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Is it really necessary to spend thousands of dollars on a gaming laptop? Or can you get by with spending $1,000 or less and still be content?
These are the questions that have been on my mind ever since I got my hands on two gaming laptops: the $999 MSI Cyborg 15 and the $4,000 Lenovo Legion 9i.
Both laptops are designed to do the same thing – play your favorite games on platforms like Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft – but there is a staggering $3,000 price difference between them.
Let’s dive into the discrepancies in performance, design, build quality, cooling, and more, to help you decide if you can avoid shelling out a fortune to enjoy the best triple-A games on the market.
Testing the MSI Cyborg 15 and Lenovo Legion 9i
The MSI Cyborg 15, priced at $999 from Best Buy, is the more affordable option. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion 9i, which I tested, costs around $4,000 on Amazon.
Here’s a breakdown of the specs:
It’s no surprise that the Lenovo Legion 9i outperforms the MSI Cyborg 15 in every specification, but that’s not the focus here. The real question is whether the performance difference between the two justifies the significant price difference. Let’s find out.
MSI Cyborg 15
Lenovo Legion 9i
Design: Cheap laptop vs. pricey laptop
Some gamers have a taste for luxury – they appreciate fine things. They want to feel nothing but luxury when they run their fingers across the lid of their gaming laptop. On the other hand, some gamers couldn’t care less about the materials used in their gaming laptop. If you fall into the latter category, you’ll appreciate the MSI Cyborg 15.
Materials
The MSI Cyborg 15 is primarily made of plastic, but the lid is crafted from aluminum, giving it a more premium feel despite its sub-$1,000 price tag.
On the flip side, the Lenovo Legion 9i is made of magnesium alloy – a favorite among gamers. Why? It’s as light as plastic but more durable, resistant to dents and scratches. The only advantage of the Cyborg 15’s plastic construction is its lower heat retention, which is beneficial for temperature regulation.
Aesthetics
The Cyborg 15 resonates more with my style – it boasts a minimalistic, all-black design with a subtle MSI logo on the lid. The only standout feature is a hint of transparency on the W, A, S, and D keys, as well as the underside of the laptop.
In contrast, if the Lenovo Legion 9i had a personality, it would be that of a soldier adorned with Christmas lights. The design of the lid reminds me of military attire or even a granite surface. Upon opening the laptop, you’re greeted with a vibrant display of colors illuminating the keyboard and various lighting zones on the chassis.
If you enjoy turning your laptop into a disco party while gaming, the Legion 9i is right up your alley. Just remember, you can always tone down the lighting if it’s too overwhelming.
Build quality
Similar to how phones are rated for water and dust resistance (e.g., IPX), laptops can undergo durability testing with a military-grade certification (e.g., MIL-STD-810G). Neither the Cyborg 15 nor the Legion 9i have military-grade durability, so don’t go dropping these laptops carelessly expecting them to be indestructible.
That being said, the Cyborg 15’s deck feels sturdy, as does the Legion 9i’s. Both laptops exhibit minimal flex when pressure is applied, indicating good build quality. However, it’s worth noting that the Cyborg 15 is prone to attracting fingerprints and grease, unlike the Lenovo Legion 9i.
Display: Cheap laptop vs. pricey laptop
The Lenovo Legion 9i’s display is absolutely stunning. Just take a look at how Cyberpunk 2077 appears on the Legion 9i compared to the MSI Cyborg 15. The Legion 9i boasts richer and more vivid colors, thanks to its mini-LED panel and 3,200 x 2,000 resolution. On the other hand, the Cyborg 15 looks somewhat pale and bland in comparison. However, for some gamers, this may not be a major concern.
Cheap laptop vs. pricey laptop: Keyboard
Both the Cyborg 15 and the Legion 9i have keyboards that I find unattractive. Personally, I’m not a fan of RGB lighting as I find it too distracting. The Cyborg 15’s keyboard features a fixed icy-blue lighting that cannot be changed. In contrast, the Legion 9i offers per-key RGB lighting, allowing you to customize each key to your liking. Additionally, you can add animations for a more personalized touch.
When it comes to typing and productivity, the Cyborg 15’s keyboard wins for me. It offers a satisfying clicky feel and excellent tactile feedback. However, the Legion 9i’s keys are also comfortable, but the keyboard’s positioning on the deck reduces the touchpad’s space, leaving less room for wrist support. The touchpad itself is also on the smaller side.
Cheap laptop vs. pricey laptop: Performance
In terms of performance, the Lenovo Legion 9i shines with its Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, delivering impressive results in games like Cyberpunk 2077. Comparatively, the Cyborg 15 features an Intel Core i7-13620H CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, providing decent gaming experiences but falling short of the Legion 9i’s performance. With DLSS turned on, the Legion 9i outperforms the Cyborg 15 significantly, offering a smoother gameplay experience.
Final thoughts
While the Cyborg 15 handles demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 well, the Legion 9i surpasses it in terms of performance and speed. Whether reaching 253 frames per second on the Legion 9i matters to you over 113 frames on the Cyborg 15 is a personal preference. Some gamers may prioritize speed and smooth gameplay, making the Legion 9i the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between a budget and premium laptop depends on your gaming preferences and priorities.
Display comparison
When comparing the display of the Cyborg 15 to the Legion 9i, it’s clear that the latter offers a superior visual experience. However, for some gamers, having a slightly duller and dimmer screen may not be a deal-breaker, especially when it means saving a significant amount of money. At $1,000, the Cyborg 15 proves to be a more budget-friendly option without compromising too much on performance.
Choosing the right one
If budget is not a constraint for you, investing in the Legion 9i would be a wise decision given its top-notch features and reputation as one of the best gaming laptops in the market. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, the Cyborg 15 still holds its ground and provides a decent gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Topics
Lenovo
