Looking for a sleek productivity laptop under ₹45,000? The MSI Modern 14 C12MO-1212IN boasts an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 16GB RAM, and Intel Iris Xe graphics, positioning it as a strong contender in the budget-friendly category. But how does it stack up against the competition? Let’s dive in! 🚀
💻 Design & Display – Sleek, Lightweight, and Functional
The Modern 14 features a 14-inch Full HD display with a 1920×1080 resolution, offering sharp visuals for both work and entertainment. Its classic black finish and ultra-lightweight design at 1.4 kg make it both stylish and portable.
📊 Display Comparison: MSI Modern 14 vs Competitors
| Feature | MSI Modern 14 (₹42,990) 🏆 | Acer Aspire Lite (₹37,999) | HP 15s (₹39,999) | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (₹38,499) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 14-inch | 15.6-inch | 15.6-inch | 15.6-inch |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 | 1920×1080 | 1920×1080 | 1920×1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Panel Type | IPS | IPS | IPS | IPS |
✔️ MSI Modern 14 offers portability with its compact design!
🚀 Performance – Intel Core i5-1235U for Efficient Multitasking
Equipped with the Intel Core i5-1235U (10-core, 12-thread) processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, the Modern 14 handles office tasks, content consumption, and light gaming efficiently. 💨
📊 Processor, RAM & Storage Comparison
| Feature | MSI Modern 14 (₹42,990) 🏆 | Acer Aspire Lite (₹37,999) | HP 15s (₹39,999) | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (₹38,499) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U | Ryzen 5-5625U | Intel Core i5-1135G7 | Ryzen 5-5500U |
| Cores/Threads | 10C/12T | 6C/12T | 4C/8T | 6C/12T |
| Base/Boost Clock | 1.3GHz / 4.4GHz | 2.3GHz / 4.3GHz | 2.4GHz / 4.2GHz | 2.1GHz / 4.0GHz |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 | 16GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe | Radeon Integrated | Intel Iris Xe | Radeon Integrated |
📊 Benchmark Scores – MSI Modern 14 vs Competitors
| Test | MSI Modern 14 (₹42,990) 🏆 | Acer Aspire Lite (₹37,999) | HP 15s (₹39,999) | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (₹38,499) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core) | 8,500 | 9,200 🏆 | 8,900 | 8,850 |
| Cinebench R23 (Single-Core) | 1,600 🏆 | 1,500 | 1,480 | 1,470 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core | 7,600 | 7,800 🏆 | 7,500 | 7,450 |
| Geekbench 6 Single-Core | 1,700 🏆 | 1,450 | 1,420 | 1,410 |
✔️ Strong single-core performance for everyday tasks!
🎮 Gaming Performance – Casual Gaming Capabilities
While not designed for heavy gaming, the Intel Iris Xe graphics can handle casual gaming and older titles. 🎮
📊 Gaming FPS Test – 1080p (Low-Medium Settings)
| Game 🎮 | MSI Modern 14 (₹42,990) 🏆 | Acer Aspire Lite (₹37,999) | HP 15s (₹39,999) | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (₹38,499) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valorant | 85 FPS 🏆 | 80 FPS | 75 FPS | 78 FPS |
| GTA V | 50 FPS 🏆 | 45 FPS | 43 FPS | 44 FPS |
| CS:GO | 95 FPS 🏆 | 90 FPS | 85 FPS | 88 FPS |
📌 Verdict: Suitable for casual gaming but not for AAA titles.
🔋 Battery & Charging – Reliable Power Backup
The Modern 14 offers up to 7 hours of battery life on moderate usage.
MSI The fast charging support ensures quick battery replenishment. 🔋⚡
📊 Battery Life Test
| Test | MSI Modern 14 (₹42,990) 🏆 | Acer Aspire Lite (₹37,999) | HP 15s (₹39,999) | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (₹38,499) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video Playback | 7 hrs 🏆 | 6.5 hrs | 6 hrs | 6 hrs |
| Office Work | 6.5 hrs 🏆 | 6 hrs | 5.5 hrs | 5.8 hrs |
| Charging Time | 1.4 hrs 🏆 | 1.5 hrs | 1.6 hrs | 1.7 hrs |
✔️ Competitive battery life in this price range!
🎤 Speakers & Keyboard – Comfortable and Functional
- Speakers: The dual speakers provide just decent volume but lack depth, resulting in a somewhat tinny sound with minimal bass.
- Keyboard: The backlit chiclet-style keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with decent key travel and tactile feedback. The touchpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, enhancing overall usability.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy It?
✅ Consider if you want:
- A lightweight and portable design.
- Solid performance for everyday tasks.
- A comfortable keyboard for extended typing sessions.
❌ Reconsider if you need:
- High-quality speakers for media consumption.
- A long battery life
Final Rating: 8/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The MSI Modern 14 C12MO-1212IN is a commendable choice for students and professionals seeking a portable and efficient laptop under ₹45,000. However, you can even get for ₹35000/- with bank offers on Flipkart sale days. In that case, it is an absolute steal.
While it excels in design and everyday performance, potential buyers should be aware of its modest display and audio capabilities.
This review is based on available information and user experiences up to March 2025.
