MSI Modern 15H laptop review: Solid performance, capable daily-driver

MSI, a Taiwanese brand, is a known commodity for those who assemble computers or those who play games on their laptops. This is because the company excels at making top-end gaming and performance hardware, including gaming laptops. But we don’t necessarily think MSI when it comes to regular day-to-day use laptops. This perception is now changing, largely driven by laptops like the MSI Modern 15H, the laptop that is hero of this review.
Reason? If you’re looking for a laptop that combines sleek style with solid performance, the MSI Modern 15 H, priced at Rs 76,990, might just catch your eye. This laptop feels like it’s built for the modern multitasker — whether you’re a student juggling projects, a professional on the go, or just someone who appreciates a laptop that can keep up with your busy life. Armed with a 13th-gen Intel processor and a durable design, it’s got some strong selling points. But is it all smooth sailing? I have used the device for more than 15 days, putting it through everything from all-day work sessions to rapid multitasking bursts to see where it shines and where it stumbles.
The MSI Modern 15H has a minimalist, straightforward design that I really appreciate. It looks clean and professional, with a solid metal chassis that gives it a premium feel. The build quality is impressive, and it feels sturdy enough to handle everyday wear and tear. The MIL-STD 810H military durability certification is a nice touch, reassuring me that the laptop can survive the occasional bump or knock without any issues.
That said, it’s not exactly lightweight. Weighing around 1.9 kg, it’s definitely on the heavier side for a 15.6-inch laptop. While it’s still manageable to carry around, it’s not the easiest to lug around if you’re used to something lighter. It’s portable enough for daily use, but I wouldn’t call it a “featherweight” laptop, something I am accustomed to as I use the MacBook Air M1 as my daily driver.
The keyboard, however, isn’t as comfortable as I had hoped, considering it is a large sized laptop. Despite having plenty of space on the 15.6-inch layout, the keys are on the smaller side. This feels a bit odd compared to other laptops, like the HP EliteBook Ultra GQ1, which I reviewed recently. That said, the 1.5mm key travel on the MSI Modern provides decent tactile feedback, and there’s a full-sized number pad for anyone working with spreadsheets, though you may need some time to adjust if you’re used to larger keys. The backlit keys light up every time you press a key, which I think is a very good addition.
The touchpad is spacious but slightly stiff, requiring more pressure than I’d like. Compared to my MacBook Air M1’s touchpad, it doesn’t feel as smooth or responsive, and I often found myself reaching for an external mouse for easier navigation.
One of the Modern 15 H’s strong points is its wide selection of ports. With USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1 (supporting 4K at 60Hz), and even a microSD slot, it’s well-equipped for connecting multiple devices. The USB-C port supports up to 100W charging, which is convenient if you’re traveling and need an on-the-go power option, though MSI recommends their charger for optimal speed.
The 15.6-inch FHD display is clear enough for browsing and document work, but it doesn’t deliver the vibrant visuals some might expect. The display colours appear slightly muted, compared to OLED screens that laptop makers have started using now. So it may not suit graphics designers or anyone who needs accurate colour representation. I noticed that graphics-heavy visuals lacked punch, and the display struggled to capture the depth and richness of high-resolution images or videos. Brightness, too, could be better— working outdoors or in a bright room can be challenging as the screen can look a bit dim. Watching movies or web shows on the device is not something you would really enjoy.
The audio quality is average. The laptops deliver clear sound for Zoom calls or casual listening, but it lacks the depth that some might expect for a full media experience. The speakers, though certified with Hi-Res Audio, don’t have enough bass oomph, so external speakers or headphones would be more enjoyable for music or movie streaming. The 720p webcam is functional for video calls, with a physical privacy shutter that I appreciated. However, the webcam’s image quality is quite basic, especially in low light, and falls short of the sharper Full HD quality seen in newer models.
Performance is where the Modern 15 H gets more interesting, thanks to its Intel Core i7-13900H processor. This processor allows it to handle multiple tasks smoothly, especially useful for those juggling work apps, tabs, and background processes. I kept the device running for around nine hours straight, working with multiple tabs open, various files, and continuous browsing, yet it held up impressively without overheating or stuttering. This level of stability, even without a dedicated graphics card, makes the Modern 15H a reliable choice for those focused on productivity.
Here’s how it performed in some standard benchmarks.
— Cinebench: The Modern 15 H scored 10,202 in multicore and 1,979 in single-core tests. In simpler terms, these scores represent the laptop’s ability to handle rendering tasks, so a high multicore score means it can efficiently tackle more complex, multi-threaded workloads. The strong single-core score ensures that the laptop remains quick and responsive for simpler, single-threaded applications like browsing or word processing.
— Geekbench: With a score of 2,726 in single-core and 10,867 in multicore, the Modern 15H holds up well in everyday productivity tasks. The high single-core score means smooth day-to-day operation, while the multi core score is reassuring for multitasking. I found that it handled tasks like working on spreadsheets, web browsing, and even some light content editing smoothly, though graphic-heavy tasks could strain it due to the lack of a dedicated GPU.
Battery life is where the Modern 15 H could use some improvement. The laptop is equipped with a 39.3/53.8Whr battery, which delivers around 4-5 hours of battery life on regular use (browsing, document editing, and light media streaming). While this is decent, it may fall short if you’re looking for an all-day battery. Thankfully, MSI has included a 90W fast-charger, which allows the laptop to reach 60 per cent in about an hour— a convenient option if you need a quick top-up before heading out.
After using the MSI Modern 15 H for more than two weeks, I can say that it’s a solid laptop for those who need a reliable, everyday device for productivity. Priced at Rs 76,990, it combines a clean, minimalist design with a sturdy build and a decent range of ports, making it a good option for students and professionals alike. The Intel Core i7-13900H processor ensures smooth multitasking, and the laptop holds up well, even when running multiple tabs or tasks for long hours. The performance benchmarks reflect this strength, with solid scores in both single-core and multi-core tests.
However, it’s not perfect. The keyboard, while functional, features smaller keys that take some getting used to, and the touchpad requires more pressure than I’d like, which led me to use an external mouse. The display, while clear enough for basic tasks, struggles with vibrant colours, and graphic-heavy visuals aren’t as crisp as I’d expect. Battery life could also be better. With only 4-5 hours of use, I found myself needing to recharge the laptop.
Overall, the MSI Modern 15 H is a solid, no-frills laptop for everyday work. It’s a good choice for anyone who needs something reliable, but if display quality or battery life are high on your priority list, you might want to consider other options.