The change to AMD’s Ryzen 4000 series processors is the single biggest difference between the Alpha 15 and the Bravo 15, and it makes a big difference, too. The base model’s six-core, 12-thread Ryzen 5 4600H (3GHz base, 4GHz boost) is fast enough to compete with Intel’s Core i7-10750H, which has the same number of cores and threads. However, the eight-core, 16-thread Ryzen 7 4800H (2.9GHz base, 4.2GHz boost) in my test unit is much faster overall.
The MSI Bravo 15 is a cheap laptop for gaming, and it looks like a gaming laptop. Unlike the slim Razer Blade models or MSI’s own Stealth line of laptops, the Bravo 15 is a big, chunky thing with a lot of odd curves and extra features that aren’t needed. With dimensions of 14.1, 10.2, and 1.0 inches, it’s almost twice as thick as some of its more expensive 15-inch gaming laptop competitors. It’s also a good half-pound larger at 5.1 pounds. The device does, however, fit easily into a normal commuter backpack, so it’s not too hard to carry around.
Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5600H
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 5500M
- Display: 15.6 inches, 1080p, 144 Hz
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Dimensions: 14.1 x 10.2 x 1.0 inches
- Weight: 5.1 pounds
Where to get MSI Bravo 15 laptop?
The plain black chassis has a big gap at the hinge and a raised geometric pattern on the lid, which are both unusual design choices. For good measure, there’s also a phoenix sign, which doesn’t light up. The Bravo 15 is an odd-looking machine that probably wouldn’t feel at home in an office. However, as we’ll talk about later, it’s not bad for productivity work.
There are two USB-A ports and a power port on the left side. On the right, there is an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, a USB-A port, and a USB-C port. The keyboard on the MSI Bravo 15 was one of the best things about it. One of the things I often don’t like about gaming laptops is that they put their keyboards in the wrong place, like in the middle of the chassis, instead of using all the room they have. The Bravo 15 has a full keyboard that takes up the whole front of the device. It even has a number pad.