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Lenovo ThinkPad E15 vs MSI Modern 15 A11SB

The MSI Modern 15 is the stronger machine here: a Core i7-1165G7, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and an MX450 GPU beat the ThinkPad E15's i5-1135G7, 8GB and 256GB drive on every spec that affects daily work. The ThinkPad's edge is durability and IT-friendly design: spill-resistant keyboard, ThinkShutter webcam cover, MIL-spec testing and a business support network. Buy the MSI if you want performance and room to multitask without upgrading anything. Buy the ThinkPad if you type all day, carry it around and want a machine built to survive it.

  • Choose the ThinkPad E15 if you want a tough, serviceable business laptop with a great keyboard and a webcam shutter, and you don't mind adding RAM and storage later.
  • Choose the MSI Modern 15 if you want a fast, thin 15-inch laptop that already has the memory, storage and graphics for heavy multitasking and light creative work.

Prices

  • Lenovo ThinkPad E15: $90.08 at My Store (last seen Nov 10)
  • MSI Modern 15 A11SB: $52.82 at ModuVault (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the MSI Modern 15 A11SB is $37.26 cheaper than the Lenovo ThinkPad E15 at the latest prices (Nov 10)
Lenovo
Lenovo ThinkPad E15 15.6" Laptop

Lenovo ThinkPad E15

Lenovo ThinkPad E15 15.6" Laptop

$90.08at My StoreChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit My Store
Pros
  • Excellent keyboard for long typing sessions
  • Spill-resistant, MIL-spec tested chassis
  • ThinkShutter physical webcam cover
  • Easy RAM and SSD upgrades
  • Ethernet port for wired networks
Cons
  • 8GB of RAM feels tight with many browser tabs
  • 256GB fills up fast with photos and video
  • Integrated graphics only, weak for gaming or editing
  • Bulky next to thin-and-light rivals
MSI
MSI Modern 15 A11SB-059

MSI Modern 15 A11SB

MSI Modern 15 A11SB-059

$52.82at ModuVaultChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit ModuVault
Pros
  • 32GB of RAM handles heavy multitasking
  • 1TB SSD leaves room for large files
  • MX450 adds real graphics headroom over integrated
  • Thunderbolt 4 for fast docks and external drives
  • Thin 16.9mm, 1.6kg body
Cons
  • Shallower keyboard than a ThinkPad
  • No Ethernet port
  • Windows 10 Pro will need a Windows 11 upgrade eventually
  • No rated spill or drop resistance

What separates them

Lenovo ThinkPad E15MSI Modern 15 A11SB
ProcessorCore i5-1135G7, 4 cores, up to 4.2GHzCore i7-1165G7, 4 cores, up to 4.7GHz
Memory8GB DDR4, one slot free to upgrade32GB DDR4-3200, soldered in most configurations
Storage256GB NVMe SSD, upgradeable1TB NVMe SSD
GraphicsIntel Iris Xe integrated onlyIris Xe plus NVIDIA GeForce MX450
Build and durabilitySpill-resistant keyboard, MIL-spec tested, ThinkShutter camera coverThin 16.9mm chassis, 1.6kg, no rated durability testing
PortsUSB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, headphone jackThunderbolt 4 (40Gbps), USB-A, HDMI, no Ethernet
KeyboardBacklit, long-travel ThinkPad layout with TrackPointWhite backlit keyboard, shallower travel
Operating systemWindows 11 HomeWindows 10 Pro

Prices at every store

Lenovo ThinkPad E15

  • My StoreNew

    In stock

    $90.08Checked Nov 10
    Visit My Store
Prices and history →

MSI Modern 15 A11SB

  • ModuVaultNew

    Availability unknownReturn policy

    $52.82Checked Nov 10
    Visit ModuVault
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecLenovo ThinkPad E15MSI Modern 15 A11SB
Processor—Intel Core i7 11th Gen 1165G7 (2.80GHz)
Memory—32 GB
Storage—1 TB NVMe SSD
Graphics—NVIDIA GeForce MX450
Display resolution—1920 x 1080
Screen size—15.6"
Operating system—Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Weight—1.6kg
Thickness—16.9 mm
Thunderbolt—Thunderbolt 4 port
Data transfer—up to 40Gbps
Audio sampling—up to 24bit / 192kHz

What reviewers say

Lenovo ThinkPad E15

Owners of the E15 generally rate the keyboard and everyday speed highly and see it as solid value for office work. Common complaints are the 8GB memory ceiling, the average display brightness and a chassis that feels less premium than costlier ThinkPads.

What people mention
  • KeyboardPraisedReviewers call the backlit keyboard comfortable and quiet for long typing, with a full numeric pad.
  • MemoryCriticisedOwners say 8GB fills up quickly with many tabs and recommend upgrading.
  • DisplayMixedThe Full HD IPS panel is sharp and anti-glare, but reviewers find it dimmer than premium business screens.
  • BuildMixedThe chassis is sturdy enough for desk use but flexes more than metal-bodied ThinkPads.

Questions and answers

Which is better for heavy multitasking?
The MSI Modern 15. Its 32GB of RAM and Core i7 keep dozens of tabs and apps open without slowdown. The ThinkPad E15 ships with 8GB, so you would need to add memory first.
Which lasts longer?
The ThinkPad E15 is built for it: spill-resistant keyboard, MIL-spec testing and easy part replacement. The MSI has no rated durability testing, though its specs stay useful longer without upgrades.
Is the MSI worth stepping up to?
Yes if you want performance out of the box. The i7, 32GB of RAM, 1TB SSD and MX450 cover work the ThinkPad E15 handles only after you add RAM and storage.
Can I upgrade the ThinkPad E15?
Yes. Its RAM and NVMe SSD are user-replaceable, so you can add memory and a larger drive. The MSI's memory is typically soldered, so buy the configuration you need.
Which is better for gaming or photo editing?
The MSI, thanks to the GeForce MX450. It is still an entry-level GPU, fine for light editing and older games. The ThinkPad's Iris Xe graphics are weaker.
Which is better for travel?
The MSI is thinner at 16.9mm and 1.6kg. The ThinkPad is heavier and bulkier but survives knocks and spills better, which matters on the road.

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