With the launch date of the MSI Claw landing even sooner than expected, you might find yourself debating which model of this Intel-powered handheld is your best bet: well, we’ve compared the MSI Claw Ultra 7 155H vs the MSI Claw Ultra 5 135H to see which Claw is better on paper.
The Claw is going up against a market of fierce AMD-based competitors, and being the first portable gaming PC to use an Intel chip is one of its unique selling points. What’s more, you have the choice between a Core Ultra 5 and a Core Ultra 7. For a $50 gap, the two handheld devices offer a clear separate performance result. So, this article will go deep into the differences between the MSI Claw Ultra 7 155H and Ultra 5 135H. Let’s jump in.
MSI Claw Ultra 7 155H vs MSI Claw Ultra 5 135H: Specs and Performance
As mentioned above, the primary distinction between the MSI Claw units lies in their processors, setting these two handheld devices apart in terms of performance. The higher-end MSI Claw is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H APU, which boasts 6 P-cores and a generous 24MB of L3 cache memory. In contrast, the more budget-friendly unit features the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, equipped with 4 P-cores and 18MB of L3 cache.
This significant difference in core count and cache size makes the Ultra 7 model the more robust option, likely offering superior performance for demanding games and computer applications.
The benefits of a larger L3 cache and additional P-cores in a handheld gaming device cannot be understated. The L3 cache, serving as a larger reservoir of data for the CPU, enables quicker access to frequently used information, significantly enhancing performance in processes that require heavy data retrieval, such as gaming.
Additionally, the extra P-cores (performance cores) in the Ultra 7 provide higher computational throughput, allowing for smoother gameplay and more efficient multitasking. Together, these features ensure that the MSI Claw Ultra 7 155H not only outpaces its counterpart in raw performance but also offers a more fluid and responsive gaming experience.
| Specs | MSI Claw Ultra 7 155H | MSI Claw Ultra 5 135H |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | INTEL Arc 5 | INTEL Arc 5 |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (16 Core, 22 Threads) | Intel Core Ultra 5 135H (14 Core, 28 Threads) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 | 16GB LPDDR5-6400 |
| Battery | 53WHr (2 hours full load) | 53WHr (2 hours full load) |
| Screen resolution | 7″, 1920x1080p, 48-120Hz touchscreen | 7″, 1920x1080p, 48-120Hz touchscreen |
| Storage | 512 GB / 1 TB | 512 GB |
| Connectivity | Micro SD, USB-C, 3.5 mm | Micro SD, USB-C, 3.5 mm |
| Price | $749 / $799 | $699 |
Another difference between the MSI Claw Ultra 7 155H and MSI Claw Ultra 5 135H lies in their storage capacity. The Ultra 7 offers a substantial 1 TB of storage, catering to gamers who prefer having an extensive library of games at their disposal without worrying about space constraints.
In contrast, the Ultra 5 comes with 512 GB, sufficient for casual gamers or those who prioritize select titles. The choice between the two, in terms of storage, hinges on the type of gamer you are. However, it’s essential to highlight that the primary focus of this comparison is on the differing capabilities of the two APUs.
| Performance specs | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel Core Ultra 5 135H |
|---|---|---|
| P + E Cores | 6 P-cores10 E-cores | 4 P-cores10 E-cores |
| Base Frequency (P+E) | 3.8 GHz / 1.8 GHz | 3.6 GHz / 2.3 GHz |
| Turbo Frequency (P+E) | 4.8 GHz / 3.8 GHz | 4.6 GHz / 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB | 18 MB |
Concerning the APUs’ expected performance, leaked benchmarks by the well-known leaker Bilibili provide insightful previews, albeit unconfirmed. These leaks suggest the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H outperforms the Ultra 5 135H, with the former achieving up to 37 FPS in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, compared to the latter’s 28 FPS.
These performance figures underline the Ultra 7’s superiority in handling more intensive gaming scenarios, offering a smoother and more engaging experience for serious gamers looking for portable gaming devices. Without a real-life comparison, it’s hard to tell; but on paper, both the Claw models certainly match up as rivals to the Steam Deck and Rog Ally.
MSI Claw Ultra 7 155H vs MSI Claw Ultra 5 135H price
The MSI Claw Ultra 7 155H 1TB is priced at $799, while the MSI Claw Ultra 5 135H comes in at $699, establishing a $100 difference between the two models. This price variation is designed to reflect the disparity in their hardware capabilities and storage, positioning the mid-range option at $749.99, snugly in between.
This pricing strategy emphasizes the MSI Claw’s standing as a premium option in the handheld gaming market, catering to gamers who seek top-tier performance and are willing to invest in higher-end hardware.
Is the MSI Claw Ultra 7 155H better than the Ultra 5 135H?
In conclusion, between the MSI Claw Ultra 7 155H and the Ultra 5 135H, the Ultra 7 stands out as the preferable choice for gamers seeking the best performance from MSI’s Claw lineup. With a mere $100 difference in price, the significant boost in performance and storage provided by the Ultra 7’s superior hardware is undoubtedly worth the extra investment. This performance edge ensures that gamers can enjoy a more fluid and immersive gaming experience, making the Ultra 7 the clear winner for those looking to maximize their handheld gaming enjoyment.
