MSI Thin 15.6" B7VE-214US vs Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4
MSI Thin 15.6" B7VE-214US 2024, Ryzen 7 7735HS, 16GB, 512GB SSD, RTX 4050, Gray
Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4 2025, 24GB, 1TB SSD, Sky Blue
What Buyers Say
MSI Thin 15.6" B7VE-214US 2024, Ryzen 7 7735HS, 16GB, 512GB SSD, RTX 4050, Gray
This budget gaming laptop offers solid performance for the price, with many users praising its ability to run AAA titles and its sturdy build. However, several reviewers note significant drawbacks including a poor screen with faded colors, a mediocre trackpad, and underwhelming speakers. Battery life is surprisingly good for the category, but some users experienced software issues like Wi-Fi problems and driver crashes. Overall, it's a capable machine for its price point if you can overlook its compromises.
Pros
- Surprising battery life
- Great keyboard
- Runs AAA games well
- Sturdy build quality
- Good thermal management
Cons
- Poor screen color accuracy
- Mediocre trackpad feel
- Underwhelming built-in speakers
- Sharp corners uncomfortable for wrists
- Wi-Fi issues out of the box
Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4 2025, 24GB, 1TB SSD, Sky Blue
The MacBook Air M4 is widely praised for its speed, lightweight design, and excellent battery life, making it a strong upgrade from older models. Users highlight its performance in photo and video editing, quiet operation, and improved keyboard. Some concerns include limited storage options and the high cost of Apple's SSD upgrades, but most find the overall value compelling.
Pros
- Fast performance for photo and video editing
- Lightweight and highly portable design
- Excellent battery life
- Quiet operation with no fan noise
- Improved keyboard feel
Cons
- Limited internal storage options
- High cost of Apple SSD upgrades
- Only two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports
- Sky Blue color barely distinguishable from silver
- macOS can be user-unfriendly with non-transparent controls
Scores
Specifications
| MSI Thin 15.6" B7VE-214US | Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| CPU* | AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS | Apple M4 ★ |
| CPU Multi-Core Score | ||
| Cores | 1 | 10★ |
| Frequency | 3.2 GHz★ | — |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB★ | — |
| Graphics | ||
| GPU* | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050★ | Apple (10-Core) |
| GPU Benchmark Score | ||
| Type | discrete | integrated★ |
| VRAM | 6 GB★ | — |
| VRAM Type | GDDR6★ | Unified |
| Memory & Storage | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 24 GB★ |
| RAM Generation | DDR5 | LPDDR5 |
| Storage 1 | 512 GB | 1 TB★ |
| Storage 1 Type | SSD | NVMe SSD★ |
| Display | ||
| Size | 15.6" | 13.6" |
| Resolution | 1920 px | 2560 px★ |
| Panel | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz★ | 60 Hz |
| Brightness | — | 500 nits★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB-C Ports | 1 | 2★ |
| USB Ports | 3★ | 0 |
| Thunderbolt | hdmi | Thunderbolt 4 |
| HDMI | 1 x HDMI | — |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E★ |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3★ |
| Ethernet | 1 | No |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 1.86 kg | 1.24 kg★ |
| Battery | 52 Wh | 54 Wh★ |
| OS | Windows 11 Home | macOS |
Pros & Cons
MSI Thin 15.6" B7VE-214US 2024, Ryzen 7 7735HS, 16GB, 512GB SSD, RTX 4050, Gray
- Strong social proof (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong gpu (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong port selection (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong cpu (73rd percentile)
Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4 2025, 24GB, 1TB SSD, Sky Blue
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong reliability (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong portability (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average affordability (28th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 6 of 8 usage categories and 14 of 29 specs.