how you intend to use it. Are you into gaming, need it for business, everyday tasks, or simply for entertainment? Figuring out your purpose will help you narrow down your options and make the right choice.
If gaming is your primary focus, then an MSI laptop is your go-to. An MSI gaming laptop far outweighs an ASUS gaming laptop thanks to its impressive specs. While ASUS gaming laptops tend to offer powerful i9 processors, the unbeatable refresh rate of MSI gaming laptops makes them a top choice for avid gamers.
For corporate needs, ASUS Chromebooks are a great fit. Their ZenBooks and other business laptops outperform MSI’s offerings in this category. Additionally, MSI’s lack of Chromebooks put them at a disadvantage in the business battle.
Lastly, when it comes to everyday use, both MSI and ASUS have you covered with a selection of mid-range and budget laptops.
MSI vs ASUS: Our Suggestions Of The Best Laptops
Now that we’ve delved into the specs and features, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. Maybe you’ve decided on the brand but not the specific laptop. We’ve selected the top choices from both ASUS and MSI for you to consider.
For professional use
ASUS takes the lead as the preferred laptop brand for quality business laptops, catering to content creators too.
The ASUS ExpertBook B1, from the ExpertBook Essential Series, is a great option for businesses on a budget, featuring light designs and comprehensive connectivity.
The ASUS Chromebook Enterprise CX9 is another strong choice. Designed to unlock the full business capabilities of Chrome OS, it empowers cloud-first and remote work.
Conversely, MSI may not match ASUS here, but their Prestige and Summit Series still offer decent options for business and productivity use. Notably, the Prestige 14 Evo – B13M and Summit E13 Flip Evo – A13M are worth considering.
For gaming
Both MSI and ASUS have some impressive offerings that are sure to satisfy gamers. But if there is a brand to go for, it’s MSI. They’ve established themselves as a strong competitor in the gaming industry – and for good reason.
The Raider GE Series from MSI is particularly popular among gamers, with two stand-out gaming laptops like the Raider GE78 HX and Raider GE77 HX.
But don’t count out ASUS just yet. Their ROG Series has a strong reputation among gaming enthusiasts. The ROG Flow Z13 and ROG Strix SCAR 17 are solid contenders.
For studying
While MSI laptops are primarily designed for gamers, they can also serve as great options for studying. Most MSI laptops boast fast processing speeds, making them ideal for students and performing basic tasks. The Modern 14 – C5M and Modern 14 – C11M are the two top MSI choices for students.
ASUS laptops and notebooks offer affordable prices and smooth browsing capabilities, which is super handy for students. Their dedicated student laptops like the ASUS VivoBook 14X and Zenbook 13 are perfect companions for daily student tasks.
FAQs
How do I choose between MSI vs ASUS laptops?
Go for an ASUS laptop if:
- You’re on a tighter budget.
- The aesthetics and looks of your laptop matter to you.
- You need a dedicated business or studying laptop.
Go for an MSI laptop if:
- You have some money to spare.
- You’re a gamer looking for an advanced gaming laptop.
- Simpler laptop designs don’t bother you.
How long do ASUS and MSI laptops last?
The lifespan of ASUS and MSI laptops holds up quite well, as both brands build their laptops to be durable and reliable. With proper care and regular maintenance, it’s reasonable to expect both MSI and ASUS laptops to last around three to five years – or even longer.
However, like any electronic device, the longevity of your laptop will depend on how you use and maintain it.
MSI vs ASUS: The Final Verdict
After delving into the MSI vs ASUS debate, it’s clear that ASUS emerges as the winner in most categories. That’s not to say that you should throw the idea of getting an MSI out the window, though.
Both ASUS and MSI laptops possess impressive specs and enticing features that appeal to techies; but ultimately, the better laptop is one that meets your needs and priorities.
If gaming is your top priority, MSI laptops are the ultimate choice, offering impressive specs for a top-notch gaming experience. On the other hand, ASUS provides fantastic all-around laptops with impressive specifications at a more budget-friendly price.
Whichever brand you lean towards, both MSI and ASUS promise a winning combination of performance, features, and value.
Sources:
https://www.salisonline.org/msi-vs-asus-laptops/
https://laptopradar.com/laptop-brands/msi-vs-asus/
https://jimmtech.com/msi-vs-asus-laptop/
https://www.gadgetpointed.com/asus-vs-msi-gaming-laptop-which-brand-is-better-and-why/
Used both brands’ websites (as well as the PC International website) to research information on each laptop series and model.
