MSI Claw vs Legion Go: Which is the better Windows-based handheld PC?

With the sudden boom in the handheld gaming PC space, the MSI Claw vs Legion Go debate has sparked considerable interest in potential buyers. Particularly, the MSI Claw holds the distinction of being a modern Intel-based handheld, compared to the likes of the Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally, which are entirely based on AMD’s Zen4 architecture.

Readers may be confused about which handheld to pick, given the multitude of options available. As such, a breakdown of the MSI Claw vs Legion Go is provided below, comparing specs and performance and selecting an overall winner.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the author’s opinions.

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MSI Claw vs Legion Go: Specs comparison

The MSI Claw is much like the ROG Ally compared to the Legion Go. In short, it possesses the same 7-inch 120Hz display, along with a singular USB-C port and a MicroSD card reader. Interestingly, the Claw possesses up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor instead of the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU seen in the Go and Ally.

Here's a specification table of the MSI Claw and the Legion Go:

Specifications	MSI Claw	Legion Go
CPU	A maximum of an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (16c/22t)	A maximum of an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8c/16t)
GPU	Intel Arc Graphics	AMD RDNA3 Radeon Graphics
RAM	16GB LPDDR5-6400	16GB LPDDR5-7500
Storage	512GB or 1TB internal SSD	512GB or 1TB internal SSD
Screen	7-inch touchscreen, 120Hz, IPS, 1920x1080	8.8 inch touchscreen, 144Hz, IPS, 2560x1600
Battery	53 Whr	50 Whr
Operating System	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Home

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MSI Claw vs Legion Go: All major differences and similarities

Here are the MSI Claw vs Legion Go similarities and differences:

Similarities

• Both handhelds possess the same storage configuration and can be expanded via a MicroSD card.
• The Go and the Claw have USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 support, respectively, capped at 40 GBps allowing for eGPU solutions.
• Both units possess 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and are based on x86 architecture, allowing them to run any modern AAA games.
• Both units have Hall-effect joysticks and triggers, as well as IPS-grade displays.
• Both units possess fast 65 W charging speeds.

Differences

• The Legion Go uses an AMD chipset, while the MSI Claw uses an Intel chipset.
• The Go has a higher resolution screen with a refresh rate of 144Hz, while the Claw is stuck at 1080p with a 120Hz refresh rate.
• While the Claw has Thunderbolt 4 support, the Go possesses an additional USB C port at the bottom.
• The Go can run at a maximum TDP of 30 W, while the Claw can reach 45 W while plugged in.
• The Claw has a better cooling system with more RGB flair.

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MSI Claw vs Legion Go: Battery life and game performance

Since the two handhelds use different solutions for their APUs, performance (and, by extension, battery life) should be vastly different. In particular, the MSI Claw should theoretically be able to maintain a higher frame rate, provided it is pushing 45 W while plugged in.

Recent tests by the YouTube channel Dave2D showed comparable results between the Core Ultra 7 155H and Z1 Extreme (although he used an ROG Ally for testing instead of a Legion Go). This should remain mostly unchanged on retail hardware, and readers can expect the two handhelds to perform similarly.

MSI does claim vastly superior battery life on their product page, advertising doubled endurance. However, the legitimacy of these claims remains to be seen, and a final verdict regarding the battery life is awaited.

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MSI Claw vs Legion Go: Which is the better handheld to purchase?

Ultimately, readers should choose the Lenovo Legion Go over the MSI Claw. Despite the Claw’s higher TDP and, thus, higher processing power, the Go offers a series of advantages that cannot be so easily overlooked:

• A bigger, faster display that is capable of transforming into a full-fledged Windows tablet.
• An AMD APU with better driver support allows most games to run with relative ease. In comparison, the Claw’s Arc Graphics have been notorious for poor driver support and game compatibility.
• An additional USB-C port that can be used for connecting peripherals.
• More mature software on the Legion Go.
• A cheaper price of $699.99.

Coupled with serious concerns over battery life, the Claw can be safely skipped in favor of the Legion Go.