MSI Claw 7 AI+ (A2VMx) Model 1
Also sold as: MSI Claw 7 AI+ A2VM-028 Handheld 7 Inch FHD Core Ultra 7 258 V 32 GB 512 GB Win11 (001T42-028)
£1,164
Buy on Amazon · £1,164About this laptop
The review on Plample is a consensus from multiple reviewers across the web, so you don't have to spend hours hunting down what you need to make your decision. Each claim is backed by cited sources. Hover over any reference number to see where it comes from.
MSI Claw 7 AI+ (A2VMx) Review
Design and Build Quality
The MSI Claw 7 AI+ features an ergonomic design with pronounced grips that enhance comfort during extended gaming sessions. Weighing 1.48 pounds and measuring 11.6 x 4.6 x 0.85 inches, it strikes a balance between portability and usability. However, the design has some flaws; the dark buttons and engravings make them hard to see in low light, and the bumpers are criticized for their squishy feel and poor functionality [1] Laptop Mag MSI Claw review: Shamefully declawed https://www.laptopmag.com/author/claire-tabari
Display
Equipped with a 7-inch, 1920 x 1080 IPS touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, the display performs adequately but lacks vibrancy compared to competitors. It achieves a peak brightness of 429 nits, which is decent but still lower than rivals like the ROG Ally [2] Laptop Mag MSI Claw review: Shamefully declawed https://www.laptopmag.com/author/claire-tabari
Performance
The Claw 7 AI+ is powered by Intel's latest Meteor Lake processors, but its gaming performance is disappointing. Tests show it struggles to maintain playable frame rates in demanding titles, often dropping below 30 fps even at lower settings. This is a stark contrast to competitors, which manage significantly better performance [3] Laptop Mag MSI Claw review: Shamefully declawed https://www.laptopmag.com/author/claire-tabari
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the Claw 7 AI+ falls short. While it lasts around 6 hours during web browsing, gaming reduces this to just over an hour, which is less than many competitors [4] Laptop Mag MSI Claw review: Shamefully declawed https://www.laptopmag.com/author/claire-tabari
Software
MSI Center M, the device's software interface, aims to streamline the gaming experience but is plagued by bugs and usability issues. Users have reported difficulties in switching modes and accessing settings, which can hinder gameplay [5] Laptop Mag MSI Claw review: Shamefully declawed https://www.laptopmag.com/author/claire-tabari
Audio
One of the standout features of the Claw 7 AI+ is its audio quality. The speakers are noted for their loudness and clarity, enhancing the gaming experience significantly compared to other handhelds [6] Laptop Mag MSI Claw review: Shamefully declawed https://www.laptopmag.com/author/claire-tabari
Conclusion
In summary, the MSI Claw 7 AI+ offers a comfortable design and excellent audio but is let down by poor gaming performance, software issues, and battery life. At a price point of $799, it struggles to compete with more capable alternatives like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, making it hard to recommend for serious gamers [7] Laptop Mag MSI Claw review: Shamefully declawed https://www.laptopmag.com/author/claire-tabari