Should you can reside and not using a vivid, vibrant show and crisp audio system, the MSI Status 14 Evo ought to be greater than passable in office efficiency. It isn’t the very best in its class, nevertheless it’s nonetheless swift and packs a robust punch, making it an incredible decide for operating processor-intensive applications, transcoding movies, and downloading big information.
The Status 14 Evo additionally usually does a superb job managing air circulation, because of its capability to prop itself up, though warmth ideas barely above our consolation threshold below intensive use. The laptop computer additionally doesn’t final as lengthy on a cost as we’d’ve appreciated, nevertheless it ought to get you thru most of a piece day.
However if you happen to want clear, loud built-in audio system and a vibrant show, you’ll wish to look elsewhere. The Status 14 Evo is serviceable for on a regular basis use, however there’s nothing significantly particular or standout about this laptop computer.
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 pricing and configuration
The MSI Status 14 Evo A12 we reviewed is obtainable now for $799 at NewEgg (opens in new tab), boasting a twelfth Gen Intel Core i5 CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD space for storing, Intel Iris Xe graphics and a 1920 x 1080-pixel show.
Alternate configurations have a twelfth Gen Intel Core i7 1280P CPU or an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650. Probably the most highly effective configuration, which comes with a twelfth Gen Intel Core i7 1260P CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Cellular GPU, goes for $1,399 at NewEgg (opens in new tab). Some variations include Home windows 11 Professional, which may elevate the associated fee by over $200. Our $799 overview laptop computer is priced at $1,049 at NewEgg (opens in new tab) after together with Home windows 11 Professional.
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 design
The Status 14 Evo is comfortably enveloped by an arctic Bluestone chassis, evoking the sensation of a glacier glimmering in opposition to the solar. Its coloration is finest appreciated in a well-lit area, as heat mild is a stunning distinction to its cool aluminum tint. There isn’t something I might deem “distinctive” concerning the laptop computer’s exterior, however its simplicity will enchantment to these in search of one thing nice and lowkey.
Its lid encompasses a reflective silver MSI brand plastered on the high within the firm’s recognizable futuristic font. It’s a minimalist strategy I respect, because it avoids overly advanced or emboldened logos and as an alternative provides the lid some respiratory room.
Lifting the lid reveals two slim bezels that flank the 14-inch show, a 720p webcam housed within the higher bezel, and one other MSI brand within the decrease bezel. Opening the lid elevates the laptop computer by 5 levels, creating a niche between the floor and the laptop computer’s backside, enhancing airflow and cooling effectivity. Its hinge may also assist a 180-degree angle.
Lifting the lid when the laptop computer is absolutely closed is a little bit of a ache. The Status 14 Evo’s lip doesn’t protrude sufficient from the entrance to make it simply liftable. I’ve to place each palms on the left and proper sides of the laptop computer to open it up.
The total-sized black keyboard options massive keys and the vast trackpad is gigantic, however in any other case, the deck is commonplace fare and almost equivalent to final yr’s mannequin. It will get the job completed, however exterior of the beautiful Bluestone hue, it’s unexciting.
The Status 14 Evo has dimensions of 12.6 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches and weighs 2.7 kilos, making it even lighter than final yr’s mannequin and crushing most of its competitors. The Samsung Galaxy Ebook 2 Professional 360 measures 14 x 9 x 0.5 inches and weighs 3.1 kilos (though it encompasses a 15.6-inch show), whereas the Asus ZenBook 14X OLED Area Version measures 12.3 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches and weighs 3.09 kilos, making each of them a bit heavier. The Acer Swift 5 measures 12.2 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches and weighs 2.65 kilos, which means it’s barely lighter than the Status 14 Evo.
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 sturdiness and safety
Should you’re frightened about sturdiness, the Status 14 Evo fulfills the MIL-STD-810G sturdiness commonplace, which means it ought to be capable to endure unintentional drops, warmth, vibrations, excessive altitudes, chilly, humidity and shocks. It’s constructed to final, however we suggest not dropping it regardless.
The Status 14 Evo additionally encompasses a fingerprint scanner on the high left of the touchpad, which is simple to arrange and protects your laptop from undesirable entry.
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 ports
The Status 14 Evo boasts two Kind-C Thunderbolt 4 ports on the left aspect, every of which can be utilized to cost the laptop computer.
On the suitable aspect sits a USB Kind-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, a headset jack and a microSD card reader.
For many who aren’t happy with this port choice, the 2 Kind-C Thunderbolt 4 ought to offer you a ton of respiratory room. I might’ve beloved the inclusion of an HDMI port on this laptop computer, however a hub simply provides that performance. And since there’s a couple of, you need to use that hub and cost the laptop computer concurrently. Try our finest USB Kind-C hubs and finest laptop computer docking stations for a wide range of choices.
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 show
This 14-inch 1920×1080-pixel FHD show provides good colours and respectable brightness, nevertheless it’s nothing to gawk at. It’s greater than satisfactory for late-night movie screenings in a dim room, however the show is troublesome to make use of when introduced out into direct daylight. The Status 14 Evo is as mild as it’s for a motive. It is meant to be taken on the go, however we’ve discovered its brightness makes it troublesome to get stuff completed outdoor or in any brightly lit atmosphere.
I by no means thought I’d say this, however that new Minions film appears to be like cute. Watching its trailer on the Status 14 Evo illustrated the refined variations in grey coloration between Gru’s lovable striped scarf and his burly buttoned-up shirt. The lanky protagonist and his iconic, banana-hued minions making their getaway by bicycle contrasted effectively with a metropolis within the daylight, boasting neon indicators, daring purple vehicles, and baskets stuffed with apples, grapes and oranges. This laptop computer ought to be passable for watching HD movies, so if that’s your important promoting level, don’t fret.
Final yr’s Status 14 Evo was an unlimited disappointment in display screen brightness. Its 245 nits had been considerably decrease than the common premium laptop computer, and it got here up wanting its rivals. Whereas the most recent Status 14 Evo has improved to 295 nits of brightness, it’s nonetheless falling wanting different premium laptops. The Acer Swift 5 (457 nits), Galaxy Ebook 2 Professional 360 (373 nits) and Zenbook 14X OLED (355 nits) are all brighter.
Measuring the Status 14 Evo’s coloration protection utilizing a colorimeter, its sRGB coloration gamut hit 114%, which is decrease than the 123% premium laptop computer common. Its DCI-P3 coloration gamut hit 80.9%, which is a really minor downgrade from the earlier mannequin’s 82%. Its coloration vary is definitely bested by the Acer Swift 5 (93.3%), the Galaxy Ebook 2 Professional (87.5%) and the Zenbook 14X OLED (96.4%).
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 audio
The MSI Status 14 Evo’s bottom-facing speaker system is the top of mediocrity. It’s palatable for many makes use of, however as I listened to a various number of music, I discovered it was solely profitable in giving me a headache. Should you’re taken with watching movies or TV, you’ll wish to have a look at our finest laptop audio system or finest wi-fi headphones to offset the laptop computer’s underwhelming sound high quality.
I listened to The Ninth Wave’s “What Makes You a Man,” which was featured within the Umbrella Academy season 3, and I used to be disenchanted by the sound high quality of this chaotic, noisy manufacturing. Past all the monitor sounding a bit of muffled and restrained, on the factors the place percussion will get intense and the audio synthesizer is in full impact, a scratchiness could be heard popping out of the audio system. A number of the small print are inclined to blur collectively, with the electrical guitar and drums mixing into an disagreeable headache stuffed with raspy bass.
I then listened to Anna von Hausswolff’s “Stranger,” which is way softer and extra mellow. The start begins effectively sufficient, with Anna’s voice contrasting her guitar pleasantly and the audio system are in a position to deal with the variations in tone with out particulars mixing collectively. However because the music will increase in depth and Anna raises her voice, it looks like her vocal efficiency is continually being restricted by the speaker system. And because the minor percussion components are launched, it’s troublesome to catch their reverb in distinction to the strumming guitar.
I lastly listened to Frank Sinatra’s “My Manner,” blasting the music on the loudest doable quantity. As Sinatra hits his highest notes, the laptop computer struggled to current a transparent, nice loudness. It solely got here throughout as ear-piercing, and principally butchered the music. Each trumpet word, guitar strum, and drum hit blends collectively into an unlikable mess.
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 keyboard and touchpad
The Status 14 Evo’s huge full-sized keyboard is actually welcome, though the Fn key and proper Ctrl being shrunk collectively to a single key’s a bit bizarre. I by no means use the suitable Ctrl usually, however the Fn key’s essential for rising or reducing quantity and brightness. And if you happen to’re taking part in a online game (regardless that this isn’t a gaming laptop computer), it acts as an essential set of keys to execute instructions.
I took the typing check at 10FastFingers.com on the Status 14 Evo to see my phrases per minute with the laptop computer’s keyboard. I needed to restart the check a dozen occasions earlier than getting within the swing of issues, which isn’t the laptop computer’s fault because the keyboard I take advantage of on my desktop has a far completely different orientation. After lastly getting a hold of it, I hit 100 WPM, which is barely a bit of slower than my 110 WPM common. I wasn’t too snug typing on this keyboard for lengthy intervals of time because of its measurement. I always discovered myself touchdown on the improper keys, typically by chance clicking the one subsequent to them. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be exhausting to adapt after a short while.
Whereas I do respect a large touchpad, it feels considerably disagreeable to make use of. It’s quick however borders on slippery, sometimes making it troublesome to realize traction to zip between factors on the display screen. It virtually feels prefer it’s lathered in oil, but it’s nonetheless not correct sufficient to be definitely worth the unusual sensation. I’ve used far worse touchpads that genuinely make it troublesome to not plug in an exterior mouse, however the Status 14 Evo’s may use a smoother texture.
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 efficiency
Our overview mannequin of the Status 14 Evo boasts a twelfth Gen Intel Core i5-1240P, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD space for storing. Whereas this will likely appear underpowered, its efficiency is completely nothing to squawk at.
I had 15 YouTube movies operating directly for 2 hours and the Status 14 Evo didn’t decelerate or lag at any level. Not solely that, nevertheless it didn’t make the slightest peep. I anticipated, on the very least, for the fan to enter overdrive or the laptop computer to get tremendous scorching, nevertheless it had completely no situation operating all of that directly.
The Status 14 Evo’s efficiency is kind of spectacular, managing a Geekbench 5.4 multi-core rating of 9,549. Whereas that is worse than the Acer Swift 5 (9,859) and Zenbook 14X OLED (11,142), its efficiency surpasses the Galaxy Ebook 2 Professional (9,043). Each certainly one of these laptops simply demolishes the premium laptop computer common of 5,956, so you may’t go improper with this diploma of energy.
Our Handbrake benchmark had the Status 14 Evo convert a 4K video to 1080p in 8 minutes and 31 seconds. This was slower than the Zenbook 14X OLED (7:39) and Acer Swift 5 (7:36), however quicker than the Galaxy Ebook 2 Professional (9:34) and the premium laptop computer common (10:38).
And when transferring a 25GB file, we noticed it attain speeds as much as 954 megabytes per second, which is healthier than the Galaxy Ebook 2 Professional (762 MBps) and the business common of 825 MBps. Nevertheless, the Zenbook 14X OLED (1,747 MBps) and Acer Swift 5 (1,673 MBps) had been simply in a position to crush it.
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 battery life
The Status 14 Evo’s battery life is way from glorious, nevertheless it ought to final you thru most of a workday. On the Laptop computer Magazine battery check, which entails steady internet browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits, the laptop computer lasted a complete of 8 hours and 45 minutes. Whereas this isn’t terrible, and on the very least, bests the Zenbook 14X OLED (6:02), it lasted nowhere close to so long as the Galaxy Ebook 2 Professional (11:59) and the Acer Swift 5 (11:24). Sadly, the MSI’s runtime additionally doesn’t come near our premium laptop computer common of 10 hours and 29 minutes.
Operating a number of YouTube movies over the course of two hours drained the battery fairly swiftly, going from 100% to 66% in that point. Should you’re performing demanding duties, it’s unlikely that the laptop computer will final by all of a piece shift, however you may be OK with cautious use or primary productiveness duties. Regardless, this laptop computer isn’t the very best for battery longevity.
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 warmth
The Status 14 Evo wasn’t too scorching throughout our testing, with its max temperature hitting 99.5 levels Fahrenheit on the middle underside after 15 steady minutes of video streaming. Its underside hit 97.2 levels and its trackpad stayed at a really cool 79.3 levels. Whereas that is principally beneath our 95-degree consolation threshold, it’s not too grand of an offender.
And because of the Status 14 Evo’s capability to raise itself when the lid is popped open, airflow ought to be much less of a problem than with different laptops.
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 webcam
Not in contrast to most built-in laptop computer cameras, the 720p webcam on the Status 14 is fairly underwhelming. It’s grainy, overexposes photos, and interprets each element right into a fuzzy dot.. You’re higher off testing the finest webcams for exterior use if you happen to’re planning to video convention often.
MSI Status 14 Evo A12 software program and guarantee
The Status 14 Evo launches with Home windows 11 put in. Not everybody will probably be prepared to maneuver onto the most recent iteration of Home windows, particularly because it nonetheless has a ton of kinks to iron out. As at all times, the laptop computer additionally comes preinstalled with a slew of software program, together with Disney+, LinkedIn, Spotify, Instagram, Prime Video, TikTok, Solitaire, and Fb.
The MSI Status 14 Evo ships with a one-year guarantee. See how the model fared in our Tech Help Showdown and Greatest and Worst Manufacturers particular experiences.
Backside line
The Status 14 Evo is a stable laptop computer for anybody in want of a beautiful, light-weight minimalist workstation with highly effective efficiency and respectable air circulation that come collectively into a cheap bundle. However audiophiles and videophiles is not going to be impressed.
Its brightness and coloration accuracy can do a superb job in dim areas, however if you happen to plan on bringing this factor on the go, you’ll need one thing brighter. And the laptop computer’s speaker techniques are subpar at finest, affected by headache-inducing sound high quality that may make any music lover sob. General, the Status 14 Evo is a good laptop computer by most metrics, however there’s nothing right here to jot down dwelling about.
